The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued instructions about when to schedule in-office appointments.
In-office appointments are available for two reasons: 1) To address a limited critical need and the client is unable to use automated services, which includes immediate payments, death corrections, economic or health support, needing an original social security card, and needing a replacement social security card to get income, medical care or ither services or benefits; and 2) If SSA needs to review original documents.
In-office appointments are not scheduled for initial claims or redeterminations unless one of the above criteria are met. Important documents such as driver’s licenses, passports and immigration documents should not be submitted by mail or drop box. (EM 21056, September 8, 2021.)