The Social Security Administration (SSA) has temporarily closed or restricted in-person services at several field offices across the United States as of April 23, 2026 . These disruptions, affecting locations in more than a dozen states and one U.S. territory, mean that beneficiaries who rely on face-to-face assistance may need to seek help by phone or online instead.
The SSA cites reasons such as construction, staffing limitations, and safety constraints for these temporary changes, which are not permanent closures but could still cause delays for those needing in-person document verification or benefit applications . This guide provides the complete list of affected offices, explains how to get help during the disruptions, and answers frequently asked questions to help you navigate this situation smoothly.
Which Social Security Offices Are Closed or Disrupted on April 23, 2026?
The SSA has confirmed that a limited number of field offices are either completely closed to the public or operating on a phone-only basis. Below is the full list of affected locations as of April 23, 2026, compiled from the agency’s official Office Closings and Emergencies webpage .
Arizona – Yuma (85364): Phone service only from March 23 to May 8, 2026. No in-person service during this period.
California – Mission Viejo (92691): Phone service only from April 22 through April 24, 2026. No in-person service during this period.
Florida – Fort Walton Beach (32547): Phone service only until further notice. No in-person service.
Hawaii – Wailuku (96793): Phone service only from April 20 through April 24, 2026. No in-person service during this period.
Iowa – Decorah (52101): Phone service only until further notice. No in-person service.
Kentucky – Elizabethtown (42701): Phone service only on April 21, 2026 (already passed). Normal operations expected to resume.
Maryland – Silver Spring (20903): Phone service only until further notice, with limited in-person service available by appointment.
Michigan – Detroit College Park (48235): Phone service only until further notice. No in-person service.
Montana – Glasgow (59230): Phone service only from April 28 through April 30, 2026. No in-person service during this period.
Montana – Havre (59501): Phone service only until further notice. No in-person service.
Northern Mariana Islands – Saipan (96950): Closed to the public from April 13 through April 23, 2026. Assistance is available via the national 800 number.
Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh Downtown (15219): Phone service only from April 22 through April 24, 2026. No in-person service during this period.
Pennsylvania – Bloomsburg (17815): Phone service only until further notice. No in-person service.
West Virginia – Logan (25601): Phone service only until further notice. No in-person service.
The SSA notes that these disruptions are generally short-term and has not indicated that any closures are permanent . Conditions can change frequently, so additional offices could be affected or restored.
How to Check If Your Local Office Is Affected
If your local office is not listed above but you want to confirm its status before visiting, the SSA recommends using its online Field Office Locator. Enter your ZIP code at www.ssa.gov/locator to see real-time information about whether your office is open for in-person visits, operating by appointment only, or limited to phone service . This is the most reliable way to avoid an unnecessary trip to a closed office.
The agency’s Office Closings and Emergencies webpage also provides state-by-state updates on temporary shutdowns, delayed openings, and offices limited to phone service . Because conditions can change quickly due to weather, facility problems, or staffing issues, it is advisable to check this page before heading out.
How to Get Help When Your Local Office Is Closed
If your local SSA office is closed or only offering phone service, you have several alternatives to get the assistance you need.
Use the SSA Website: The agency states that its website, www.ssa.gov, is the best way to get help. Through a my Social Security account, you can apply for retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, replace a Social Security card, update direct deposit information, review your earnings history, and access many other services without ever visiting an office .
Call the National 800 Number: If you cannot use the website or prefer to speak with someone, call the SSA’s national toll-free line at 800-772-1213. The agency can often help by phone and save you a trip to an office. Representatives are available to answer questions, process requests, and resolve claims or appeals .
Make an Appointment for In-Person Help: If you absolutely need in-person assistance and your local office is offering limited service, you must make an appointment before visiting. The SSA advises that walk-in visits may not be accepted at offices operating under restrictions .
Call Your Local Office Directly: Even if your local office is closed for walk-ins, it may still have staff available to answer phone calls. You can find the direct phone number for your local office using the online Field Office Locator .
What Types of Services Are Most Affected by These Closures?
While many SSA services remain available online or by phone, certain requests may face delays due to the office disruptions. The most significantly impacted services include those that require identity verification or the submission of original documents, such as first-time benefit applications for individuals who cannot apply online, requests for replacement Social Security cards when online verification fails, and changes to personal details that require in-person documentation .
In some cases, scheduled appointments may be rescheduled or shifted to phone consultations. The SSA advises beneficiaries to call ahead or check online before visiting any office to confirm whether in-person services are available .
Are These Closures Permanent?
The SSA has confirmed that the current closures are temporary and not permanent. The agency has pushed back on claims of widespread permanent local office shutdowns, stating in a prior public announcement that reports of permanent field office closures were inaccurate and that no permanent closures had been announced at that time .
However, internal planning documents previously reported by The Associated Press indicate that the SSA aims to significantly reduce in-person field office visits in fiscal year 2026 as it shifts more services online and by phone. While physical offices are not being permanently closed, beneficiaries may find that fewer services require an in-person visit in the future .
Which States Have Affected Social Security Offices?
Based on the most recent agency updates, Social Security offices in the following states and territories are experiencing closures or disruptions as of April 23, 2026: Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the Northern Mariana Islands . Most other states are fully open for normal operations.
FAQs
1. Why are Social Security offices closing temporarily?
The SSA cites reasons such as construction, staffing shortages, safety constraints, or the inability to permit people to wait outside the office. The agency updates its emergency operations page as conditions change .
2. How long will these closures last?
Closure periods vary by location. Some offices are closed for just one day, while others may be affected for several weeks or indefinitely. The Yuma, Arizona, office, for example, is on phone-only service from March 23 to May 8, 2026 .
3. Can I still get help if my local office is closed?
Yes. The SSA recommends using its website (www.ssa.gov) for most services. You can also call the national 800 number at 800-772-1213 or contact your local office directly by phone .
4. Will these closures delay my benefit payments?
The SSA has not indicated that benefit payments will be delayed. However, requests that require in-person verification, such as first-time applications or replacement cards, may take longer to process .
5. How do I know if my local office is open?
Use the SSA’s online Field Office Locator at www.ssa.gov/locator and enter your ZIP code. The locator provides real-time information about office status, including closures, delays, and appointment requirements .
6. Are Social Security offices permanently closing?
No. The SSA has stated that reports of permanent field office closures are inaccurate. The current closures are temporary due to operational issues. However, the agency is shifting more services online, which may reduce the need for in-person visits over time .
7. What if I need in-person help and my office is closed?
If your local office is closed, you may need to travel to a nearby office that remains open. Use the Field Office Locator to find the nearest open location. You can also call the national 800 number to explore whether your request can be handled by phone or online instead .
Final Advice for Beneficiaries
The temporary closures of Social Security offices across multiple states may cause inconvenience, but the SSA has provided clear alternatives to ensure beneficiaries can still access essential services. Before visiting any office, check the online Field Office Locator to confirm its status.
Whenever possible, use the SSA’s website or call the national 800 number to handle your requests remotely. For those who require in-person assistance, making an appointment in advance is now essential at most locations. By planning ahead and using the available digital and phone tools, you can avoid delays and ensure your Social Security matters are handled smoothly despite these temporary disruptions.