Social Security 2024 Holiday Closings Office Schedule

Andy Markowitz,

AARP

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En español

Published December 26, 2023

/ Updated October 15, 2024

Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices observe 11 annual federal holidays. Offices are closed to visitors on these days, and telephone help from live representatives is not available. That will be case on Monday, Nov. 11, when federal agencies close for Veterans Day.

Here’s the Social Security holiday schedule for 2024:

New Year’s Day: Monday, Jan. 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, Jan. 15
Washington’s Birthday: Monday, Feb. 19
Memorial Day: Monday, May 27
Juneteenth National Independence Day: Wednesday, June 19
Independence Day: Thursday, July 4
Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 2
Columbus Day: Monday, Oct. 14
Veterans Day: Monday, Nov. 11
Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 28
Christmas: Wednesday, Dec. 25

When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, U.S. government agencies observe it on the preceding Friday or the following Monday, respectively.

Under normal operations, Social Security offices are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. While offices will serve walk-in visitors, the SSA recommends calling ahead and making an appointment to avoid lines and long waits.

Whether or not you have an appointment, you can use the SSA’s mobile check-in service upon arrival to notify staff, secure a place in line and get a notification when they're ready for you. You can also check in using on-site kiosks installed at most field offices.

At any time, a handful of offices may be temporarily closed or offer limited service due to construction, conditions that make it difficult for people to wait outside or other issues. Check the SSA’s “Office Closings and Emergencies” page for an up-to-date list of affected sites.

Social Security by phone

To speak to a Social Security representative by phone, you can:

Call the SSA’s national customer-service number, 800-772-1213, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time on weekdays.
Call your local office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. You’ll find the correct number by plugging your zip code into SSA’s office locator.

The SSA is modernizing its national phone system and says callers may experience service issues during the upgrade, including longer wait times, busy signals and unintentional disconnects. The agency recommends calling during less busy times (before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.) and later in the week. Wait times also are generally shorter near the end of the month.

On federal holidays, you will not be able to speak to a live agent, as Social Security personnel get the day off, but you can access some services using the SSA’s automated phone system.

For example, you can ask for a benefit verification letter, which can serve as proof of Social Security income if you are applying for a loan or for aid from a government program; request a new Medicare card; or check on the status of a pending claim for benefits.

You’ll find a full list of automated phone services, which are available 24 hours a day, at the Social Security website.

Online services: My Social Security

Whatever the status of your local office and whatever the day or time, you can securely access many SSA services with an online My Social Security account.

You don’t need to be getting benefits yet to use My Social Security. Once you’ve opened an account at the SSA website, you can use it to:

Check your Social Security statement, which shows your lifetime earnings history and your current or estimated future benefits.
Check on the status of a pending application for benefits or appeal of a Social Security decision.
Set up direct deposit for your benefit payments or change the deposit details.
Request a replacement Social Security card or Medicare card.
Request a benefit verification letter.
Request an SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S form, which details your benefit income for tax purposes.
Notify the SSA of a change of address or phone number.

You can also apply for retirement benefits, Medicare or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) online. You’ll find information and links to application forms on SSA’s Online Services web page.