Social Security offices to resume in-person services after COVID

The Social Security administration will resume in-person services at local offices on Thursday for the first time in more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am pleased to announce that local Social Security offices will restore in-person services, including for people without an appointment, on April 7, 2022," said Kilolo Kijakazi, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration, in a press release Monday.

Offices have been closed since March 17, 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This has made it difficult for some people to receive benefits. NPR reported in February that the number of people receiving "antipoverty program" benefits has decreased by 27% during the pandemic while claims for death benefits have gone down by 7%. 

Americans are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance, rather than walking into the office, Kijakazi said.

The Social Security Administration said it would provide masks to the public and employees as needed. 

"Given that many of the people we serve have health vulnerabilities, and consistent with our union agreements, we are continuing to require certain safety measures including masking, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms," the agency stated.