Social Security announces closure of all offices for 1 full day

THE Social Security Administration announced the temporary closure of all its offices in the country for an entire day. Today, Social Security beneficiaries will not be able to visit any of the SSA offices in the United States as they will be closed in honor of Columbus Day, which commemorates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in America. However, if you continue to use automated online or telephone services to contact the federal government or resolve issues with your My Social Security account.

Social Security has several online services you can take advantage of

Many beneficiaries may not be aware of all of the online services that the Social Security Administration currently offers. Online Services are constantly expanding to provide more freedom and control to beneficiaries across the country. For example, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits, check your enrollment status, order replacement cards, print benefit verification letters, and more, from anywhere and on any device. Likewise, there are other online services for governments, companies, organizational beneficiaries and other third parties, such as:

• Use Business Services Online to report wages and access other business-related online services.
• Check Social Security numbers.
• Use government-to-government online services.
• Use Electronic Records Express to submit health or school records in support of disability claims.
• If you are a representative payee who is blind or visually impaired, you can choose or adjust how you obtain Social Security information.
• Submit a representative payee accounting report as an organization.

How can beneficiaries create their My Social Security Account?

My Social Security account is free and secure. My Social Security Account offers unique features for everyone, whether you’re receiving benefits or not. Your account can be used to obtain replacement Social Security cards, check the status of a claim, predict your future benefits, or manage your current benefits. For example, if you are eligible for Social Security benefits, you can set up or change direct deposit, obtain an SSA-1099 form, print a benefits verification letter, and change your address.

On the other hand, if you are not receiving benefits, you can still use this account to access personalized retirement and spousal benefits estimates, request proof of non-receipt of benefits, check claim status and obtain your statement. Additionally, remember that with your account you can choose to receive email or SMS alerts when a notice is available, as well as the option to receive such notices online instead of by mail. Having notices available online eliminates the need to wait for mail to be delivered or until the notice is forgotten or lost.

The SSA will implement new changes to all My Social Security Accounts

If you created a username for more than three years, you must change to a new or existing one Login.gov account or use an ID.me account to maintain access to our online services. This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to make the change. As long as you created your account on or after September 18, 2021, you won’t need to take any action because you’ve already set it up correctly. The modifications will make logging in easier and more consistent with federal authentication rules. At the same time, we continue to offer secure access to our online services. If you have more questions about transitioning your SSA username to Login.gov, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Why should all beneficiaries create their My Social Security Account?

Creating your account is essential to receive more information about your monthly benefits and requesting more information related to Social Security. All beneficiaries must open this account as is:

• You can open your account quickly. This account provides immediate access to crucial information and tools, allowing you to manage your time effectively.
• Online and secure account. SSA is dedicated to using the most advanced technologies to protect your data and implementing additional security measures to ensure your safety.
• Signing up for your account is easy. The SSA also offers convenient enrollment in your personal Social Security account, allowing beneficiaries to skip the trip.