As reported in December, all local offices nationwide began opening for appointments only. This means you cannot run by to drop off documents, even ones that Social Security may have requested you to provide. The only way to make an appointment to handle any activities is by calling the local office and making an appointment. Not only has this created a delay in wait times, and it is very hard to reach on the phone, but the appointments that are being made are grossly delayed.
While you can go online for services such as a new or replacement Social Security card, many people do not understand the process. Additionally, the steps to create a ssa.gov account can be time consuming and require email addresses and text confirmations. If you have this available, you can go to SSA.gov. You can also conduct other business online at your SSA.gov account.
Many homeless clients or intellectually and mentally challenged individuals are unable to navigate these online processes. Per notices from the Associate Commissioner, Dawn Bystry, “they want to make clear that we will not turn people away for service who are unable to make an appointment or do not want to make an appointment. For example, members of vulnerable populations, military personnel, people with terminal illnesses, and individuals with other situations requiring immediate or specialized attention may still walk in for service at our field offices.” If this applies to you, take that notice to your local office and request assistance, or ask a family member to help you.
We are still here at Gardberg and Kemmerly to help guide you through the process, but these new procedures do not leave even our office with many options. We have been helping the disabled for over 35 years. Please call our office at 251-343-1111 for a free consultation on your VA and SSA claim. Gardberg & Kemmerly specializes in helping the injured and disabled in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Louisiana.