Social Security Holidays 2026: When Are Offices Closed?

Andy Markowitz and Phil Pruitt,

Updated January 262026

AARP

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Published December 262024

/ Updated January 262026

Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices observe 11 annual federal holidays. Offices are closed to visitors on these daysand telephone help from live representatives is not available. That will be the case on MondayFeb. 16when federal agencies close for the holiday legally designated as Washington’s Birthday but also popularly known as Presidents Day.

Here’s the Social Security holiday schedule for 2026:

New Year’s Day: ThursdayJan. 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: MondayJan. 19
Washington’s Birthday: MondayFeb. 16
Memorial Day: MondayMay 25
Juneteenth National Independence Day: FridayJune 19
Independence Day: FridayJuly 3 (observed)
Labor Day: MondaySept. 7
Columbus Day: MondayOct. 12
Veterans Day: WednesdayNov. 11
Thanksgiving: ThursdayNov. 26
Christmas: FridayDec. 25

When a federal holiday falls on a Saturdayas is the case with Independence Day this yearit is observed on the preceding Friday. Holidays that land on a Sunday are observed the following Mondaybut there are none of those in 2026.

Social Security offices are typically open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are required in most cases to receive in-person service. Call Social Security’s toll-free national helpline (800-772-1213) or contact your local office directly to schedule a visit.

Upon arrivalyou can use the SSA’s mobile check-in service to notify staffsecure a place in line and get a notification when they’re ready for you. You can also check in using on-site kiosks installed at most field offices.

At any timea handful of offices may be temporarily closed or offer limited service due to constructionadverse weather conditions that make it difficult for people to wait outsideor other issues. Check the SSA’s “Office Closings and Emergencies” page for an up-to-date list of affected sites.

Social Security by phone

To speak to a Social Security representative by phoneyou can:

Call 800-772-1213between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time on weekdays.
Call your local office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. You’ll find the correct number by plugging your ZIP code into SSA’ss office locator.

The SSA recommends calling during less busy times (before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.) and later in the week to minimize waits on hold. Wait times also are generally shorter near the end of the month.

On federal holidaysyou will not be able to speak to a live agentas Social Security personnel get the day offbut you can access some services using the SSA’s automated phone system.

For exampleyou can ask for a benefit verification letterwhich can serve as proof of Social Security income if you are applying for a loan or for aid from a government program; request a new Medicare card; or check on the status of a pending claim for benefits.

You’ll find a list of automated phone services on the Social Security website.

Online services: My Social Security

Whatever the status of your local office and whatever the day or timeyou can securely access many SSA services with an online My Social Security account.

You don’t need to be getting benefits yet to use My Social Security. Once you’ve opened an account at the SSA websiteyou can use it to:

Check your Social Security statementwhich shows your lifetime earnings history and your current or estimated future benefits.
Check on the status of a pending application for benefits or appeal of a Social Security decision.
Set up direct deposit for your benefit payments or change the deposit details.
Request a replacement Social Security card or Medicare card.
Request a benefit verification letter.
Request an SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S formwhich details your benefit income for tax purposes.
Notify the SSA of a change of address or phone number.

You can also apply for retirement benefitsMedicare or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) online. You’ll find information and links to application forms on SSA’s Online Services web page.

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Andy Markowitz is an AARP senior writer and editor covering Social Security and retirement. He is a former editor of the Prague Post and Baltimore City Paper.

Phil Pruitt is an AARP writer and editor focusing on Social Security. He is a former editor at Scripps News and Yahoo News and was on the start-up staff at USA Todaywhere he held numerous editing positions.