For many general Social Security items, you can quickly go online and get things done! In this article, I’ll list the items you can complete online and the links to the part of the site you’ll need. In addition, I’ll also list the action items you’ll need to do by making an appointment and going to your local Social Security office. Although you can walk in, you’ll want to make an appointment to go to your local office because you may be waiting for a very long time when you're a walk-in. It’s best to make an appointment beforehand.
In addition, I’ll also let you know the busiest times to avoid at your local Social Security office. So when you make an appointment, be sure to go on a day that it’s not so crowded so you can get in and out!
What You Can Do Online at Social Security
I strongly recommend using Social Security’s online services to avoid waiting in line for long periods. It’s best to use online services whenever possible. You can access your Social Security account on any web browser, such as Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. You can use these services on your phone, desktop, or laptop computer.
You can access many services online, saving you time and money! In addition, Social Security is always expanding the available online services to give you more control over your Social Security benefits. Why burn up gas money driving across town when you can access and complete many Social Security requests with your computer? You’ll need an online account before accessing services on the Social Security website.
Make sure to read my blog on how to set up your Social Security account here if you don’t already have one!
Here are some of the most popular services that you can find online. In addition, you can schedule appointments in advance using their online services.
Reviewing Your Social Security Information
It’s easy to review the information Social Security has on your account! If you want to review your latest statement, review your earnings history, or check the application status of your Social Security benefits, you need to login into your account online and access these links.
Apply for Social Security Benefits Online
In addition to reviewing your Social Security information online, you can also apply for different types of benefits such as:
You can also appeal a decision if you feel that the Social Security Administration didn’t correctly review your application.
Manage Your Social Security Account
After reviewing your Social Security information and applying for benefits online, you can now manage your Social Security account using their online services. With this feature, you’re able to:
Make sure to note that changing your address is not a feature of reviewing your Social Security information; this online service is under managing your social security account. However, you can use the link above to access these services directly on the Social Security website! Bookmark this page so you can easily access the links you’ll need to access your online Social Security services.
Lastly, you can also find more help and answers online instead of waiting in line or waiting on the phone for an answer. You can also request replacement cards for Medicare and Social Security with these helpful links from Social Security:
Services You’ll Need to Visit a Social Security Office
If you visit an office, you’ll need to remember that you may still need to complete a self-assessment checklist to see if it is safe to enter an office. In addition, everyone must wear a mask while visiting the office. You may have to wait outside if there is no space in your local office, so plan for the weather. You’ll need to come alone because of the limited space. The exception is if help is required with your visit. However, only one adult can join you.
However, Social Security offices have improved services for in-person visitors waiting outside. For example, some offices have outdoor canopies and fans. Other office locations are reconfiguring the waiting areas to allow more people to enter the office. They have also expanded the use of mobile check-in to notify customers on their mobile phones when the office is ready for their appointment.
You’ll need to walk into a Social Security office and visit in person if you need to physically show your Social Security card or if you need to sign papers in-person that need to be witnessed by a Social Security representative. To find out if the service you need must be an in-person appointment, call the primary Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
What is the Best Time of the Day to Go to a Social Security Office?
While local Social Security offices offer in-person services, including walking directly into a Social Security office without an appointment, it’s best to make an appointment online. The wait is extremely long if you don’t have an appointment with your local office. You may wind up spending almost half your day if you don’t have an appointment ahead of time!
If you walk in without an appointment, you’ll encounter delays and very long wait times at your local Social Security office. Before coming to an office, you can visit the government’s Emergency page to check the status of your local Social Security office. This website will give you information on emergency closures and other information on closures in offices near you.
Be aware that Social Security Offices are busiest first thing in the morning and early in the week. You’ll also want to avoid taking a trip to the office during the first week of the month. Instead, visit your local Social Security office later in the day and later in the week, such as a Thursday or Friday. Keep that in mind when making your appointments, so you don’t have to wait in long lines if you walk in or sit for a while waiting for your appointment.
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About the Author
Matt Feret is the author of the Prepare for Social Security - The Insider’s Guide and the Prepare for Medicare - The Insider’s Guide book series and launched PrepareforSocialSecurity.com to help people get objective answers to questions about Social Security and Medicare. Matt is also the host of The Matt Feret Show. He has held leadership roles at numerous Fortune 500 Medicare health insurers in sales, marketing, operations, product development, and strategy for over two decades.