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Contacting the Social Security Administration (SSA) can often be a frustrating experience due to recent workforce reductions and the consolidation of in-person offices. Many individuals find it difficult to get their questions addressed, particularly during busy periods like the days before and after federal holidays when office closures occur.
It’s crucial to note that on federal holidays, non-essential government offices, including the SSA and several financial institutions, cease operations. Although these holidays are acknowledged nationwide, they do not qualify as official “national holidays.”
For those wishing to reach the SSA, the number to call is 1-800-772-1213, available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday. Experience indicates that the best times to call are earlier in the day, later in the week, and closer to the end of the month when wait times are generally shorter. Mondays tend to have the highest call volume, while Fridays often see reduced wait times, with a noticeable increase in call duration by the end of the afternoon.
For time-sensitive inquiries, the SSA offers an automated service that operates 24/7, allowing users to access recorded information and complete several tasks outside of regular business hours. The automated service provides options to:
- Request a benefit verification letter
- Obtain a replacement Medicare card
- Check the status of a claim
- Request a form SSA-1020 for Medicare prescription drug cost assistance
- Ask for a form SSA-1099, which is the Social Security Benefit Statement for tax purposes
Upcoming federal holidays
The following is a list of federally recognized holidays in 2025 along with their respective closure dates:
| Holiday | Date of Closure |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Wednesday, January 1 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 20 |
| Presidents’ Day | Monday, February 17 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 26 |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | Thursday, June 19 |
| Independence Day | Friday, July 4 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 1 |
| Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Monday, October 13 |
| Veterans Day | Tuesday, November 11 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 27 |
| Christmas Day | Thursday, December 25 |
Holidays the federal government remains open
Though there are 11 official federal holidays, numerous other cultural and religious observances take place throughout the year. While many individuals may choose to take time off during these occasions, federal offices generally remain operational. Notably, this month, federal offices will be open on Good Friday and will not close the Monday following Easter Sunday.
Source
www.kiplinger.com