Effective May 28, 2021, Field Offices and Social Security Card Centers nationwide will begin offering the new Express Interview option. Express interviews are brief interviews, lasting approximately 5-7 minutes, which allow eligible individuals to apply for an original or replacement Social Security card and submit necessary evidence in person.
Although this process is intended for Social Security card customers, Express Interviews are also available for gathering evidence for processing claims and workloads.
To qualify for an Express Interview, individuals must be unable to use automated or online services AND meet current critical appointment criteria such as:
- original cards for individuals age 12 or older;
- replacement cards for individuals who need to update or correct their information to obtain income, resources, medical care or coverage, or other services or benefits (e.g., filing a tax return, applying for housing, or seeking an Economic Impact Payment)
Individuals unable or unwilling to send original evidence documents by mail are also qualified for an Express Interview.
Individuals must call the Field Office to pre-screen for an Express Interview. If they meet the criteria above, the employee must consider all other virtual or drop-off options available before approving an Express Interview. Non-citizens should not mail or drop off immigration documents, as non-citizens are required to have their immigration documents in their possession at all times.
Instructions on conducting the in-person interviews are listed in the Emergency Message. (EM-21041, May 27, 2021)