DON'T GO TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE: IT IS CLOSED

All Social Security offices are closed to the public. You can't make an appointment to go there and you can't just show up. The doors are locked and no one is admitted.

All business with the Social Security Administration must be done over the phone or on the internet (socialsecurity.gov).

It's best NOT to use the national Social Security (1-800-772-1213). There are usually horrendous on-hold times to speak to an agent. It's better to call your local Social Security office. Many local offices "hide" their phone number; however, if you google your local office and click on the icon, the local number will usually appear. Most local numbers are also tool free numbers that begin with 800, 855, 866, 877, etc. These still ring at the local office.

A few local numbers in North Alabama:

HUNTSVILLE 1-866-593-0665 Extension 0

DECATUR 1-888-289-9185

ALBERT VILLE 1-800-521-0073

FLORENCE 1-855-884-3407

You must call during business hours, for most offices 8:00 AM to 4 PM, Monday - Friday.