As the state – and the nation – look at reopening to embrace a new normal, the process for returning to “business as usual” is different for nearly every sector for public life. What will work for restaurants might not work for gyms, and what will work for lawyers or accountants or real estate agents might not work for salons or civic offices or youth sports.

The Social Security Administration is figuring out what will work for its offices.

“Earlier this week, the White House issued national guidance regarding ‘Opening Up America Again,’” noted SS commissioner Andrew Saul last week. “We are evaluating this information as it relates to our agency and are continuing to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation across the nation.

“In fulfilling Social Security’s mission, when we reopen offices to the public, we will provide a safe environment for both the people we serve and our employees,” Saul added.

Saul said as Social Security continues to develop a reopening plan, “our offices will remain closed to the public for face-to-face service, and our employees will continue to work remotely and provide services to the public.”

“We will provide updates moving forward and post updated information on the status of our offices, by state, at www.socialsecurity.gov/coronavirus,” Saul said.  Our agency will provide these updates directly, and please disregard other sources of information regarding the status of our offices.”

All local Social Security offices – including the office to serve Franklin County at 203 South Walnut St., Florence – closed to the public for in-person service. March 17.

For more information on attaining Social Security services visit www.ssa.gov or call 1-855-884-3407.