For the first time in more than two years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has reopened its U.S. field offices — forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The doors opened on April 7, allowing many people to, once again, have in-person meetings with SSA staff to address matters that include disability benefits for workers.
Many disabled workers and others needing agency assistance gain a renewed sense of comfort in knowing that they will have another option. Since the pandemic, the millions of Americans seeking guidance on SSA-related matters had to do so online or by telephone. Only in extreme situations could they make face-to-face meetings.
Answers to your questions
Disabled workers seeking benefits can meet with an SSA representative to get answers on important matters such as:
- Whether an ailment qualifies them for benefits
- The required documents for their application
- The deadlines to submit documents
- The necessary steps in filing an appeal if their claim is denied
- How long they will have to wait to receive benefits
- The amount of money in benefits they can expect
Since many who seek SSA services suffer from medical ailments, they and anyone who enters the agency’s field offices must continue to abide by certain health protocols. For example, wearing a mask is required. Each office will have masks available for those who need them.
With this development, people can expect long lines at SSA field offices. You may want to avoid going at peak times, which include early morning, early week and the early part of the month. However, the SSA will continue to offer services online and via telephone.
These much-needed benefits
The reopening of the SSA’s field offices gives people the chance to speak with someone in-person. This may provide relief for some seeking services and information pertaining to disability benefits. Understand what you must do and seek answers so you can obtain these much-needed benefits.