WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an ongoing commitment to serve the public more efficiently, local Social Security offices are expanding appointment-based services.

By scheduling appointments, the offices will aim to reduce wait times, streamline service delivery and improve the overall customer experience.

Nearly 400 field offices have already moved to appointment-based service this year. These offices have seen significant improvements in wait times due to more efficient and helpful visitor experiences and increases in the number of customers able to complete their business online.

They are implementing appointment-based services nationwide in two phases. The first phase is a transition period now through Jan. 5. The purpose of this transition period is to educate customers about needing to schedule an appointment for SSA services.

As a reminder, many of their services can be provided via phone with an appointment and do not require a customer to walk into an office for service.

Effective Jan. 6, they will require customers to schedule an appointment for service in their field offices, including requests for Social Security cards. They encourage customers to become accustomed to:

— Online services, where many transactions can be completed conveniently and securely; and

— Automated services available on the national 800 number, 1-800-772-1213.

Customers who are not able to handle their business online or with the automated options can call their local Social Security office or the national 800 number to schedule an appointment.

They want to make clear that they will not turn people away for service who are unable to make an appointment or do not want to make an appointment.

For example, members of vulnerable populations, military personnel, people with terminal illnesses and individuals with other situations requiring immediate or specialized attention may still walk in for service at the field offices. Some of their offices also have minimal to no wait times, and they will still serve customers who walk in.