Federal holidays can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to the United States and not yet familiar with how they impact the Social Security Administration (SSA). These holidays, along with occasional weather or unexpected events, can affect the hours and availability of Social Security offices. Let’s break it down so you’re not caught off guard.
Upcoming Social Security Office Closures in 2024
The next major closure will be Thanksgiving Day, falling on Thursday, November 28, 2024. On this day, all Social Security offices nationwide will be closed. Earlier in the month, offices were also closed for Veterans Day on November 11, 2024.
Following Thanksgiving, the final federal holiday closure of the year will be Christmas Day, observed on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. This means SSA offices will not reopen until the following business day.
SSA Holiday Closures in Early 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Social Security offices will start the year with closures on the following dates
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20
Other major closures to mark on your calendar include
- Washington’s Birthday: Monday, February 17
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 26
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thursday, June 19
- Independence Day: Friday, July 4
- Labor Day: Monday, September 1
- Columbus Day: Monday, October 13
- Veterans Day: Tuesday, November 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 27
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25
What You Can Do Online Instead
Can’t visit an SSA office on a holiday? No problem! The Social Security Administration offers a variety of online services through its official website. Here are just a few tasks you can handle from the comfort of your home:
- Apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare benefits.
- Appeal a decision or check the status of your application.
- Access your personal information through the my Social Security account.
- Update details like your address or payment preferences.
- Request proof of benefits or replace your SSA/Medicare card.
- Find answers to common questions in the FAQs section.
FAQs
Are Social Security offices open on weekends?
No, Social Security offices are closed on weekends.
Can I make an appointment on a federal holiday?
No, SSA offices are closed on federal holidays, but online services remain available.
Is there a deadline for applying for benefits during holidays?
Applications submitted online are timestamped, so no deadlines are missed due to holidays.
What happens if my benefit payment falls on a holiday?
If your payment date falls on a federal holiday, it’s usually processed the day before.
Are SSA offices open during extreme weather events?
Local offices may close during extreme weather. Check for updates on the SSA website or call ahead.