LANSING — All local Social Security offices are closed to the public for in-person service.

“This decision protects the population we serve–older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions — and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, we are still able to provide critical services,” officials said. “Our secure and convenient online services remain available at www.socialsecurity.gov. Local offices will also continue to provide critical services over the phone. We are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local governments, and other experts to monitor COVID-19 and will let you know as soon as we can resume in-person service.”

If you need help from Social Security use online services available at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. Persons can apply for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits online, check the status of an application or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas), print a benefit verification letter, and much more – from anywhere and from any of your devices. The agency also has information to answer most of Social Security questions online, without having to speak with a Social Security representative in person or by phone. Visit our online Frequently Asked Questions at www.socialsecurity.gov/ask.If you cannot conduct your Social Security business online, check the online field office locator for specific information about how to directly contact your local office. The local office still will be able to provide critical services to help persons apply for benefits, answer your questions, and provide other services over the phone.

If you already have an in-office appointment scheduled, the agency will call you to handle your appointment over the phone instead. If you have a hearing scheduled, the agency will call you to discuss alternatives for continuing with your hearing, including offering a telephonic hearing. The call may come from a private number and not from a U.S. government phone. Remember Social Security employees will not threaten you or ask for any form of payment.