After the forced closure of field offices for nearly two years, the SSA plans to reopen its field offices for in-person consultations in April. SSA acting commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi announced that the federal agency reached an agreement with After the forced closure of field offices for nearly two years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) plans to reopen its field offices in April for in-person consultations. The SSA’s acting commissioner, Kilolo Kijakazi, announced that the federal agency reached an agreement with its labor unions to staff more than 1,200 Social Security offices nationwide once again. This follows intense pressure and frustration by lawmakers, taxpayers, and Social Security applicants and recipients alike who have faced significant hardship in the ongoing public health and economic crisis.
Resources Drastically Limited As Staff Worked From Home Beginning March 2020
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the SSA closed all its offices and had staff work from home. Anyone that needed assistance with Social Security-related matters was redirected to the SSA’s online resources and a toll-free phone number. Some offices were open to the public but only accepted a minimal amount of appointments for emergencies.
This nationwide shutdown left many disabled Americans without the benefits they needed and in a state of desperation, as reaching the SSA through the newly implemented methods of contact was near impossible. Some were even left without an income. According to Social Security recipients and disability advocates, minor problems that they faced with benefits turned into massive delays as they struggled to get through to a representative through their phone line for hours, days, and weeks at a time. Calls were often never returned and sometimes even put on hold for extended periods before being dropped.
45,000 SSA Staff Members to Return to Field Offices By April 2022
Now, as businesses, schools, and other public establishments are (and have been) open, many are losing their patience with the SSA’s ongoing delay in reopening its offices. However, according to the plan outlined by Kijakazi, 45,000 SSA staff members will return to the currently empty SSA field offices for in-person consultations starting at the beginning of April. In the meantime, the SSA continues to advise those who need help with Social Security to resolve their issues online or through its toll-free number at 800-722-1213. If you cannot reach the SSA to resolve a problem with your benefits, you should speak with a Social Security Disability attorney to determine the best route to take.
Our Attorneys Are Here to Help
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shake our society, many disabled Americans are left in the dark by the organization they thoAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shake our society, many disabled Americans are left in the dark by the organization they thought they could count on for support. If you are fighting to get through to the SSA with unresolved issues regarding your benefits, you do not have to fight alone. At Henson Fuerst, we will work hard to get your voice heard and bring you the answers you need regarding your benefits. Fill out and submit a contact form online or call our office toll-free at 919-781-1107 for a free legal consultation with one of our Social Security disability lawyers today.