The Social Security Administration has announced a national expansion of office hours effective today, March 16, 2015.
Most local offices will now be open to the public for an additional hour. Hours will now be 9:00am to 4:00pm, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Offices will continue to close to the public at noon every Wednesday so employees can complete current work and reduce backlogs. Very small offices might have different hours. Local office hours are available in the Contact Us section of the Social Security website, www.socialsecurity.gov.
“This expansion of office hours reaffirms our commitment to providing the people we serve the option of top-notch, face-to-face assistance in field offices even as we work to expand online services for those who prefer that flexibility,” said Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “The public expects and deserves world-class customer service and thanks to approved funding, I am pleased we will continue our tradition of exceptional service.”
Social Security reduced public office hours in recent years due to congressional budget cuts, growing backlogs and staffing losses. With the improved fiscal year 2015 budget, the agency is able to restore some service hours to the public.
Most Social Security business does not require an office visit. Online services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits or creating a my Social Security account are available anytime at www.socialsecurity.gov. You can also call the Social Security national toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 7:00am to 7:00pm, local time, on standard business days. 