SCHENECTADY – The Social Security office downtown at One Broadway Center will be temporarily closed for in-person services for two weeks starting Monday to allow for maintenance on the building.
People can still take care of their business over the phone from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday each week. That number is 1-866-964-1296.
The building is scheduled to reopen on March 23.
Schenectady residents who need to speak with a person face-to-face before then will have to travel to the Social Security office in Albany at 11A Clinton Ave., Room 430, or the facility in Troy at 120 Hoosick St., Suite 12A-1. Both have the same 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. hours Mondays to Fridays.
Social Security customers can make appointments for all types of services, resulting in shorter wait times and more efficient in-person customer service.
Though they’re not required to, customers can make an appointment online by visiting www.ssa.gov/manage-benefits/make-an-appointment.
Customers can also schedule appointments by calling their local office or 1-800-772-1213, which also has a call-back feature. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
Many Social Security services are available online at www.ssa.gov.
People may create their my Social Security account, a personalized online service, at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.
People who are waiting for benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits. The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services.
People who cannot use the website may call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.
Those who need a Social Security Number card can visit www.ssa.gov/number-card to submit a request for a replacement card, start an application for an updated card, or to request a Social Security number for the first time. The process can be started online.
People can apply online for most benefits. In many cases, there are no forms to sign. The agency will review the application and reach out with questions or for more information. Visit www.ssa.gov/onlineservices to apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare.
Those who need proof of benefits can check the status of an application or appeal at www.ssa.gov/myaccount or www.ssa.gov/onlineservices.
This article originally published at Schenectady Social Security office to shut down for 2 weeks beginning Monday for maintenance work.