Social Security Offices Close for 48 Hours: Key Update Now

UPDATE: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just announced a critical update as its offices prepare to close for a full 48 hours. Starting at midnight on Thursday, November 27, and continuing through Friday, Americans will not be able to access in-person services due to the observance of the federal holiday, Thanksgiving.

This closure is significant as Social Security offices provide essential services, including issuing new or replacement Social Security cards, helping individuals apply for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and assisting Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug resources. With the offices shuttered, many Americans will face delays in these crucial services.

The SSA emphasizes that individuals can still manage their benefits online. “You can manage your benefits online by creating a personal my Social Security account,” the agency stated. Through this account, users can apply for retirement, Medicare, and disability benefits, check application statuses, and even print benefit verification letters—all from the comfort of their devices.

To create a my Social Security account, users must choose between two secure options: ID.me or Login.gov. Both platforms meet federal security standards, but differ in identification verification methods. The SSA advises that both options are equally valid; it ultimately depends on personal preference.

To set up an account, individuals will need:
– A personal email address
– A valid form of ID
– Their Social Security number
– A U.S. phone number
– A method to upload ID photos
– Multi-factor authentication capability

For those outside the U.S. or without a Social Security number, ID.me is the required option. Individuals with expired IDs must also select this pathway.

As a reminder, Social Security offices are scheduled to close again in December for the Christmas holiday, further emphasizing the importance of utilizing online services during these periods.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The SSA’s services will resume as normal on Monday, December 1, but the agency encourages everyone to take advantage of the online options available now. With the holiday closures approaching, acting swiftly to set up online accounts will ensure that benefits continue to be managed without interruption.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.