How to access Social Security benefits during the pandemic

On Tuesday, March 17, Social Security Offices suspended face-to-face service to the public in the field offices and hearings offices nationwide until further notice. This decision protects the population they serve such as older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions and their employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, they are still able to provide critical services and this temporary closure will not affect the distribution of your benefits. All your needs are important and here are some tips and important information to help you to complete all your social security transactions when you cannot go to the office in person:

■ All appointments for services will take place over the phone with an agent or online via the Social Security website;

■ Social Security benefits will continue to be paid by direct deposit;

■ You can apply for Social Security, Medicare and Disability benefits online;

■ Create a My Social Security account online to access your benefit information anytime;

■ Services are available via phone but expect longer than normal wait times;

■ Social Security payment schedules will remain the same;

■ Please contact the local office in your area.

You can conduct most business online with Social Security’s secure and convenient online services which are available anytime from anywhere and from any of your devices during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Social Security Administration is asking the public to first try to use their online services before calling. Here are some of the things you can do online:

■ File a claim for retirement, disability, or Medicare benefits;

■ Apply for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drugs;

■ Check your application status;

■ File an appeal if you were recently denied disability benefits.

■ Request a replacement Social Security card (in most areas);

■ Print proof of your benefits;

■ Explore all the benefits you may be eligible for at benefits.gov;

■ Request a replacement Medicare card;

■ Change your address, if you receive benefits; and set up or change your direct deposit.

Some beneficiaries may not be comfortable managing their benefits online, however, a Certified SHIP Benefits Counselor is trained to assist beneficiaries with the services listed below. The ArkTex Area Agency on Aging has SHIP Benefits Counselors on staff. We assist beneficiaries in the following nine counties: Bowie, Cass, Morris, Titus, Red River, Lamar, Delta, Franklin and Hopkins.

■ Answers to frequently asked questions about Social Security & Medicare Benefits;

■ Help apply for assistance with Extra Help and other state benefits assistance programs;

■ Help review Medicare Part D prescription plans & review benefits and information a beneficiary’s current drug plan;

■ Help request a replacement Social Security Card; And much more.

If you need assistance, please contact Angela Glass at the Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging at 903-255-3510 or 800372-4464. Further information regarding Social Security and Medicare benefits can be found online at ssa.gov and Medicare.gov.