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When will Social Security reopen to the public?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has not called employees back to their offices en masse, nor has the agency indicated when it might do so. Although other agencies have released their reopening plans, neither employees nor the unions that represent the SSA workforce have seen any kind of “reopening plan” from the agency, though they acknowledged it didn’t mean SSA doesn’t have one. The agency states that all Social Security facilities remain restricted to very limited, authorized personnel performing non-portable mission critical work.” Read their article here…
What a joke it is to say the employees are still working while the offices are closed to the public. My son has been trying for well over a year to get a copy of his sons social security card. He jumped through all the hoops, sent all the paperwork, talked to the employee multiple times and still no card. It’s bad enough that they didn’t get any of the stimulus money for him, but they can’t get health insurance for him because they don’t have the number. Must be nice to be able to earn a paycheck and not do any work.
My wife and I were married this past December 17. We have been trying to get her name changed and not having any luck. We have called several times and placed on hold and then a recording comes on saying no one is available and it hangs up. We finally found a place to send in her info. Today we received a response that the change has been denied because they need her original Drivers License….not a copy! How in the world do we send her original license and she still be able to drive legally!!!!???? Again, we have tried to call and cannot get through. What can we do to show them her real license and get this change done?? Thanks
Dale,
Unfortunately, Social Security does require original documentation for this, which is actually a rule to protect you from fraudulent activity. However, most local SS offices will now make an appointment for you to bring the driver’s license in for quick verification, or at least provide a “drop box” which you can submit the license and avoid most mailing delays. I suggest you try calling your local SS office directly (find the number at http://www.ssa.gov/locator) and asking for an in-person appointment to submit the drivers license for proof because you are not comfortable mailing it. Another thing you might try is to contact your local police department and explain that SS is requiring the original license, and ask if they will temporarily accept a copy of the license in the event of a traffic stop. I can, however, assure you that SS is very reliable about returning original documents as soon as possible.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
Why is it the social security office won’t open? I can’t get my license because the office will not open so i can get another social security card because I’m married. i sent in copies of the paperwork needed and was told i had to send my original documents which is also ridiculous because the copies I sent have not even been returned and I refuse to risk my original documents. And you can’t get anybody on the phone (800-772-1213) this makes no sense to me. How is somebody supposed get help if people are not available to do their jobs?
Arlene,
The Social Security Administration has announced they will start reopening field offices for full public access early this year, but just because field offices have been closed to public access doesn’t mean that SS staff aren’t working. Most offices are fully staffed, although their physical work environment may be different from normal. Like most other businesses, the Agency had to alter its working environment because of the pandemic, but it strived to accommodate the public as best they could under the circumstances. I’m not trying to justify their lack of fast action on your issue, but only to assure you that they are there and working.
As for submitting original documents vs. copies – Social Security usually requires original documents to protect against fraud and keep safe both your benefits and Social Security’s assets. They are very careful to ensure your original documents do not get misplaced and are returned safely to you. One way you can personally ensure the safety of your original documents is to send them to Social Security via certified or registered mail, but many Social Security offices offer “express interviews” during the pandemic where you simply bring your documents to them for examination. To request an express interview you should call your local Social Security office and explain you are uncomfortable mailing the original documents requested. Many offices also now have drop boxes where you can simply deposit your original documents (thus avoiding any USPS-induced delivery issues) and SS will return them to you promptly.
I suggest you call your local Social Security office and request arrangements to personally deliver the original documents they requested. Find the phone number for and location of your local SS office at this link: http://www.ssa.gov/locator.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
I just went to Cambridge Md social security office, it is closed, but the workers are in side enjoying work free pay for just showing up – I called the toll free number I waited for 50 Minutes – this number
1800-772-1213 , just try that number!!!!!!! I begging you to please call me, my question would only take less the 2 or 3 minutes. Here is my number 301-529-6465
John,
We know that trying to contact the Social Security Administration via phone can be frustrating. Although all Social Security offices are still closed to public access because of the pandemic, they are still working full time inside those offices, handling phone calls as best they can and processing claims for benefits. Here at the AMAC Foundation we can answer your questions about Social Security’s rules and regulations, but we don’t have access to your personal Social Security records. In any case, if you call our AMAC Foundation office at 1.888.750.2622 during normal EST business hours, we’ll be happy to answer any general questions you may have about Social Security’s rules and how they apply to your individual situation. You may also email your questions to us at SSAdvisor@amacfoundation.org. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
Can I get an online account if I have a payee?
Colline,
If you are at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number, an email address and a U.S. mailing address, then you can set up your personal “my Social Security” online account at http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount. If your benefits now go to a Representative Payee, your payee can go to the following link for information on how to set up a Representative Payee online account with which to monitor and manage your benefits: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/rep-payee.html.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
Los Angeles, September 6th, 2021.
Dear Sirs,
I have question.
Is there a new rule in 2020 / 2021 about a person who hold a Working Permit / an Employment Authorization Card, which their age is above 70, not eligible any more to have a SS Benefits?
Thank you.
God bless us.
Hans,
Eligibility for Social Security retirement payments doesn’t end at age 70. Anyone who meets the basic eligibility criteria – at least 40 quarters of credit contributing to the program (you must have a Social Security Number), at least age 62, and a legal resident of the United States – can collect Social Security benefits. However, benefits are payable only if you reside in the U.S., or another country where the U.S. allows SS payments to be sent. If you do not plan to live in the U.S. after starting your SS benefits, you should review this publication: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
Is social security office open for public in New York city I need replacement card for my son and they don’t let me do it online because he don’t have work history and he created account
Fatima:
The Social Security Administration still carries this notice on their website: “On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, we suspended face-to-face service to the public in our field offices and hearings offices nationwide until further notice. However, we are still able to provide critical services via phone, fax and online.” We know they are under some pressure from Congress to re-open, but a date for this to happen is still unkwown. In the meantime, To obtain a replacement Social Card, go to this website: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card.html.
Gerry Hafer
AMAC Foundation, Inc.
888-750-2622
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this message, including any attachments, are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the person or entity to whom the message was addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please be advised that any dissemination, distribution, forwarding, printing, copying, or use of the contents of this message, and any attached documentation, is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender. Please also permanently delete all copies of the original message and any attached documentation. The opinions and interpretations expressed in this message are the viewpoints of the message’s author, a trained advisor accredited under the National Social Security Advisors program of the National Social Security Association, LLC (NSSA). The author, the NSSA, and the AMAC Foundation are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Government, the Social Security Administration, or any other state government.
I am divorce a while now, covid hit right around the time i was going to get my name change done on my social.. I was not able to change my last name back to my maiden name since the offices close over a year now.. But it seems as tough like its impossible… and i would like to move on with my life and get marry again..but i cant since my documents still have the last name of my ex husband..:(
Elisa:
Yes, we understand that Social Security’s office closings have presented difficulties. There is hope though, since pressure is building on the federal government to re-open offices (see this post from earlier this week: https://socialsecurityreport.org/another-push-to-re-open-social-security-offices/) Although we are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, we pay close attention to what they’re doing so we can advise constituents accordingly.
Gerry Hafer
AMAC Foundation, Inc.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this message, including any attachments, are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the person or entity to whom the message was addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please be advised that any dissemination, distribution, forwarding, printing, copying, or use of the contents of this message, and any attached documentation, is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender. Please also permanently delete all copies of the original message and any attached documentation. The opinions and interpretations expressed in this message are the viewpoints of the message’s author, a trained advisor accredited under the National Social Security Advisors program of the National Social Security Association, LLC (NSSA). The author, the NSSA, and the AMAC Foundation are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Government, the Social Security Administration, or any other state government.
I need my Granddaughter ‘s social security card?
I need my Granddaughters social security card, how do I go about getting another one because someone stole it!!
Cinquette:
To obtain a replacement Social Card, go to this website: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card.html. Note that the instructions on this site include this comment: “All you need to do is log in to or create your personal my Social Security account.” If we can help you with this step, please contact our Social Security Advisory Service at 888-750-2622 and we’ll walk you through the process.
Gerry Hafer
AMAC Foundation, Inc.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this message, including any attachments, are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the person or entity to whom the message was addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please be advised that any dissemination, distribution, forwarding, printing, copying, or use of the contents of this message, and any attached documentation, is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender. Please also permanently delete all copies of the original message and any attached documentation. The opinions and interpretations expressed in this message are the viewpoints of the message’s author, a trained advisor accredited under the National Social Security Advisors program of the National Social Security Association, LLC (NSSA). The author, the NSSA, and the AMAC Foundation are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Government, the Social Security Administration, or any other state government.
When will SSA re-open to the public? Movies..concerts….libraries..sports events…studio audience viewing of programs..public indoor/outdoor restaurants .. courthouses.. ETC have reopened. Vaccination for 12 years and older available to the public. Yet the SSA remains CLOSED to the public. Give it up! There isn’t a reason out there for fully vaccinated elderly citizens to go to the SSA in person to complete their affairs that can be given for SSA to remain closed to the public. I am waiting to get information for my moms submitted in March 2019. I haven’t received nothing other than, “We’re still evaluating your mother’s claim” WTF??? USA can vaccinate 67% of population but SSA can’t complete paperwork submitted 2 years ago? REOPEN SSA OFFICES!!!!
just wondering why ssa does not have their own site so they won’t have to use some third party that can’t seem to do anything anyways also the country can open for everything under the sun but what is needed by the people LAME TO THE MAX. but then again that is hardly unexpected these days since we quit using common sense in this country. DO YOU KNOW WHY THE GOVERMENT AND HOLLYWOOD ARE THE SAME? ITS BECAUSE THEY BOTH LIVE IN THE LAND OF MAKE BELIVE!!!!
Thank you for your feedback. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does, indeed, have their own agency website and it contains multiple volumes of information about Social Security (go to http://www.ssa.gov). Many (perhaps most) find it difficult to navigate that website to find the specific information they seek.
The AMAC Foundation’s SS information website (www.SocialSecurityReport.org) is totally independent of the Social Security Administration, and the Foundation’s goal is to educate and support America’s seniors. To assist with that goal, our http://www.SocialSecurityReprot.org website cuts through myriad details of Social Security’s thousand of rules and focuses on articles of frequent interest to to those unable to find the information they seek at the website provided by the Social Security Administration. Thus, The AMAC Foundation isn’t just “some third party” used by the Social Security Administration, and is not associated with the SSA in any way. Rather we are a non-profit entity trying to make a very complex topic more understandable to our readers. Again, thank you for your feedback, and feel free to visit our website often or contact us directly at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org with any specific Social Security questions you many have.
Can the Social Security Administration give us at least the approximate date of reopening ???
Barbara:
We don’t really know a definite re-opening date for specific SSA offices, but we can tell you that pressure is mounting for Federal employees to return to work. Check out this post from last week: https://socialsecurityreport.org/ssa-offices-urged-to-reopen. Also, as explained in the response from May 12 to “Pat” (below), there are limited opportunities for in-person appointments at field offices. In the meantime, if you have a specific question about Social Security, feel free to contact our AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service at 888-750-2622 (or email us at SSAdvisor@AmacFoundation.org).
Gerry Hafer
AMAC Foundation, Inc.
I was eligible for FR SS Benefits last May. However, I applied for a replacement SS I’d card the previous April 2019, when I applied for Medicare. I was shocked to get my new card in only 4 days!! But the envelope arrived opened. Someone had slit it open. Not knowing whether my number was compromised or not the SSAgent put a block on my account so all my business would have to be done in person.
I’ve contacted them to try and sign up for my benefits and they insist it has to be in person. I have not been able to get through to make an appointment and lost my job due to the pandemic. Therefore, I am a senior, with no job, in a age discriminatory job market. The only jobs I’ve been able to be offered are very high risk which my doctor has cautioned me strongly against. I am sure the benefits I am being denied will not be retroactive so how can I claim my benefits when I cannot get them to verify my ID????? This is criminal. All other business sectors have contingencies to serve the public, why doesn’t the SSA????
Pat,
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 Social Security’s office locator. Please note that appointments may not be immediately available, depending on local health and safety conditions and staffing. Local Office Locator: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
Social Security will pay six months of retroactive benefits. Has Social Security given you any options to prove your identity other than coming into the office? If you have been calling your local office and getting no results, have you asked for a supervisor to assist you? You also have the option to call another office in your area to try and get assistance.
If you need still are unable to apply for your Social Security benefits you should call your local representative’s office to ask them to assist you. Contact your local representative: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Thanks for contacting the AMAC Foundation!
Sharon Kleczka RSSA
AMAC Foundation
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this message, including any attachments, are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the person or entity to whom the message was addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please be advised that any dissemination, distribution, forwarding, printing, copying, or use of the contents of this message, and any attached documentation, is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender. Please also permanently delete all copies of the original message and any attached documentation. The opinions and interpretations expressed in this message are the viewpoints of the message’s author, a trained advisor accredited under the National Social Security Advisors program of the National Social Security Association, LLC (NSSA). The author, the NSSA, and the AMAC Foundation are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Government, the Social Security Administration, or any other state government.
I needed to update my social security card they needed my passport so I send it and they saiid my name did not match to my social security card so I send my citizen certificate then they say it is not the real one that is a copy snd they destroy it so I have to apply again to get it and that is costing me more than $500 and that is not the only problem the problem is that I couldn’t renew my drivers license because social security cjhsnged my last name do I am furious because Iam deaf I can not talk to them I had done one talking for me but now I have no help so please some one tell me what can I do?
Gloria,
The issues you speak of can be resolved only by the Social Security Administration, and they will do everything possible to accommodate your hearing disability. Be aware that they require original copies of certain documentation such as passports and citizen certificates, which is why they wouldn’t accept a copy of the latter. You may rest assured that you will receive those original documents back in good order.
Although all Social Security offices are temporarily closed to public access, they may allow you to make an in-person appointment to accommodate your special needs, but you will need to make those arrangements directly with SS by having a representative call SS at 1.800.772.1213 to request an in-person appointment due to your hearing disability. Here is a guide to how Social Security can assist you:
https://www.ssa.gov/people/deaf/#:~:text=You%20may%20be%20entitled%20to,Benefits%20or%20SSI%20Benefits%20pages.
If you do not wish an in-person appointment, your only alternative is to appoint someone to represent you with Social Security and make a telephone appointment to correct your name and get a corrected Social Security card.
I’m sorry than we cannot provide you with direct assistance in this matter, but certain issues must be handled directly with the Social Security Administration, and getting your name corrected in Social Security’s records is one such issue.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
So sorry your having such a difficult time with them. If everyone other business is opening up I see no reason why Social Security has not! What’s so special about them? Social security is so important to a huge percentage of our population. Asking to make a phone to their office is next to impossible and when I get through nobody has answers! Our society has gone to the “I don’t care about you mode”
Exactly! I cannot mail my original documents due to fear of them getting stolen in the mail. We have had problems with the mail. We need Social Security to reopen their offices please. This is essential for everyone’s livelihood.
This is my first time getting a social security card so I have to go in person. I called the local ssn office so many time and they always redirect me to a manager who isn’t even available to answer my call. Then they said that they’ll call me to schedule an appointment for me but it’s been like over 2 months and nothing. I couldn’t even get my stimulus check because I don’t have a social security number. They tell me different things every time they answer my call. This is beyond ridiculous. I don’t understand why they have to be closed completely for over a year when other government services are still up and running. Would someone please tell me how I can get a social security card? I need it desperately to get a drivers license. I would also have 1,400 extra cash if they weren’t so frustrating and gave me my card sooner.
Angela,
You have the right to deal with any Social Security office in the country. Do you have any other offices in your area that you can try to contact? I recommend going online and doing a search for Social Security offices in your surrounding area and calling one of them for assistance. As we are not affiliated with the Social Security office we cannot assist you in this matter. It is unknown how much longer the offices will remain closed, but depending on the office you are dealing with some will make you an appointment to come in. It sounds like you are not getting any results from your local office and one of the other offices may be more obliging, explain your situation and why you are calling them versus the office closest to you. I have heard back from other people with the same problem you are having, that have had success with another office.
Please contact me if I can be of further assistance, such as helping you locate a phone number for another office in your area.
Sharon Kleczka RSSA
National Social Security Advisor/Registered Social Security Analyst
The AMAC Foundation
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this message, including any attachments, are confidential and are intended solely for the use of the person or entity to whom the message was addressed. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please be advised that any dissemination, distribution, forwarding, printing, copying, or use of the contents of this message, and any attached documentation, is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please notify the sender. Please also permanently delete all copies of the original message and any attached documentation. The opinions and interpretations expressed in this message are the viewpoints of the message’s author, a trained advisor accredited under the National Social Security Advisors program of the National Social Security Association, LLC (NSSA). The author, the NSSA, and the AMAC Foundation are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Government, the Social Security Administration, or any other state government.
THIS IS COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS AND UNACCEPTABLE!!! IT’S BEEN NEARLY A YEAR (51 WEEKS) SINCE THE OFFICES CLOSED AND YOU STILL HAVE NO PLANS TO REOPEN???? THE STUPID GOVERNOR REOPENS THE STATE, PEOLE ACT LIKE THERE’S NO VIRUS AND YOU WON’T DO A STUPID APPOINTMENT SYSTEM TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO GET THEIR NAMES CHANGED. THIS IS COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS AND UNACCEPTABLE. TO SAY I’M FED UP IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.
Please note that this website is not sponsored by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Rather, it is sponsored by The AMAC Foundation, a private non-profit company which assists people with questions about their benefits under the Federal Social Security program. We are aware that the SSA has kept their offices closed to the public during the pandemic, and we understand they are now making some in-person appointments when necessary. But a majority of SS transactions, including name changes, can be done via a telephone appointment. If you call the general SSA number (1.800.772.1213) and request an appointment for changing your name, Social Security will set a date/time to call you to complete that transaction. You may find the information at this link helpful: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01981
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
I am adding my mother last’s name to my social security card. Is been approximately six weeks and I still don’t have my card. I submitted my passport for identification and they said my passport was a copy.
I was married on 3/7/2020 shortly before offices closed, I still have been unable to change my name. I don’t have a passport and I refuse to send my drivers license in to the SSA OFFICE, I am coming up to my one year anniversary and still have my maiden name on my license. My sister and daughter in law are in the same situation they were married in June and September. This is ridiculous these offices should be open ! Put safety guidelines in place like they have in every other open facility! Why is a government office remaining closed secretary of state is open by appointment so why not SSA??
I just spent nearly 40 minutes on the phone attempting to obtain answers on how to change my name due to my recent marriage without losing my sensitive documents. I’m convinced the information was inaccurate, because the representative was on the line with me within 5 minutes; however, again I was not confident any information she provided was accurate. I have a passport, so I wouldn’t mind forwarding my sensitive documents, if I had solid information on where to send them via certified mail. Either regulations need to be updated to accommodate citizens or the buildings need to be reopened to service the public. This is ridiculous at this point.
I completely agree 100%!!
Social security should reopen to the public already, all other government agencies is already open. Im not going to send in my Driver’s License. What if I get pulled over? Or it can get lost in the mail. They making things really complicated right now.
Nick:
Thank you for your comments! We know that many other agencies have re-opened, and hope that the Social Security Administration follows suit soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions or need any assistance with specific Social Security issues, please contact our Advisory at 888-750-2622 or via email at SSAdvisor@AmacFoundation.org. We’re here to help!
Gerry Hafer
AMAC Foundation, Inc.
I’m about 5 minutes from the ssa. Can I go by there drop off my drivers license and his medical card, let them scan it into the system and the can give it back without me going in. My name is Reggie Hodge and I submitted a previous comment on this subject. Thank you. Shreveport is our closest ssa.
Reggie, all Social Security offices are temporarily closed to public access, so you will need to provide the required documentation via mail as they requested. It would be best to call your local office first to alert them you will be sending the documentation to that office via certified mail, return receipt requested. Although all offices are closed, they are still working and fully processing all requests. I suggest you make a copy of your drivers license and your son’s medical card for yourself, and attach the return receipt from the Post Office to those documents in the event they are needed before SS returns the originals to you.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
What they need to do is reopen,do social distance,and everyone wear mask ,temperature screening at the front door and hand sanitizer
We recently adopted a child and trying to get his name changed on his social security card. SSA in Shreveport want me to mail in my drivers license his medical card since they don’t accept copies. I tried LaWallet but it will not send the 6 digit code to my email. What do I do when LaWallet doesn’t work
When is the Shreveport social security office expected to open?
Most business have re-opened. Some of us needs to come to the SS office for help in person. On 8/13/2019 I went to SS office and spoke with Ms. Abercrombie. She took all my necessary papers, made copies and completed my paperwork. I get a letter 5/02/2020 during the pandemic stating I’m not qualified for exspouse benefits. SS office lost my paperwork. But everything was in order before I left SS office. What happened?
Kathy,
This website is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, so we cannot tell you “what happened.” You will need to contact Social Security directly to review your application for ex-spouse benefits. You can contact the national Social Security service center at 1.800.772.1213 and they will be able to assist you.
Please be aware that Social Security’s rules for ex-spouse benefits are a) you cannot be currently married, b) you must have been married to your ex for at least 10 years, and c) your ex must be already be collecting Social Security (or if not, but eligible, you must be divorced for at least 2 years). Your ex-spouse benefit would also need to be more than you are entitled to from your own lifetime work record.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation.
After I read this article, I understand my current situation.
I immigrated on July 13th having permanent resident visa. I believed in the statement of SSA website (https://www.ssa.gov/ssnvisa/) in which SSA will assign SSN when a immigrant enters USA. I realized it was impossible because there were little agents in FO.
So I spent 3 weeks in vain waiting my Social Security Card. I sent my SS-5 and other document after I had called FO. The result is another 4 weeks waiting, it’s almost minimum. If SSA website informed current situations exactly, I would prepare another contingency plan.
I am a lawful permanent resident in the document but can’t buy medical insurance for the worst case, can’t open a bank account appropriately, can’t work or start business lawfully. I can only spend my time and money. If there were
accidents, I must bear all disadvantages.
Are there any alternatives?
I’m afraid there are no alternatives to working directly with the Social Security Administration to obtain your Social Security Number. It appears as if you have already applied, so Social Security is undoubtedly already working on your request. But, because of the coronavirus pandemic they are working with reduced staff and, in many cases, remote locations. As frustrating as it is, your only alternative is to call Social Security to check on the status of your application for a new Social Security card. But you might also try contacting the Congressional Representative for where you live and asking them to contact Social Security on your behalf. This sometimes expedites applications in process.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
Thank you for your advice.
I called and checked my status. But I don’t want any express way actually. I’ll wait my turn. I can accept this situation. But if I were informed correctly, I would prepare the better things.
What I really want is the correct information. Everyone I contacted SSA said that the information on the website was the fact before Covid19, before telework. Everyone who contacted SSA recently knows that things will be late. But it seems that many people including USCIS and CBP don’t know this fact. If this status lasts several months more, it seems people need to get the correct information from SSA website like DOL. I got the exact information from DOL website for my driver’s license.
If we communicate correctly, I believe it will improve this society.
I need a replacement social security card. I am not comfortable with mailing in my drivers license and birth certificate. I understand the website states they will be returned in about two weeks. The point is, other than the potential for loss is high, if I drive my car and do not have my license on me I am breaking the law. Can the SSA use modern technology to verify some info? Can your offices conduct video meetings etc. Something has to give….. Please help, I need my replacement SSCard but don’t want to break the law doing so.
Tom:
You can apply for a new Social Security card online through your MySocialSecurityAccount online. This will avoid having to mail your drivers license to Social Security. You will receive a new Social Security card in the mail within 7 – 10 business days. https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card.html
Thanks for contacting us.
I do not consider your response a resolution to this problem. This is what I get after I sign on:
Social Security Card Replacement
We’re sorry. We cannot process your request.
You cannot request a replacement card online.
Please contact your local office if you need a replacement card.
Please advise
I live in Ohio and was born in Nebraska, neither being a restricted state according to your website please advise.
OBTW I talk with my local Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles…they said if I was stopped and did not have my drivers license….even if I claimed it was sent to Social Security, that I would still be ticketed for no license. You responded to my original email stating to apply online but your online says Social Security Card Replacement
We’re sorry. We cannot process your request.
You cannot request a replacement card online.
Please contact your local office if you need a replacement card.
Please advise.
Please note that this website is not sponsored by the Social Security Administration; it is a private website for The AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service.
Ohio (and Nebraska) are both states in which it is normally permissible to apply online for a replacement Social Security card. If you attempted this online and were denied, Social Security has probably detected an anomaly somewhere in your Social Security record and wants you to apply for a replacement card by contacting them directly. As you can surely appreciate, Social Security does not issue a replacement card without direct contact if they think there is any possibility for fraudulent use of that card.
Normally, when SS offices aren’t closed to public access (as they are during the pandemic) you could visit the local SS office and show your driver’s license without surrendering it. But these are not normal times. I suggest you contact your local Social Security office, explain your apprehension to send your original drivers license, and ask what other means of identification they will accept to replace your card (not everyone has a drivers license). You can find the number for you local SS office at this website: http://www.ssa.gov/locator. If you don’t get immediate satisfaction at your local SS office, you should call the national Social Security service center at 1.800.772.1213.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
True, tried doing the same. Will not let you change name without proper documents. Not safe mailing critical documents. They should do something to correct this. Seems no one in social security office is doing anything to help. Just ignore it