Are Social Security Offices Open on Veterans Day?

Social Security offices will be closed on Veterans Day, Nov. 10, but you can still access services online.

Social Security offices will not be open on Veterans Day, which is recognized as one of the 11 federal holidays by the agency. Veterans Day is observed on November 11th, but since it falls on a Saturday this year, the federal holiday will be observed on Friday, November 10th. This means that all Social Security offices will be closed on that day. Additionally, telephone services that require live representatives will also be unavailable on Veterans Day.

However, there is still an alternative option for individuals who need assistance with their Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration has created the "mySocialSecurity" portal, which allows users to apply for and manage their benefits online. This portal is free to sign up for and provides personalized tools for individuals, even if they are not currently receiving benefits. Users can use the portal to request a replacement Social Security benefits card, check the status of an existing application, and estimate future benefits or manage existing ones.

It is important to note that there will be two more closures of Social Security offices for holidays in 2023. The offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, which falls on Thursday, November 23rd, and on Christmas Day, which falls on Monday, December 25th. These closures are part of the regular holiday schedule followed by Social Security and other federal offices each year.

In addition to these holiday closures, there is a possibility that some federal services could be impacted if Congress fails to reach a budget agreement in mid-November. This could potentially lead to a government shutdown. However, it is important to highlight that Social Security is not one of the services that would be affected in the event of a government shutdown. Social Security, along with Medicare and other entitlement programs, falls under the category of "mandatory spending" rather than "discretionary" spending. Therefore, these programs would continue to function even during a government shutdown.

In conclusion, if you are in need of assistance with your Social Security benefits and the offices are closed on Veterans Day or other holidays, the "mySocialSecurity" portal is a valuable resource that can provide the necessary tools and services. Additionally, it is important to stay informed about the potential impact of a government shutdown on federal services, but rest assured that Social Security will continue to operate regardless.