Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions, COVID -19 battle is still going on, but humanity has to get back on its feet once again no matter how much stronger the enemy is. Humans are built to survive, but that is only possible if we are taking precautions during corona times. Every country has started the unlocking phase but has few rules and regulations.
You also have to get like to visit a social security office: you must follow some precautions so that you and others can be safe. So below are a few F&Qs that will help you gain knowledge about COVID -19 precautions while visiting any social security office.
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any safety protocols I’ll have to follow to visit the SSA office?
Nowadays you will have to book an appointment before getting an entry into the office. Only the person who booked an appointment can enter the SSA office. Also, you must know that these appointments are only open to a limited number of people, especially in case of emergencies.
This protocol was effective on July 20, 2020, and everyone booking an appointment, and getting permission must have the below-mentioned checklist self-assessment.
Are you suffering from below mentioned medical conditions?
- Headache and chills
- Sore throat/cough
- Body aches/muscle pain
- Difficulty in taking breaths or shortness of breath
- Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea
- Loss of taste and sense of smell
In the past fourteen days have you
- Been outside your country?
- Received instructions about self-quarantine or getting assessed for the COVID-19 symptoms
- Positive for Coronavirus
- Been in contact with a person positive for Coronavirus
If the answer is yes to any one of the above mentioned points, then it is a hundred percent chance you are not going to get any time entry into the social security office.
In that case, you will have to again schedule your appointment with a certificate that you are not having Coronavirus or even symptoms of it. You can use the office locator app on your devices to get the phone number of your nearby social security office.
What if I got the entry permission?
In case you have received an appointment date then you must wear a proper face mask to cover your nose and mouth properly. In case you are not having anything to cover your face then you are provided with a face mask at the gate of the social security office. Even the employees of the SSA office follow proper guidelines while meeting you in the office.
What if SSA is not conducting in-person hearings, will I still have my hearing?
As we all know there is lots of hassle going around and offices have to maintain social distancing for which limited in-person hearings are scheduled. Hearing offices are closed for some time and there are no in-person services available right now and in foreseeable future.
Right now telephonic hearings are being conducted by the SSA office and more and more people are encouraged for it so that claims can get forward. Later this winter SSA will start video calling services to conduct further hearings. You can also subscribe to the SSA COVID-19 page to get updates on upcoming services related to your matter.
Are there scams I should worry about in 2020?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes as there are many people around with bad intentions and they will suddenly take advantage of the current situation. They might have planned to trick you to get money out of you or maybe your private information. You must keep yourself alert in case you get calls claiming they are from
- SSA
- Internal revenue services
- United States treasury department
- Any other Govt. agency
Calls related to payments or your personal information, any kind of change, financial information, or gift cards then you must be alert and ask those questions in return and even file a complaint against that number.
These are totally scams and frauds at your door so you must always be alert and even keep your family informed about it. There are many such scams reported which you can check on the SSA website.
How can I prepare for my hearing on the telephone?
On the date of your hearing, you must be present on your phone and it should not be busy at the time. A member of the SSA will call you to schedule a time for a hearing. You must find the right place which must be lonely because you will be sharing your personal information and there should be no distractions around you.
There are going to be multiple people along with you on phone so no one should be disturbed. These people are going to be participants, hearing reporters, your representative, and ALJ. To experience quality calls you must follow below mentioned
- In case you are using a mobile phone, you must keep it fully charged because your conversation might go an hour long. You must be in a network and in a quiet place.
- If you are using a traditional landline, then this is the best medium with no interruption also with better sound quality.
- In case you are in a noisy place you can use the mute button and unmute when it is your turn.
How can I contact my nearby hearing office?
There are ways like e-fax, fax, and telephone to contact them so if you need to contact them by phone then you can visit the SSA website to get numbers. There is a helpline number which is available 24X7 which is inquiry lines. You can call on that toll-free number and confirm the below-mentioned things
- Confirm your hearing appointment
- Can schedule you for the in-person meeting if you can wait and desire it.
- Can also provide you with the pending hearing status
- Can help you in updating your documents
There is one more way and that is by fax. You can use your fax machines to send all your documents. You can send an electronic copy of your documents via the toll-free fax numbers and “833” is the area code for the servicing office assigned by the administration. You can also use the hearing office locator to find the correct telephone numbers.