Social Security Administration to Resume In-Person Services at Local Social Security Offices

The Social Security Administration is pleased to announce that local Social Security offices will restore in-person services, including for people without an appointment, on April 7, 2022. This includes the 23 office across Washington State. In King County there are offices in Downtown Seattle, North Seattle, Bellevue, Kent and Burien. To avoid waiting in line, we strongly encourage people who can, to use our online services, call us, and schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment. Phone appointments can save you a trip to a busy office. We thank the public for your patience as we work to increase service.

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 we serve have health vulnerabilities, and consistent with our union agreements, we are continuing to require certain safety measures including masking, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms. We will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them.

Online Services and telephone remain the most convenient ways to contact the agency.

Most Social Security services are available to the public online 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, on our website. 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.

As we transition to a new modern phone system, some people may experience a busy signal or be unintentionally disconnected from their call. We sincerely regret this disruption and recommend people call when our 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. Like our offices, our waits are generally shorter later in the month.

To learn more, please visit our How to Get Help from Social Security page and our Online Services page.

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