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SSA FAQ Section
Source:
ssa.gov
- Jan 23, 2021
I received a letter claiming to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) with an 800# I do not recognize. Is it really from SSA?
Date: January 21, 2021
We routinely release outreach notices in an effort to identify people eligible for Social Security benefits. From December 2020 through March 2021, we are mailing outreach notices to people who may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. SSI makes payments to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources.
We established a dedicated phone line with a team of specialized employees to help people who receive this notice. These employees are SSI experts who will help callers explore eligibility and assist with SSI applications, if appropriate at the time of the call. We also established a separate phone number for people to call who need help in Spanish.
Someone filed an unemployment claim using my information and it wasn’t me. What can I do?
Date: January 6, 2021
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) has identified multiple fraud schemes in which filers submit applications for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits using other people’s information. Receiving unemployment benefits could affect the amount of monthly benefits you receive. If you believe you are a victim of this fraud scheme:
Contact your appropriate State fraud UI hotline to report the fraud. The Department of Labor has phone numbers for each state fraud hotline.
When you report the fraud, request that they provide you with written documentation that you have reported the alleged fraud. At a minimum, request a case number for your fraud report, and write down the case number, the name of the person you spoke to, and the time and date of your call.
Retain this information, along with any written confirmations, to ensure you can provide evidence that you reported the fraud if you need it later.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, and you suspect UI fraud, contact your local Social Security Office immediately.
What fraud and scams should I know about?
Date: January 6, 2021
This question consolidates and replaces previous questions related to scams.
Unfortunately, there are scammers who will take advantage of the current situation and try to trick you out of your money and personal information. Don’t be fooled!
No government agency will contact you offering COVID-19-related grants or economic impact payments in exchange for personal financial information, an advance fee, or gift cards. Please do not respond. These are scams. Visit Treasury’s website if you suspect economic impact payment fraud. Report Social Security scams about COVID-19.
Below are some of the scams we know about, but there can be many variations:
The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public about fraudulent letters threatening suspension of Social Security benefits due to COVID-19-related office closures. We will not suspend or discontinue benefits because our offices are closed to walk-in visitors. Read this and other fraud advisories.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to COVID-19. For example, scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, the services are unapproved and illegitimate. Learn about this and other COVID-19 fraud from HHS.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is alerting people about various COVID-19-related fraud and scams. From contact tracing scams to treatment claims, government imposter scams, and fraud related to economic impact payments, learn about all COVID-19-related fraud and scams at ftc.gov/coronavirus/resources, and report the scams you see at ftc.gov/complaint.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) is alerting financial institutions about Unemployment Insurance (UI) fraud. They have identified multiple fraud schemes, including identity-related fraud, in which filers submit applications for UI payments using stolen or fake identification to receive payments. Find more about UI fraud schemes from FINCEN. To report UI fraud, please contact the appropriate state fraud hotline on the Department of Labor's website.
Where can I get answers to my economic impact payment (EIP) questions?
Date: January 5, 2021
We have some information about the second EIPs for Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income recipients on our Second Economic Impact Payment webpage. If you did not receive your second EIP or you have other questions related to the second EIP, please visit the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) new Second Economic Impact Payment FAQs webpage. You can call the IRS’ EIP hotline at 1-800-919-9835 if you do not see an answer to your question on the IRS’ website. Please remember that Social Security’s telephone representatives cannot answer EIP questions.
If you have a question about the first EIP, visit our page: Economic Impact Payments Paid by the CARES Act. If you did not receive your first EIP or you have other questions related to the first EIP, please visit the IRS’ Economic Impact Payment Information Center webpage or you can call the IRS’ EIP hotline at 1-800-919-9835. Please remember that Social Security’s telephone representatives cannot answer EIP questions.
How do I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Date: January 4, 2021
During the pandemic, we continue to take applications for SSI. You, or someone on your behalf, may submit an application for SSI. Please visit www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/ to learn how to apply. We include information about applying for an adult or a child, and how you can appeal if your SSI application was denied.
Can I request a waiver for an overpayment debt incurred during COVID-19?
Date: December 31, 2020
Yes. Please call your local Social Security office and one of our employees will assist you. Under our rules, if you believe an overpayment was not your fault and you should not have to pay us back, you need to request a waiver of the overpayment debt. Certain debts may qualify for a streamlined waiver decision if:
Your overpayment debt happened between March 1 and September 30, 2020 because Social Security did not process an action due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
We identify the debt by December 31, 2020.
We developed instructions for our employees to process streamlined waiver requests. Although the instructions are marked sensitive, this version has been redacted under the Freedom of Information Act for public release.
I am a non-citizen and Social Security says they need to see my DHS lawful presence documents to pay my benefits. Should I mail them to my local office?
Date: December 22, 2020
No. Do not mail any DHS lawful presence documents to SSA. If they are needed, your local office will contact you to possibly schedule an appointment to review and certify your original documentation.
I filed an application for benefits. What evidence do I need to provide to begin receiving payments and how can I provide SSA the information while offices are closed to walk-in visitors?
Date: December 22, 2020
The evidence you need to provide depends on a number of factors, including the type of benefit you applied for, your citizenship status, and what information may already be available in our records. When evidence is necessary we will contact you. In many cases, you may be able to mail-in the original evidence and we will return the documents to you as soon as possible. However, if you need to provide evidence that you cannot mail-in (e.g., Department of Homeland Security lawful presence documents) please let us know. We may be able to offer you an in-office appointment, depending on availability.
What if I can’t get the original or certified documents that SSA needs to approve my benefits application? Can I send a photocopy?
Date: December 22, 2020
We generally need to see original or certified evidence, but we may be able to temporarily pay your ongoing benefits during the pandemic based on the information you can provide now, and review the original evidence at a later date. Please let us know if you are unable to obtain or provide us needed evidence due to the pandemic. You can find out how to replace lost, destroyed, or stolen identification documents (including your birth certificate, driver’s license, or Department of Homeland Security documents) by visiting www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents.
Am I required to have my hearing by telephone or by online video?
Date: December 18, 2020
No. Telephone or online video hearings are not mandatory; however, as our hearing offices will remain closed for the foreseeable future, we encourage you to consider a telephone or an online video hearing if you cannot wait for an answer on your claim. When our hearing office staff contacts you or your representative in advance of the hearing, you may agree to a telephone hearing, an online video hearing, or ask us to postpone your hearing. If you do not want a telephone or an online video hearing and you ask us to postpone, please be aware that we do not have an estimate of when we will be able to hold your hearing. If you initially decline our offer for a telephone or an online video hearing and later change your mind, please contact your local hearing office to have your hearing scheduled.
How can I prepare for my telephone or online video hearing?
Date: December 18, 2020
Just like for an in-person or video hearing, there will be a number of participants on the telephone or online video hearing with you: you, your representative (if you are represented), the administrative law judge (ALJ), and a hearing reporter who will record and monitor the hearing. There may be other participants on the line as well, such as a vocational expert, medical expert, or interpreter.
For detailed information on how to prepare for your telephone hearing and what to expect during your hearing, visit https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_phone.html.
For detailed information on how to prepare for your online video hearing and what to expect during your hearing, visit https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_video.html. In addition, visit the Online Video Hearing Lobby to set up your device before your online video hearing. For assistance, reference the Online Video Hearing User Guide.
How can I submit the documentation required to ensure I am appropriately appointed as my claimant’s representative before the hearing?
Date: December 18, 2020
It is extremely important that we have your appointment as representative on file before the hearing. For an appointment of representative to be valid, the claim(s) file must contain a completed and properly signed notice of appointment, which can be found at form SSA-1696, Claimant’s Appointment of Representative, or another written document that meets the requirements of 20 CFR 404.1707 and 416.1507. Representatives who are registered for Appointed Representative Services (ARS) can use the “Contact OHO Office” function in Electronic Records Express (ERE) to submit the duly executed appointment document directly to a designated email box for the servicing hearing office. You can find additional information about the “Contact OHO Office” tool at https://www.ssa.gov/ar. If you are not registered for ARS, you can use a physical fax machine or e-fax to send the document to the specific hearing office’s email, using the toll-free fax number with area code “833” assigned to the servicing hearing office.
How will your offices acquire consent for participating in the hearing?
Date: December 18, 2020
At this time, Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) are only able to conduct hearings by telephone and online video until we resume our standard operations.
For hearing requests filed on or after December 7, 2020, we will send a special notice 30 days after we acknowledge receipt of the claimant’s hearing request.
With this notice, we will include a form to confirm if you agree to appear at your hearing by telephone or by online video. The notice will provide instructions on how and when to return this form to us.
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Hearing Agreement Form – For claimants without an appointed representative
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Hearing Agreement Form – For claimants who have an appointed representative
The claimant’s appointed representative may sign the form in lieu of the claimant.
We also will accept a verbal agreement to appear by telephone or online video.
We will not schedule, or proceed with a hearing by telephone or online video unless we receive the claimant’s consent. If the claimant does not consent to appear by telephone or online video, we will not schedule the hearing at this time, or if already scheduled, we will postpone the hearing until we can offer another option, such as a hearing in person, as appropriate.
If your offices are not conducting in-person hearings, will I still have my hearing?
Date: December 18, 2020
Yes. Our hearing offices will be closed to the public for the foreseeable future, and we will not be offering in-person service. However, we are able to conduct hearings by telephone and online video. We encourage people who need a decision on their claim to agree to a telephone or an online video hearing. To learn more about hearings options offered during this time, visit https://www.ssa.gov/appeals/hearing_options.html.
Subscribe to the SSA Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) page to get updates on SSA services such as online video hearings during the COVID-19 crisis.
Will I still have my hearing with the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who was assigned to my case?
Date: December 18, 2020
Generally, yes. Our ALJs are available to hold telephone and online video hearings. In the event a technical difficulty arises before your hearing and we need to reassign your case to another ALJ, we will follow our typical instructions on backfilling, which are available in HALLEX I-2-1-55F.
Can I enroll in Medicare?
Date: December 10, 2020
If you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medicare Part B under the Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to a loss of employment or group health coverage, please complete form CMS 40-B, Application for Enrollment in Medicare - Part B (Medical Insurance) along with the CMS L564-Request for Employment Information and gather proof of employment, Group Health Plan (GHP), or Large Group Health Plan (LGHP).
You have three options to submit your enrollment request under the Special Enrollment Period. You can do one of the following:
Go to Apply Online for Medicare Part B During a Special Enrollment Period and complete CMS-40B and CMS-L564. Then upload your evidence of Group Health Plan or Large Group Health Plan.
Fax your CMS-40B and employer-signed CMS-L564 to 1-833-914-2016.
Mail your CMS-40B and employer-signed CMS-L564 to your local Social Security office.
Note When completing the CMS-L564
State on the form “I want Part B coverage to begin (MM/YY)” in the remarks section of the CMS-40B form or online application.
If possible, your employer should complete Section B.
If your employer is unable to complete Section B, please complete that portion as best as you can on behalf of your employer without your employer’s signature and submit one of the following forms of secondary evidence:
income tax form that shows health insurance premiums paid;
W-2s reflecting pre-tax medical contributions;
pay stubs that reflect health insurance premium deductions;
health insurance cards with a policy effective date;
explanations of benefits paid by the GHP or LGHP; or
statements or receipts that reflect payment of health insurance premiums.
I requested an appeal of my overpayment or other non-disability matter. How can I find out the status of my pending appeal?
Date: December 1, 2020
We suspended processing of non-disability appeals between March and September 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have an appeal pending on an overpayment or other non-disability matter, your local office can provide status.
SSA ended my disability benefits because of a CDR determination. I submitted a request for reconsideration to appeal SSA’s decision, but I did not elect that my disability benefits should continue. Can I now request that my benefits continue (or resume) until there is a determination on my appeal?
Date: November 6, 2020
Yes. You may, at any time, submit a late request to continue (or resume) your benefits while we make a determination on your appeal. We will grant the request if you provide a good reason. We have experienced delays in processing certain requests for reconsideration of initial disability cessation determinations (including age-18 redeterminations) during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We will accept this delay as a good reason to resume benefit payments when you file a late request and the following apply:
The determination notice ending your disability benefits (notice of cessation) is dated on or before August 30, 2020; and
Your request for reconsideration of the cessation determination is still pending with us.
Am I eligible for an in-person appointment during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Date: October 22, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can only enter our offices if you have an appointment. For more information regarding appointment availability for your situation, please select the statement that applies to you:
I need help with benefits.
I need help with my Social Security Number (SSN).
I need help with benefits
Generally, we will schedule an in-person appointment in dire need situations. Dire need exists when you:
Are without food or shelter, including utilities or are without medical care or coverage and need to apply for or reinstate benefits.
Currently receive benefits and have an urgent need for payment to meet expenses for food, shelter, or medical treatment, and you cannot receive the payment electronically.
If you believe you qualify for an in-person appointment, call your local office. You can look up the phone number for your local office by accessing our office locator. Please note that appointments may not be immediately available, depending on local health and safety conditions and staffing.
I need help with my Social Security Number (SSN)
We are prioritizing requests for in-person SSN services for:
Individuals age 12 or older applying for their first SSN card.
Individuals who need to update or correct their SSN information (such as your name, date of birth, or citizenship) to obtain income, resources, or medical care or coverage, or other services or benefits (for example filing a tax return, applying for housing, or seeking an Economic Impact Payment).
If you believe you qualify for an in-person appointment, call your local office. You can look up the phone number for your local office by accessing our office locator. Please note that appointments may not be immediately available, depending on local health and safety conditions and staffing.
How do I replace my Social Security card if I do not qualify for an in-person appointment?
You may be able to request a replacement Social Security card online with your personal my Social Security account, which is easy to set up if you do not already have one. Or, you can ask us for a replacement card by completing and mailing the Social Security card application with your original proof of identity, and proof of age and citizenship if we have not previously confirmed this information, to your local office. We will return your proof(s) to you.
To find out what documents we need to issue a replacement Social Security Number card, please read our fact sheet U.S. Citizen/Adult — Replacement Social Security Card. To update the date of birth in our records, applicants must also submit an original or certified copy of a birth certificate showing the correct date of birth. To update the name in our records, applicants must also submit a recent document that identifies them in both their old and new names. For additional information, please read the instructions on the Social Security card application.
Because we are experiencing slight delays processing mail-in SSN card applications, it may take us between two and four weeks to process the application and return the evidence.
Do I Need to Show My Social Security Card?
It is important to know that your Social Security card is not an identification document, and in many situations, you only need to know your Social Security Number (you do not need the physical Social Security card). You can find out how to replace lost, destroyed, or stolen identification documents (including your birth certificate, driver’s license, or Department of Homeland Security documents) by visiting www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents.
The following list includes common situations where you think you may need your Social Security card, but other alternatives exist:
For evidence for work: A Social Security card is one of several documents listed as acceptable to establish work authorization on Form I-9. Other examples of acceptable documents include:
Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by State, county, municipal authority, or territory of the United States bearing an official seal,
Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551),
Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766), or
Form I-94 or Form I-94A.
For evidence for Department of Motor Vehicle / Driver’s License (REAL ID): The deadline to obtain a Real ID is October 1, 2021. Only Georgia and Pennsylvania require the physical Social Security card as evidence. Other documents listing your full Social Security Number may be acceptable for the Real ID including:
A W-2 form,
A SSA-1099 form,
A non-SSA-1099 form, or
A pay stub with your name and SSN on it.
Check with your state's Driver's Licensing Agency for more information.
For Tax Purposes: You do not need your Social Security card. To obtain your Social Security Number, you may call your local Social Security office to request that we mail you an SSN printout. It is important that your name on your Social Security card matches your name with the IRS when you file your taxes. To correct your name or other information on your Social Security card, you can request a corrected card by completing the paper application and mailing it with your original proof of identity, and proof of age and citizenship if we have not previously seen these to your local office. We will return your proof to you. To find out what documents we need to update your name visit, please read our fact sheet U.S. Citizen/Adult — Replacement Social Security Card.
To Receive Other Benefits: You may need your Social Security Number to get benefits or assistance such as housing, health insurance, or food assistance, but you should not need your Social Security card. If you need to provide proof of your Social Security Number, call your local Social Security office to ask that we mail you an SSN printout. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development should be able to verify your Social Security Number and if you receive benefits from Social Security without requiring you show or request a replacement Social Security Card.
To help with school enrollment: Contact the school administration to ask if you can provide an SSN printout instead of a Social Security Number card. You can request an SSN printout by calling your local Social Security office.
If you need to obtain forms of proof, you can find out how to replace lost, destroyed, or stolen identification documents (including your birth certificate, driver’s license, or Department of Homeland Security documents) by visiting www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents.
How can I get a new or replacement Social Security number card?
Date: October 22, 2020
A Social Security number (SSN) is important because you need it to get a job, collect Social Security benefits, and get some other government services. However, please note that you may not need the physical SSN card for many of these services.
New Card Requests
We assign the vast majority of SSNs and issue SSN cards at birth. We will continue to process new card requests through our automated processes for newborns as part of the hospital registration process (we call that process Enumeration at Birth). We will also continue to process SSNs and issue cards for certain lawful immigrants [we call these processes Enumeration at Entry (EAE) and Enumeration beyond Entry (EBE)].
If these automated processes are not available to you, we may schedule an in-office appointment for a new card request in certain situations. Appointment availability is based on available staff and office operating status. Please call your local office to see if an in-office appointment is necessary and possible. To contact your local office, please look for the local office telephone number at Social Security Office Locator under “Social Security Office Information” for the office you select. The toll-free “Office” number is your local office.
Replacement Card Requests
You may be able to request a replacement Social Security card online with your personal my Social Security account, which is easy to set up if you do not already have one. Or, you can ask us for a replacement card by completing and mailing the Social Security card application with your original proof of identity, and proof of age and citizenship if we have not previously confirmed this information, to your local office. We will return your proof(s) to you.
To find out what documents we need to issue a replacement Social Security Number card, please read our fact sheet U.S. Citizen/Adult — Replacement Social Security Card. To update the date of birth in our records, applicants must also submit an original or certified copy of a birth certificate showing the correct date of birth. To update the name in our records, applicants must also submit a recent document that identifies them in both their old and new names. For additional information, please read the instructions on the Social Security card application.
Because we are experiencing slight delays processing mail-in SSN card applications, it may take us between two and four weeks to process the application and return the evidence.
There are certain situations where we may be able to make an in-office appointment to update or correct your SSN information.
What can I do online?
Date: October 19, 2020
You can conduct most business online with our secure and convenient online services. Our online services are available from anywhere and from any of your devices. You can:
File a claim for retirement, disability, or Medicare benefits;
Apply for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drugs;
Check your application status;
File an appeal if you were recently denied disability benefits;
Request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas);
Print proof of your benefits;
Explore all of the benefits you may be eligible for at Benefits.gov;
Request a replacement Medicare card, although your healthcare provider can verify coverage if you know your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number;
Print a SSA-1099;
Change your address, if you receive benefits;
Set up or change your direct deposit;
Complete your Disability Update Report (SSA-455); and
Much more.
We also have information to answer most of your Social Security questions online, without having to speak with a Social Security representative. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Is Representative Payee monitoring continuing during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Date: October 9, 2020
Yes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state Protection and Advocacy (P&A) networks will conduct new representative payee monitoring reviews in-person only when state and local conditions permit and reviews can be conducted safely while social distancing with personal protective equipment (PPE). Reviews may also be conducted by video and phone. P&A grantees will comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s social distancing guidelines.
Looking for information about economic impact payments (EIP) related to representative payees? We moved this information to our Economic Impact Payments Paid by the CARES Act page.
What do I do if I have missed the deadline to file my hearing request?
Date: October 9, 2020
We understand that the COVID 19 pandemic may create situations that constitute good cause for failing to timely file your request for hearing after receiving a prior denial on your claim. To assist you in providing an explanation for why you have missed the deadline to request a hearing during the pandemic, we will mail you a notice requesting a written explanation for the untimely filing. This notice will give you an additional opportunity to explain why you were unable to file your hearing request on time.
What do I do if I miss my hearing?
Date: October 9, 2020
If you missed your hearing time, please call the hearing office right away at the phone number listed on your Notice of Hearing. If you do not have your Notice of Hearing, you can find your local hearing office phone number by visiting our Hearing Office Locator.
We understand that the COVID 19 pandemic may create situations that constitute good cause for failing to appear at your scheduled hearing. To assist you in explaining why you have missed your hearing date during the pandemic, we will mail you a notice (called a “Request to Show Cause for Failure to Appear”). This notice will give you an additional opportunity to explain why you did not appear for your telephone hearing.
What safety protocols must I follow to visit a Social Security office?
Date: September 22, 2020
Due to COVID-19, you must have a scheduled appointment to enter an office. Only you may enter the facility unless you have made additional arrangements when you scheduled your appointment. Please note that appointments are limited and only for certain situations.
Effective July 20, 2020, everyone must complete a self-assessment checklist before allowed entry. You will not be permitted to enter if you answer yes to any of these questions:
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
Cough or sore throat;
Fever (100.4 degrees or higher);
Chills;
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
Muscle pain or body aches;
Headache;
New loss of taste or smell; or
Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
In the last 14 days, have you:
Been diagnosed with COVID-19?
Received instructions to monitor for symptoms or self-quarantine?
Traveled outside the country? or
Been within 6 feet of a person who was diagnosed with COVID-19?
If you answer YES to any of these questions, or if you feel ill, you will not be allowed to enter. Call the office to reschedule your appointment. If you do not have the phone number, use our Office Locator to find the phone number.
If you can answer NO to both questions, you must wear a face covering over your mouth and nose to enter the facility. If you do not have a mask, we will provide you with one. If you are unable to wear a face covering, call the office and ask to speak with the manager.
For your safety, Social Security employees are required to follow the same self-assessment checklist and are required to wear a face covering.
How can I communicate with my local hearing office?
Date: July 17, 2020
You can communicate with your local hearing office by telephone, fax, and e-Fax.
Via telephone:
Our hearing office employees continue to answer our general inquiry lines during regular business hours for local hearing offices and can help you with the following matters:
Confirming your availability for a telephone hearing;
Documenting that you would like a postponement if you would prefer to wait until an in-person or video hearing is available;
Updating your records to ensure we have the appropriate telephone number and address; and
Providing status for your pending hearing.
You can find your local hearing office phone number by accessing our Hearing Office Locator.
Via fax or e-Fax:
Claimants and representatives can send us documents by fax machine or by their own e-fax solution. Sending documents to us via fax delivers a secure, electronic copy to the specific hearing office’s designated email inbox. To submit documents electronically via fax, simply use the toll-free fax number with area code “833” assigned to the servicing hearing office. You can find your local hearing office phone number by accessing our Hearing Office Locator.
I use Appointed Representative Services or Electronic Records Express, and I am locked out of my account. What do I do?
Date: July 17, 2020
Please call 1-866-691-3061 with questions or concerns regarding Appointed Representative Services (ARS) password resets, Electronic Records Express (ERE) password resets, and new ERE account registration. We are available to assist you from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. After hours questions about password resets and new ERE account registration may be emailed to electronic-records-express@ssa.gov.
Appointed Representatives experiencing problems with accessing electronic folders should contact the OHO.HQ.ARS@ssa.gov mailbox for assistance.
What is the best way for me to communicate with my local hearing office?
Date: July 17, 2020
Our hearing office employees continue to answer our general inquiry lines during regular business hours for local hearing offices, and you can find your local hearing office phone number by accessing our Hearing Office Locator. We strongly recommend representatives submit information to our hearing offices electronically, using the following mechanisms:
Appointed Representative Services/Electronic Records Express - Registered representatives with a recognized notice of appointment in a case should continue to use the “Upload New File” function when viewing a claimant’s electronic folder in Appointed Representative Services (ARS) to upload documents. This process does not require a barcode. Alternatively, representatives can also submit documents with a barcode using the “Send Individual Response” function in ARS and Electronic Records Express (ERE). Registered representatives should use these methods to submit any documents to us electronically, whenever possible.
Fax and e-Fax – Claimants and Representatives can use a physical fax machine or their own e-fax solution to send documents. Sending documents to us via fax now delivers a secure, electronic copy to the specific hearing office’s designated email inbox. To submit documents electronically via fax, simply use the toll-free fax number with area code “833” assigned to the servicing hearing office. You can find your local hearing office e-Fax number by accessing our Hearing Office Locator.
“Contact OHO” email – Representatives registered through Appointed Representative Services can use the “Contact OHO Office” function to send a one-way communication, including the written notice of appointment, such as the SSA-1696, to a designated email box for the servicing hearing office.
What is the best way for me to submit a fee petition?
Date: July 17, 2020
When an appointed representative receives a hearing decision and intends to file a fee petition, the most efficient way to submit the fee petition is to submit the petition with the “Contact OHO Office” feature in Appointed Representatives Services (ARS).
For appointed representatives submitting fee petitions who do not have Electronic Records Express access or those who were previously terminated/ended their services prior to the case being closed out, please fax the fee petition to the hearing office using the e-Fax number, which can be found using our Hearing Office Locator.
Can SSA help me by phone?
Date: June 29, 2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are asking the public to first try to use our online services before calling us.
Although our offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors, our employees are answering your calls. You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Field Office Locator and looking under Social Security Office Information. The toll-free “Office” number is your local office.
You may also call our National 800 Number, where you may be able to take care of your business by using one of our automated telephone services without having to wait for a telephone agent. If you need to speak with an agent, be aware that wait times may be longer than usual, which is why we encourage you to try our online services or call your local office first.
How can I find out if my Social Security office is open?
Date: June 29, 2020
None of our Social Security offices can accommodate walk-in visitors until further notice. In-person service is by appointment only and for limited situations. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, we are still able to provide critical services. If you have a situation that we cannot help you with by phone, online, fax, or mail, we may be able to schedule an in-office appointment for you.
You can speak with a representative by calling your local Social Security office or our National 800 Number. Local office phone numbers are available online at our Social Security Office Locator. Please visit our Office Closings and Emergencies page for the latest information about office closings.
How can I get help from SSA?
Date: June 29, 2020
While our offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, we remain committed to providing ongoing benefits and vital services. You can still get our help by using our online services or calling us. If you have a situation that we cannot help you with by phone, online, fax, or mail, we may be able to schedule an in-office appointment for you.
You can do most of your business with SSA online. Before calling us, please visit our website to see our list of convenient and secure self-service options. Save time and go online.
If you cannot use our online services, we can help with certain issues by phone and mail.
How will SSA process my notice of appointment while emergency procedures are in place?
Date: June 10, 2020
We have temporary procedures to allow you to use different methods to sign the notice of appointment of a representative and fee agreement, if the fee agreement is submitted with the new notice of appointment, during the current COVID-19 health emergency. During this time, if we receive an appointment document such as the Form SSA-1696 and your signature appears to be an electronic or digital signature, we will make three attempts to contact you to verify your identity and confirm the signature. If we verify your identity and signature, we will process the appointment as usual. If we cannot reach you and you do not return our call, or do not verify the signature, we will return the paperwork to the person who submitted it without recognizing the appointment.
We also have temporary procedures in place permitting you to verbally appoint a representative during a “remote” telephone hearing with an administrative law judge, if you submit a written notice of appointment afterwards. In this case, we will accept an electronic signature on the written appointment notice, without needing to call you again.
These temporary procedures and more details can be found here.
I received financial assistance under the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Will this affect my Supplemental Security Income payment?
Date: June 1, 2020
We do not consider Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund financial assistance as income or a resource for SSI purposes. Receipt of this assistance will not affect your SSI payment.
Will unemployment benefits affect my Supplemental Security Income payment?
Date: May 1, 2020
Unemployment insurance benefits are considered unearned income. If you, your spouse, or a child living in your household have any income other than your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment, including unemployment insurance benefits, you must tell us.
To learn more about SSI and how income affects your payment, read What You Need to Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Will unemployment benefits affect my Social Security benefits?
Date: April 27, 2020
Unemployment benefits do not affect or reduce retirement and disability benefits. State unemployment compensation payments are not wages because they are paid due to unemployment rather than employment. However, income from Social Security may reduce your unemployment compensation.
Contact your state unemployment office for information on how your state applies the reduction.
I had a scheduled appointment, what do I need to do?
Date: April 14, 2020
If you already have a scheduled appointment, we will attempt to contact you by phone at your appointment time and/or reschedule for a telephone appointment.
Note: Scammers may try to take advantage of this situation. Remember that our employees will never threaten you or ask for any form of immediate payment.
How Do I File for Unemployment Insurance?
Date: March 26, 2020
We are unable to answer questions about unemployment insurance as each state administers its own program. Learn more here.
Will SSA extend our deadlines to provide documentation and other information?
Date: March 18, 2020
Yes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are extending deadlines wherever possible.
If we asked you to contact us by a certain date, please do not come to the office. You can contact us once our offices reopen to the public or you can mail your documents to us. We will follow up with you once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
We are providing maximum flexibility in applying our good cause policy. This policy allows us to extend the time limits for submitting appeals and taking other actions during this pandemic.
How can I stay updated about what SSA is doing during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Date: March 16, 2020
Please continue to check this web page for updates. You may select Subscribe above to receive alerts from us when we add or change information on this page.
You also may follow us on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to our blog.
What other resources are available for information on COVID-19 and Social Security?
Date: March 16, 2020
COVID-19 Resources
For the latest information on the coronavirus pandemic, including symptoms, how to protect yourself, and travel advisories, visit these resources:
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
CDC Website
USAgov Website
Other Information
For the latest information about our online services, status of local offices, and press releases, please visit these resources:
Online Services
Office Closings
Info for Media/Press Releases
Will I continue to receive my Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income payment if I use Direct Deposit?
Date: March 16, 2020
Yes. You will continue to receive your monthly benefit amount if you use Direct Deposit.
Will I still receive my Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income payment by mail?
Date: March 16, 2020
Yes. Please visit the United States Postal Service for their latest statements about COVID-19. You can visit our website to learn how to sign up for Direct Deposit.
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click source to visit the official Social Security Administration website. While you're there, create your "mySSA" account (can verify your earnings, see how much you'll get at retirement, etc)
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