Social Security Office Closed For Months Reopens In Ocean County

TOMS RIVER, NJ — An Ocean County Social Security office that has been closed since October is set to reopen on Wednesday, the Social Security Administration said Tuesday.

The Toms River office at 190 St. Catherine Blvd. had been closed to in-office appointments for renovations since last fall. The closure had prompted rumors that the office was being permanently closed, but officials had said those rumors were false.

The office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and the phone number is 1-877-255-1497.

"Social Security’s customers can now make appointments for all types of services instead of waiting in line, resulting in a better overall experience and reductions in wait times with predictable appointments that help prevent long in-office lines," the agency said in announcing the reopening.

People who do not want to or cannot make an appointment can still wait in line at the office.

"Staff at local offices are being particularly mindful of vulnerable populations, people with disabilities, and other groups needing specialized or immediate attention when they walk in," officials said.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Toms River office at 877-255-1497 or by calling 1-800-772-1213, which also has a call-back feature. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

The agency also said many Social Security services are available online at www.ssa.gov. People may create their personalized Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Those receiving Social Security benefits can start or change direct deposit online, request a replacement SSA-1099, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.

People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security statement, which provides their earnings information as well as estimates of their future benefits. The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services.