Social Security Offices to Close for 48 Hours Starting Tomorrow

URGENT UPDATE: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that its offices will be closed for a full 48 hours beginning tomorrow, November 23, 2023, in observance of the federal holiday, Thanksgiving. This means that services will be unavailable to Americans in person during this critical period.

The SSA’s temporary closure will also extend into December for Christmas, putting a pause on essential services such as applications for new or replacement Social Security cards and assistance with Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. With the offices closed, those who typically rely on in-person visits will need to seek alternatives to manage their benefits.

As the holiday approaches, the SSA urges Americans to utilize its online services. “You can manage your benefits online by creating a personal my Social Security account,” officials stated. These digital resources allow users to apply for retirement, Medicare, and disability benefits, check application statuses, and print benefit verification letters— all from the convenience of their devices.

For those who have not yet created a my Social Security account, the process is straightforward. You will need to select between two account options: ID.me or Login.gov. Both platforms meet federal security standards but differ in identification requirements.

To set up your account, gather the following: a valid email address, a form of ID, your Social Security number, and a U.S. phone number. Additionally, be prepared to upload photos of your ID and utilize multi-factor authentication. Note that those living outside the U.S. or lacking a Social Security number must opt for ID.me, even if they possess an expired ID.

With these closures imminent, individuals are urged to take action now to ensure they can access necessary services online. The SSA’s online platform empowers Americans to plan for their retirement, update personal information, and verify benefits without interruption.

Stay tuned for further updates as the SSA continues to provide essential services in a digital format during the holiday closures.