Several Social Security offices had their operations disrupted Monday.
Offices in California, Texas, New York and other states are updating their hours or capabilities for multiple reasons. The closures arrive alongside the federal government shutdown, with many government employees continuing to go without pay.
Regardless of services offered at respective offices, an SSA spokesperson told Newsweek, in part, “…Social Security beneficiaries will continue receiving their Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, and SSI payments.” Experts told Newsweek what Americans can expect in the near future if they need to visit a Social Security office.
Why It Matters
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that roughly 750,000 government employees would be furloughed each day during the shutdown. While the changes in services at local Social Security offices are not tied to the government shutdown, any update in reduced services could make it more difficult for recipients to receive their benefits.
What To Know
Several states are facing Social Security office changes on Monday, according to the latest Social Security alerts.
In California, the Madera Social Security office is unable to provide in-person service until 1 p.m. local time.
Meanwhile, in Montana, the Havre office is only able to provide telephone assistance until further notice.
New York is facing several disruptions, with the East Bronx location unable to provide in-person services until 10 a.m., and Canarsie and Corning locations only providing phone assistance until further notice.
The Pennsylvania office in Wilkes-Barre is only offering phone assistance on Monday, while Bloomsburg and Reading offices have generally reverted to phone service instead of any in-person options until further notice.
In South Carolina, the Spartanburg office will only be providing phone service on Monday, and the Dallas Fair Park office in Texas will be offering the same service instead of in-person capabilities.
In West Virginia, the Logan SSA office is only available by telephone.
In Wyoming, beneficiaries relying on the Cody office will need to use phone services until further notice.
“As a result of the lapse in appropriation, SSA is following the contingency plan for continued activities, and Social Security beneficiaries will continue receiving their Social Security, Social Security Disability Insurance, and SSI payments,” an SSA spokesperson told Newsweek. “Local Social Security offices remain open for some services. Additional information is also available on our blog: What the Federal Government Shutdown Means to You | SSA. Individuals can use their personal my Social Security accounts to conveniently access and manage their benefits during the government shutdown.”
What People Are Saying
The SSA said on its website: “During the government shutdown, you can still access many of our services online at www.socialsecurity.gov and do more online with a my Social Security account. To get one today visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
“Local Social Security offices are open for some services. You can view the list of services available in our field offices at www.socialsecurity.gov.”
Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: “The shutdown is just another wrinkle in this Social Security game. A close friend of mine recently married an immigrant who needed to get a Social Security card in person, and he said the office was packed even before the shutdown. Now, with the Social Security Administration pushing retirees to use the website, we’re seeing the opposite effect — more people craving that personal touch.”
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “The good news for Social Security recipients is all online services are still active, and the vast majority of offices across the country are still open at this time. However, as the government shutdown continues, some locations could see closures and/or reduced hours due to furloughed staff. While Social Security has significantly increased its online accessibility, there are still many recipients who prefer in-person interactions when contacting the administration over changes and concerns.”
What Happens Next
Experts say Social Security recipients should expect significantly longer hold times.
“I’d expect significantly longer hold times. As of 10:48 a.m. CST today, you can’t even get through to the agency,” Thompson said. “I tried calling five times and got, ‘Welcome to Verizon Wireless, your call cannot be completed as dialed.’ That’s not a good sign. It seems the system is completely down and I hope that’s not a cause for concern.”
Update 10/21/25 3:29 p.m. EST: This article has been updated to reflect that the Social Security office service changes are not tied to the government shutdown.
Update 10/20/25 5:13 p.m. EST: This article has been updated to reflect that the offices listed are not closed but may be offering different hours/impacted services.
