Social Security offices not scheduling appointments - how to actually get in?

You actually CAN get an appointment, but you have to use specific wording. When the automated system asks why you're calling, say 'dire need situation' or 'severe hardship.' I had to do this last month for my disability review. They'll transfer you to a real person who can schedule you. Don't take no for an answer!

I work as a benefits counselor, and unfortunately, SSA offices have been severely limiting in-person appointments since COVID. They're prioritizing truly critical situations. Here's what qualifies for in-person appointments: 1. No food/shelter/medical care without immediate benefits 2. Original document submission for urgent claims 3. Severe disability limiting phone/online service use 4. Domestic violence victim needing immediate help If your situation falls under these, use the 'critical situation' wording when calling. Otherwise, you can try calling your Congressional representative's office - they have liaisons who can often get SSA appointments when regular channels fail.

They just doing this so people give up!!! Been dealing with SSA for 28 YEARS and its getting WORSE every year. They know if they make it hard enough, people will just walk away from benefits they EARNED. Disgraceful how they treat seniors and disabled!!!

I was in the same boat last month trying to fix an underpayment issue with my survivor benefits that couldn't be handled online. After getting nowhere for weeks, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was honestly a game-changer. They got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold all day. The agent scheduled my in-person appointment once I explained my situation. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

just show up first thing in morning with all ur paperwork. thats wat i did. got there 45 min before open an they took me even tho i didnt have appt. said it was case by case but they helped me fix my medicare part b problem. worth a try

My grandma had a problem with her social security check and she couldn't get an appointment either last month. We tried for DAYS calling and kept getting disconnected or put on hold forever. So frustrating!!! She ended up just going to the office with her walker and all her papers and they felt bad and helped her even without appointment. But I know that doesn't work for everyone...

Social Security Field Office Manager here. Let me clarify our current appointment policy: 1. We ARE booking appointments, but they're prioritized based on case urgency 2. You should specifically request a "limited in-person appointment" when calling 3. Explain that your issue requires original document verification 4. Ask for a Technical Expert if your case involves benefits calculation issues If you're having trouble getting through on the 800 number, call your local office directly during less busy times (Wednesday or Thursday afternoons typically have shorter wait times). You can find your local office direct number here: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

By the way, if you DO get through to someone who won't help, just hang up and call again. Different agents have different levels of helpfulness. I had to call 3 times before I got someone who actually knew how to schedule an appointment correctly. The first two just read from scripts saying they couldn't help me.