In an ongoing commitment to serve the public more efficiently, the Social Security Administration is expanding appointment-based services at local Social Security offices. By scheduling appointments, they aim to reduce wait times, streamline service delivery, and improve the overall customer experience. Nearly 400 field offices have already moved to appointment-based service this year, although customers may still walk into their local field office or call for services. But the new appointment-based services has seen significant improvements in wait times at offices due to more efficient and helpful visitor experiences and increases in the number of customers able to complete their business online.
The appointment-based services nationwide will come in two phases. The first phase is a transition period now through January 5, 2025. The purpose of this transition period is to educate customers about needing to schedule an appointment for SSA services. As a reminder, many of the services can be provided via phone with an appointment and do not require a customer to walk into an office for service.
Effective January 6, 2025, we will require customers to schedule an appointment for service in our field offices, including requests for Social Security cards. We encourage customers to become accustomed to our:
- online services, where many transactions can be completed conveniently and securely, and
- automated services available on our National # at 1-800-772-1213.
Customers who are not able to handle their business online or with the automated options, may call their local Social Security office or 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.
Social Security Administration wants to make clear that they will not turn people away for service who are unable to make an appointment or do not want to make an appointment. For example, members of vulnerable populations, military personnel, people with terminal illnesses, and individuals with other situations requiring immediate or specialized attention may still walk in for service at our field offices. Some of our offices also have minimal to no wait times, and they will still serve customers who walk in.
