Social Security expands public hours at offices nationwide

Starting on Jan. 8, 2020, Social Security offices nationwide will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoons.

This change restores Wednesday public service hours that were last in place in late 2012.

“I don’t want someone to come to our office at 2:30pm on a Wednesday, only to find our doors closed,” said Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security.

In another move to improve service to the public, Saul announced that the agency is hiring 1,100 frontline employees to provide service on the agency’s national 800 number and in its processing centers. The agency is currently 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.

“Improving 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,” Saul said. “The hiring of a thousand new employees to provide service through our national 800 number and an additional 100 hires to process people’s Social Security benefits at our processing centers around the country are steps in the right direction in our mission to greatly improve the service we provide.”

Currently, a field office is generally open to the public from 9am to noon on Wednesdays. Beginning on Jan. 8, 2020, offices will remain open until 4pm on Wednesdays, with typical field office hours from 9am until 4pm, Monday through Friday.

While the agency continues to improve both the access to and the experience with its services, it is important to note that most Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office. People may create a “my Social Security” account, a personalized online service, at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Through their personal “my Social Security” account, people can check personal information and conduct business with Social Security. If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.

People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized “Social Security Statement,” which provides earnings history information as well as estimates of future benefits. Currently, residents in 40 states and the District of Columbia may request a replacement Social Security card online if they meet certain requirements. The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services, such as applications for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits.

Many Social Security services are also conveniently available by dialing toll-free, 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. (PR)

NEW OFFICE HOURS
The Social Security Administration’s office hours in Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, andamerican Samoa are shown below. Changes will be effective Jan. 8, 2020.

Hawaii (Honolulu, Kapolei, Hilo, Wailuku and Lihue)
Phone : 1-800-772-1213
TTY : 1-800-325-0778
Hours :
Monday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Thursday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Guam Social Security office
Phone : 1-800-772-1213
TTY : 1-800-325-0778
Hours :
Monday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Thursday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Northern Mariana Islands
Phone : 1-800-772-1213
TTY : 1-800-325-0778
Hours :
Monday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Thursday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

American Samoa
Phone : 1-800-772-1213
TTY : 1-800-325-0778
Hours:
Monday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Thursday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 3:30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed