UNDATED, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Due to ongoing coronavirus concerns, the U.S. Social Security Administration has closed all local offices to the public as of Tuesday.
However, local offices are still able to provide services to citizens over the phone. Some services can also be complete online at www.socialsecurity.gov.
“We are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local governments, and other experts to monitor COVID-19 and will let you know as soon as we can resume in-person service,” the organization said in a statement.
In light of this development, the organization is providing tips to citizens going forward.
- By visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices, citizens can can apply for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits; check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and more. Frequently Asked Questions are also provided.
- Information about how to contact your local office if business can’t be complete online.
- All previously scheduled in-office appointments will now be held over the phone. An agent will contact those with previously made appointments with information on how to proceed. Citizens should note that the call may come from a PRIVATE number and not from a U.S. Government phone. Employees will not threaten you or ask for any form of payment.
- If business cannot be completed online, citizens can also call the National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). A list of automated telephone services is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/agency/contact/phone.html.
It is currently not known when local offices will reopen to the public.
