Getting Help from Social Security When the Local Office Is Closed or Has Reduced Hours
Some Social Security offices have reduced hours, offer phone-only service, or are temporarily closed, and online, phone, and community options can help people get what they need without a trip to the office.
Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration is the federal agency that administers retirement, disability, survivor, and Supplemental Security Income benefits. It also helps people sign up for Medicare and request Social Security number cards.
Programs & Services
Appointments by Phone or In Person
When a local office is phone-only or has limited hours, ask for a phone appointment, since many claims can be handled by phone. In-person visits require an appointment, and some offices serve people by appointment only.
Access: https://ssa.gov/manage-benefits/make-an-appointment
my Social Security Account
A free online account for reviewing earnings, estimating benefits, changing an address or direct deposit, printing proof of benefits, and requesting a replacement Social Security number card. Starting a task online can save a trip to the office.
Access: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
National 800 Number
Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Automated services are available around the clock, and Social Security representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. Representatives can schedule a phone or office appointment when one is needed.
Access: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/
Resources & Links
Closures or Delays Affecting In-Person Service
SSA’s official list, organized by state, of offices that are temporarily closed, phone-only, or appointment-only. As of October 9, 2026, the Oregon listing includes the Medford office (97504) as phone-only, and the list changes often, so check it before traveling. All Social Security offices close on federal holidays, including Monday, October 12, 2026 (Columbus Day).
Access: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/emergency
Social Security Office Locator
Find an office by address or ZIP code. If a regular payment does not arrive because of severe weather or another emergency, call your local office; the number is listed under Additional Office Information in the locator.
Access: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main
U.S. House of Representatives
The U.S. House of Representatives is part of Congress, and each member’s office serves the people of one district. Many offices have caseworkers who help residents with federal agency problems.
Programs & Services
Congressional Casework Help
Enter your ZIP code to find your representative’s website and contact page. Offices that handle casework can help when a claim is stuck; have your Social Security number, a short timeline of what you tried, and any dates and reference numbers ready.
Access: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden
Ron Wyden is a U.S. Senator from Oregon. His office provides casework help to Oregonians who have problems with federal agencies.
Programs & Services
Help with a Federal Agency
His office works with Oregonians on problems with federal agencies, including Social Security.
Eligibility: A signed Privacy Act release form is required, and the office cannot help with state agency matters.
Access: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/services/help-with-a-federal-agency
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley
Jeff Merkley is a U.S. Senator from Oregon. His office provides casework help to Oregonians who have problems with federal agencies.
Programs & Services
Helping Oregonians Secure Their Benefits
Describes the casework help his office provides with Social Security and other federal agencies.
Access: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/helping-oregonians-secure-their-benefits/
Oregon SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance)
Oregon’s Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is a statewide network of trained volunteer counselors within the Oregon Department of Human Services. It provides free Medicare information and counseling to people of all ages who have Medicare.
Programs & Services
Free Medicare Counseling
Counselors answer Medicare questions and help people compare plans and understand their options. Call 1-800-722-4134 (toll-free). For help in a language other than English, including sign language, call 833-685-0841, and a translator will reach out in the preferred language.
Medicare open enrollment begins Thursday, October 15, 2026, and runs through early December. Call volume is often higher during that time, and the SHIBA website offers free resources for people who prefer not to wait on hold.
Eligibility: People of all ages who have Medicare.
Access: https://shiba.oregon.gov/get-help
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare.gov offers plan information and live help from a person.
Programs & Services
1-800-MEDICARE
Talk or live chat with a person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. Call 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048). For Medicare sign-up, address changes, or Extra Help applications, Medicare directs people to the Social Security Administration.
Access: https://www.medicare.gov/talk-to-someone
Oregon Medicare Savings Connect
Oregon Medicare Savings Connect is a statewide program of Multnomah County Aging, Disability, and Veterans Services. It provides free, confidential help with Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help.
Programs & Services
Medicare Cost Savings Application Help
Free application help for programs that can lower Medicare Part B and Part D premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and prescription costs. Staff help people apply for Extra Help, which is processed through the Social Security Administration. Language interpretation is available.
Call 1-855-447-0155, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific time, or email [email protected].
Eligibility: Based on income; call to find out whether you qualify.
Access: https://multco.us/services/oregon-medicare-savings-connect
Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) of Oregon
The Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon is a statewide network, maintained by the Oregon Department of Human Services, that connects older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers to local information and services. ADRC services are free and available regardless of income.
Programs & Services
ADRC Information and Referral Line
Call 1-855-673-2372 (1-855-ORE-ADRC) to be connected with a local ADRC for information about long-term supports and services. In Multnomah County, the ADRC helpline is 503-988-3646.
Access: https://www.adrcoforegon.org
Resources & Links
Find Your Local ADRC
An interactive map of local ADRC agencies. ADRC services are provided by different agencies around the state, each serving one or more counties.
Access: https://www.adrcoforegon.org/consumersite/connect/
Multnomah County Aging, Disability & Veterans Services
Home of the Multnomah County ADRC helpline at 503-988-3646, with information on in-home care, caregiver support, Medicare assistance, and veterans services.
Access: https://multco.us/departments/aging-disability-veterans-services
Disclaimer: This listing is shared for community information only. The offerings are organized and hosted by the listed organizations, not by PeerGalaxy. Details such as dates, times, availability, and access links are subject to change — please confirm with the relevant organization before attending or applying.