Phone appointments can save you a trip to a busy office. I thank the public for your patience as we work to increase service," Commissioner Kijakazi said. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at our offices. Be aware that our offices tend to be the busiest first thing in the morning, early in the week, and during the early part of the month, so people may want to plan to visit at other times.

Given that many of the people the office serves have health vulnerabilities, and consistent with union agreements, they will be continuing to require certain safety measures including masking, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms.

They will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them. Thoughtful planning and preparation have shaped their process to restore in-person services. Social Security employees are dedicated to serving the public, and are ready to welcome the public back to the office. Local managers understand and can address the needs of their communities.

They have also implemented office-to-office support as well as brought recently retired employees back to assist the public. They are thankful for the many interested stakeholders including the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living and national advocate organizations for their help.

Throughout the pandemic, millions of people have used the secure and convenient online services and received help by phone. People who have access to the internet should first try their online services before calling or visiting an office.

As they transition to a new modern phone system, some people may experience a busy signal or be unintentionally disconnected from their call. They do suggest people call when the National 800 Number may be less busy, such as before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. local time or later in the week. Just like their offices, the waits are generally shorter later in the month.

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

Additional Social Security services are available to the public online at www.socialsecurity.gov and with a my Social Security account, or by telephone. And most Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office. People may create their my Social Security account, a personalized online service, at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

People who set up their my Social Security account have access to additional personalized services. They can request a replacement Social Security card online if they meet certain requirements. If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, 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 their earnings information as well as estimates of their 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.

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.