National Social Security offices reopen, but online or telephone help may be best option

After more than a year of closure during the pandemic, local Social Security offices reopened earlier this month, according to a press release from Kilolo Kijakazi, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The release summarized some best practices for those who need to use Social Security services:

• To avoid waiting in line, use online services at socialsecurity.gov or call ahead and schedule an appointment. The number is 800-772-1213, available between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Customers without appointments may encounter delays. Busiest times are mornings right after the office opens, early in the week and or toward the beginning of the month.
• Safety measures such as masking, physical distancing and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms are recommended. Masks will be provided if needed.

The SSA is upgrading its phone system, the release stated, and is cautioning callers that poor call quality, dropped calls and long wait times could occur. To avoid those difficulties, call the national SSA number during less busy times: before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., or toward the end of the week.

"Like our offices, our [phone call] waits are generally shorter later in the month," the release stated.

Benefits of an online SSA account

Having an online My Social Security account often elminates the need to visit an office in person. To create one, visit socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Using an online account can assist with requesting replacement cards or SSA-1099 forms, setting up direct deposit, and printing or downloading a current Benefit Verification Letter.

If you are not receiving SSA benefits, the online account will allow you to obtain a personalized Social Security Statement that documents earnings and estimates future benefits.

“The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services, such as applications for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits,” the release said.

People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 800-325-0778.

To learn more, please visit socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus/gethelp and socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.

Nearby SSA offices – 800-772-1213

Social Security Administration – Newark

125 Derby Downs Road, Newark, OH 43055

Social Security Administration – Mansfield

1287 S. Trimble Road, Mansfield, OH 44907

Social Security Administration – Worthington

1051 Worthington Woods Blvd, Worthington, OH 43085