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By Lizna Odhwani

We recognize that you may have questions about how COVID-19 will affect Social Security services.

The first thing you should know is that Social Security will continue to pay Social Security and SSI benefits.

Also, beware of scammers who may try to trick you into thinking the pandemic is stopping your Social Security payments. This threat is not true. Don’t let the scammers fool you.

Social Security also wants to share other important information about its services during this pandemic.

To protect you and Social Security employees, and help stop the spread of COVID-19, we cannot accept visitors in offices at this time. We provide many services online and limited, critical services via phone and email. During the pandemic, we are dedicating available staff to serve people in most critical need of our services.

Need help from Social Security? Many of its services are available online at www.ssa.gov/onlineservices, including:

• Applying for benefits.
• Setting up or changing your direct deposit.
• Changing your address, if you get benefits.
• Getting proof of your benefits.

Social Security strongly encourages you to try its convenient and secure online services before calling. Please be aware that call wait times are much longer than normal. Save time and go online.

For more information, please visit the COVID-19 page at www.ssa.gov/coronavirus. There, you can find out what limited services Social Security can provide by phone, and important information about deadlines that have been extended to ease the burden on you and medical providers during this pandemic. You can also subscribe to get an email or text message notification when the page is updated so you stay informed.

Please share the COVID-19 page with your friends and family.

Lizna Odhwani is a Social Security public affairs specialist based in Norfolk. Contact her at Lizna.Odhwani@ssa.gov.