Are Social Security Offices Open For Walk-Ins? Here Are Our Findings

Are social security offices open for walk-ins? If you’re seeking an answer to this question, you’re in the right place! 

You may consider going to the Social Security office in person if you don’t want to book an appointment or call the office. Most people would feel more comfortable chatting with the officials in person than via the phone.

If you’re one of such people, visiting the Social Security office without an appointment might seem like a nice idea. But then, do they open for walk-ins? Here is what you need to know.        

Are Social Security Offices Open For Walk-Ins?

Yes, social security officers are now open for walk-ins. They started their in-person visits on April 7, 2022, as published on the social security administration’s official website. 

However, while some officers have started accepting walk-ins, others haven’t. Thus, booking an appointment before going to social security offices would be best.

But if you prefer walk-ins, call the social security office to know if they accept them. If they do, check their emergency page to know if they’re busy. 

Note also that social security officers are usually busy early in the morning. So, you may end up waiting longer if you visit during this period. They’re also busy early in the week, including the early part of the month. 

Filing Application For Social Security: What You Need To Do

Are you applying for Social Security for the first time? If yes, these tips will help you navigate the entire process smoothly. 

You can file your application for Social Security benefits by visiting their office or online. Just do what’s convenient for you. 

How can you apply for Social Security? The first thing is to check their eligibility requirements. Check if you meet the requirement. If yes, then you’re qualified for social security benefits. 

The next crucial step is to get your documents together to apply. Below are the documents you need for your application. Please, get these documents ready before going to the social security office. 

• Social Security number
• Proof of citizenship
• Proof of identification
• Your original birth certificate. It should be a certified copy of the issuing agency or proof of your age. Note that these must be original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. The social security administration won’t accept photocopies.   
• You must submit a copy of your United States military service papers. It’s required for those that served before 1968. And you can submit a photocopy if you don’t have the original.  
• If you weren’t born in the United States, you must present proof of lawful alien status or U.S. citizenship. The social security office expects you to submit original copies of these documents or copies the issuing agency certified. Please note that you cannot submit expired documents to the SSA. They won’t be accepted. You also cannot submit photocopies of these documents. 
• You must also bring a copy of your previous year’s W-2 forms or self-employment tax return. The social security administration accepts photocopies of these documents. 

 #1: Applying online:

Do you prefer to apply online? If yes, note that the process is also seamless. You can start the application process now that you have all your documents ready. 

Firstly, you have to sign up for a new account. But if you already have an account, enter your login details to access your account and complete your application. 

Answer the questions about yourself, including employment or self-employment history. After answering all the questions, remember to send the required documents to the social security administration’s office.  

After applying online, ensure the original documents are mailed to the Social Security address. 

#2: Applying at your local Social Security office:

Do you prefer to visit your nearest local Social Security office and apply in person? Here is what you must do. 

The first step is to download the application form and fill it. You can do this at home. You visit the local Social Security office to submit the application form and required documents. Then the officer will take it from there. 

What Happens After Submitting Your Social Security Application?

The processes are the same, regardless of the method you applied for Social Security. Once you complete and submit the application, Social Security will review it. 

The review determines your eligibility, including how much you qualify to get. The application review can take several weeks, so be patient. 

In most cases, it could take around six weeks. However, the review could take longer if you provide incorrect information or wrong documents. 

The best thing to do is check your application form multiple times before submitting it. Then, ensure your documents are correct. 

Can You Request An Appoint At Your Local Social Security Office? 

Yes, you can schedule an appointment at your local Social Security Office. The local offices accept walk-ins and in-person appointments. They are also less busy compared to the regional Social Security offices. 

You can easily book appointments at your local Social Security office using the appointment scheduling system.

Another way to schedule an appointment is to call Social Security directly. They’re open to receiving calls from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. However, note that you can only call Social Security Monday through Friday. They don’t work on weekends. 

What do you need to schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office?

When you call, the officer attending you will request personal information. These include your Social Security Number, name, and age. The reason is to confirm that you’re the account’s original owner. 

 A Handy Tip: Your local Social Security is usually busy early in the morning. So, if you plan to visit during this period, be prepared to wait a little longer. 

How Much Does Social Security Pay?

Social Security will pay you based on your AIME (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings) during your 35 highest-earning years. Therefore, two retirees may receive different amounts.  

If your retirement age ranges from 66 to 67, note that your annual payment from Social Security will increase by 8 percent each year you don’t claim your benefits. And it begins the year after you enter your retirement age and stops at 70. 

So the amount you can get from Social Security depends on when you start collecting it. However, the maximum monthly benefit for individuals aged 62 is $2,572. For those aged 70, its $4,555. 

The administration also makes a yearly cost of living adjustment to Social Security. The reason is to keep pace with inflation. 

A Handy Tip: President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law on August 14, 1935. Together with other general welfare services, the new Act formulated a unique social insurance program designed to pay retirees 65 or older a regular income after retirement.

Conclusion

Are Social Security Offices open for walk-ins? Yes, Social Security offices are available for walk-ins. You can schedule an appointment too. 

Note that you may wait a long time in the office if you walk in during busy hours. The offices are usually busy early in the morning, early in the week and month. 

Check how busy the social security office is before visiting. This will help you save time and ensure you don’t spend long hours in the office or get ignored. You can use the emergency page to check the status of the office before leaving your home. 

Furthermore, you can apply for Social Security if you’re eligible. Check the eligibility requirements to know where you stand. If you’re eligible, you can proceed with your application. And remember, you can apply online or in person.