Return to Videos If you collect SSDI, you probably already know the social security administration, including the offices that hear disability insurance appeals, have closed. It's part of the nation-wide effort to slow the spread of coronavirus. But you can still handle most business online or by phone. Years of budget cuts have lead to long wait times at social security field offices, many of which see hundreds of people daily. Long lines in rooms filled with dozens of people, most often seniors and disabled people who are at the highest risk for COVID-19. Field offices will still offer in-person assistance for a very short list of crucial services including:

• reinstatement of benefits in dire circumstances
• assistance for people with severe disabilities, blindness or terminal illness
• and people in dire need of eligibility for SSI or medicaid related to work status

But those people *must* call in advance. If you already have an office appointment or a disability appeal scheduled, social security will contact you by phone to reschedule or handle the matter on the phone.The agency cautions the call may come from a private number because social security personnel who are working from home, have government issued phones. But remember they will never call you to tell you your social security number has been suspended, demand payments or credit card info. Those calls are a scams - so hang up. A reminder: virtually all services can be handled through the agency's toll free line 800-772-1213 or it's website ssa.gov. And if you have more questions in the Tampa area call social security disability attorney Mike Murburg or visit disabilityattorney.net.