As a rare winter storm sweeps across the United States, many Social Security offices have temporarily closed their doors.

Newsweek has rounded up a state-by-state list of Social Security Administration (SSA) office closures for Wednesday, January 22.

Newsweek reached out to the Social Security Administration via email for comment.

Why It Matters

The recently developed storm has been described as one of the most severe winter storms in recent history—and it’s already impacting government services.

With over 65 million people in the U.S. relying on Social Security benefits, the closure of Social Security offices can have significant impacts on those looking to apply for benefits or address payment issues, among other necessities.

What To Know

Four states will experience Social Security office closures on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Note that assistance can still be provided via telephone.

Individuals who have scheduled in-person and video teleconference (VTC) hearings will be contacted by the SSA to arrange new dates, though hearings set to be conducted by telephone or online video will proceed as scheduled.

Georgia Social Security Office Closures

Only one Georgia SSA office will be closed, located in Savannah (31405).

Louisiana Social Security Office Closures

Three offices will be closed in Louisiana, including Alexandria (71301), New Orleans (70112) and Metairie (70001).

North Carolina Social Security Office Closures

One office will be closed in North Carolina, located in Fayetteville (28301).

Texas Social Security Office Closures

Two Texas offices will be closed, including Houston West (77042) and Houston North (77032).

What People Are Saying

Frank Pereira, meteorologist for the NWS Weather Prediction Center, previously told Newsweek: “Going forward, tomorrow it’s still going to be below to well-below normal temperatures pretty much up and down the East Coast and along the Gulf Coast as well. With those temperatures, we are looking at the potential for record cold temperatures across those areas.”

Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather, said in a media advisory: “This is not an intense, well-developed storm, but the frigid air interacting with moisture from the Gulf will produce significant snow and ice in places that rarely receive accumulations of snow and ice. This winter storm will virtually shut down travel for days in some areas.”

What Happens Next

As the storm continues to impact large swathes of the country, it currently remains uncertain when these Social Security offices will reopen.

For those needing immediate assistance with Social Security services, online resources and national hotlines remain operational.