As of March 17, 2020, Social Security closed all its offices. This includes their hearing offices, where Social Security disability claimants go to see a judge. Social Security will offer very limited in-person services. This would be for things like dealing with claims of the terminally ill.
Alternate Ways To Do Business
Social Security claims that their workers will still be on the job. They will work from home. That should mean that you can still get some services via the Social Security website or their toll-free number. Of the two, I strongly recommend using the website. The toll-free number is the bureau of disinformation and should never be trusted.
Because their offices are closed, Social Security is supposed to be extending such deadlines as filing appeals. This sounds good, but we all know where the devil resides. If you can meet any pending deadlines via telephone or the internet, by all means, do so.
If You Can Wait, Please Do
If you can wait to contact Social Security, do so. If you have a Social Security disability hearing already scheduled, I cannot tell you what is going to happen. With the offices closed, the proposed telephonic hearings cannot proceed. Supposedly, Social Security will call those persons with hearings pending. The number they call from may not be a government number because they are using a contractor.
Terra Incognito
We are all walking blind in an unknown land. Guideposts will appear and as they do, I will inform you here. For now, though, stay at home, wash your hands, and be well.
