Last updated: 4/13/2020

 What you need to know about the Social Security Administration and SSA benefits during the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19)

Will I continue to get my SSA benefits?

Yes. SSA will continue to make regularly scheduled benefits payments for Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance, and Supplemental Security Income.

Are Social Security offices open?

No. Social Security has closed both the local offices and the hearings offices. No in-person business can be conducted and no in-person hearings will take place until these offices are reopened.

How can I conduct business with Social Security such as file an application for benefits or report changes?

Most SSA business can be conducted online if you have a mySocial Security account or over the phone. To see what business can be conducted online or to register for a mySocial Security account please visit www.ssa.gov. To contact SSA over the phone please call (877) 772-1213.

Can I still apply for benefits?

Yes. SSA is still accepting applications for benefits and we encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply as soon as possible. If you need to apply for benefits you can either complete an application online or contact SSA over the phone and ask to file an application. Many people can complete the application online at www.ssa.gov.

What if I already have an appointment or hearing scheduled with SSA?

If you already have an in-person appointment or hearing scheduled with SSA you should immediately contact SSA to determine how you would like to proceed. Most people who have in-person appointments or hearing already scheduled with SSA are being given the option of either conducting the appointment or hearing over the telephone or rescheduling to a later date. TRLA recommends appointments or hearings be rescheduled until they can be conducted in-person. However, this could result in a delay of several months.

Will I lose my benefits during the crisis?

No. While SSA typically reviews disability cases periodically, SSA has suspended new and currently ongoing reviews.

Will SSA continue to process or collect on overpayments?

SSA has suspended processing new overpayments. However, collection on old overpayments will continue.

I received a Notice or letter from SSA. Do I need to respond by the stated deadline?

Yes. While SSA has said that it will extend deadlines, you should still file all responses to SSA letters or notices within the stated deadlines. Most appeals can be filed online here. However, if you miss a deadline due to Coronavirus, you should have good cause for late filing.

I only receive Social Security benefits and don't file taxes. Am I eligible for the $1,200 or $2,400 Coronavirus stimulus payment?

Yes. SSA benefits recipients making less than $75,000 a year (individual) or $150,000 a year (couples) are eligible for the full stimulus payment.

How do I get my Coronavirus stimulus payment?

If you receive SSA Retirement, Survivors, or Disability Insurance benefits, you should automatically receive a stimulus payment.However, if you have dependents, you may need to file a simple tax return to claim additional stimulus benefits for children. If you only receive Supplemental Security Income, you will not automatically receive a stimulus payment. SSI recipients who do not file taxes should go here to claim their payment.

I need legal assistance. Is TRLA available to help during the crisis?

YES! TRLA is still accepting applications for legal services and representing clients. Our offices are closed, but we are conducting new intakes over the phone. Please call our Texas Access to Justice Hotline at (833) 329-8752 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to complete an application for legal services.