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Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices observe 11 federal holidays each year. Offices are closed to visitors on these days, and telephone help from live representatives is not available. That will be the case on Friday, July 3, when federal government agencies close in observance of Independence Day, which falls on a Saturday this year.
Here’s the Social Security holiday schedule for 2026:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, Jan. 1
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, Jan. 19
- Washington’s Birthday: Monday, Feb. 16
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19
- Independence Day: Friday, July 3 (observed)
- Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 7
- Columbus Day: Monday, Oct. 12
- Veterans Day: Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 26
- Christmas: Friday, Dec. 25
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When a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, as is the case with Independence Day this year, it is observed on the preceding Friday. Holidays that land on a Sunday are observed the following Monday, but there are none of those in 2026.
Social Security offices are typically open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required in most cases to receive in-person service. Call Social Security’s toll-free national helpline (800-772-1213) or contact your local office directly to schedule a visit.
Upon arrival, you can use the SSA’s mobile check-in service to notify staff, secure a place in line and get a notification when they’re ready for you. You can also check in using on-site kiosks installed at most field offices.
At any time, a handful of offices may be temporarily closed or offer limited service due to construction, adverse weather conditions that make it difficult for people to wait outside, or other issues. Check the SSA’s “Office Closings and Emergencies” page for an up-to-date list of affected sites.
Social Security by phone
To speak to a Social Security representative by phone, you can:
- Call 800-772-1213, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time on weekdays.
- Call your local office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. You’ll find the correct number by plugging your ZIP code into SSA’ss office locator.
The SSA recommends calling during less busy times (before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.) and later in the week to minimize waits on hold. Wait times also are generally shorter near the end of the month.
On federal holidays, you will not be able to speak to a live agent, as Social Security personnel get the day off, but you can access some services using the SSA’s automated phone system.
For example, you can ask for a benefit verification letter, which can serve as proof of Social Security income if you are applying for a loan or for aid from a government program; request a new Medicare card; or check on the status of a pending claim for benefits.
You’ll find a list of automated phone services on the Social Security website.
Online services: My Social Security
Whatever the status of your local office and whatever the day or time, you can securely access many SSA services with an online My Social Security account.
You don’t need to be getting benefits yet to use My Social Security. Once you’ve opened an account at the SSA website, you can use it to:
- Check your Social Security statement, which shows your lifetime earnings history and your current or estimated future benefits.
- Check on the status of a pending application for benefits or appeal of a Social Security decision.
- Set up direct deposit for your benefit payments or change the deposit details.
- Request a replacement Social Security card or Medicare card.
- Request a benefit verification letter.
- Request an SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S form, which details your benefit income for tax purposes.
- Notify the SSA of a change of address or phone number.
You can also apply for retirement benefits, Medicare or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) online. You’ll find information and links to application forms on SSA’s Online Services web page.
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