Social Security Office Hours Expanded Nationwide

As of last month, Social Security field offices are open and available to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Until recently, field offices were closed on Wednesday afternoons. (To locate the Social Security field office nearest you, go to https://www.ssa.gov/locator/ and enter your zip code.)

Social Security Commissioner Andrew Saul said in an Open Letter to the Public at www.socialsecurity.gov/agency/coss-message.html that “[i]mproving service is my top priority. Increasing full public service hours at our nationwide network of more than 1,200 field offices is the right thing to do and will provide additional access.” Additionally, he announced that the agency is bringing onboard 100 new processing center employees and approximately 500 new teleservice representatives for the 800 number. An additional 500 hires for the 800 number will occur later in 2020.

While the expanded hours and more employees are welcome news, we at Nash Disability Law want to point out that most Social Security services do not require that you visit a field office. If you create a my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount you can conduct much of your Social Security business online. You can:

• Get a replacement Social Security card (in most states including Illinois if you meet certain requirements.)
• Start or change direct deposit.
• Obtain proof of your benefits.
• Download and print a current Benefit Verification Letter.
• Get a personalized Social Security Statement which provides earnings history information as well as estimates of 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.