Social Security offices reopen to public on April 7

Berkeley Brean

[File photo, News10NBC]

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — After being closed to the public for approximately two years, Social Security offices in Rochester will re-open to the public, even for those without a scheduled appointment, on Thursday, April 7.

In a news release today, the acting commissioner of Social Security, Kilolo Kijakazi, said "given that many of the people we serve have health vulnerabilities, and consistent with our union agreements, we are continuing to require certain safety measures including masking, physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms. We will provide masks to the public and employees if they need them."

There are two Social Security office locations in Rochester.

One at 200 E Main St. (2nd floor), Rochester, NY 14604, and a second at 4050 W Ridge Rd. in Greece.

An agreement between the SSA and the Association of Federal Government Employees allows social security employees to take a maximum of two "telework" days a week, meaning they can work remotely.

Kijakazi also said, "Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits at our offices. Be aware that our offices tend to be the busiest first thing in the morning, early in the week, and during the early part of the month, so people may want to plan to visit at other times."

News10NBC has done multiple stories on the difficulties of people who tried to call to set up an appointment or get help from social security.

In the release, the SSA said "As we transition to a new modern phone system, some people may experience a busy signal or be unintentionally disconnected from their call. We sincerely regret this disruption and recommend people call when our National 800 Number may be less busy, such as before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. local time or later in the week. Like our offices, our waits are generally shorter later in the month."