Is Social Security open on Presidents Day? That’s the question millions of Americans are asking as the federal holiday approaches. With Presidents Day falling today, February 16, 2026, many retirees, disability beneficiaries, and applicants want clear answers about Social Security Administration (SSA) office hours, phone support, and payment schedules.
Here’s the latest verified update as of today.
Table of Contents
Social Security Offices Are Closed on Presidents Day 2026
The Social Security Administration follows the federal holiday schedule. Presidents Day—officially known as Washington’s Birthday—is a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of February each year.
In 2026, Presidents Day falls on Monday, February 16.
Because it is a federal holiday:
- All local Social Security field offices are closed today
- In-person appointments are not available
- Card centers are also closed
- Federal employees, including SSA staff, are off duty
Anyone planning to visit a local office today will need to wait until regular business hours resume.
When Will Social Security Offices Reopen?
Offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, during normal weekday operating hours.
Most local SSA offices operate:
- Monday through Friday
- Typically between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (local time)
However, hours can vary slightly depending on location. It’s always best to check your local office listing before visiting.
Is the Social Security Phone Line Open Today?
The SSA’s national toll-free number (1-800-772-1213) is also closed on Presidents Day. Live representatives are unavailable during the holiday.
Phone services will resume on Tuesday during standard hours:
- Monday–Friday
- 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
If you call today, you may hear an automated message confirming the closure due to the federal holiday.
Can You Access Social Security Services Online?
Yes. Even though offices are closed, online services remain fully operational.
Through the official SSA website, you can:
- Apply for retirement benefits
- Apply for disability benefits
- Request a replacement Social Security card
- Check application status
- Download benefit verification letters
- Manage direct deposit details
Online services are available 24/7, including holidays.
For many users, online access provides faster service than visiting an office in person. That option remains open today.
Will Social Security Payments Be Delayed?
Presidents Day does not delay regularly scheduled Social Security payments in 2026.
Here’s why:
Social Security payments follow a structured monthly schedule based on your birth date or benefit type. Since Presidents Day falls on Monday, February 16, and regular payment dates this month fall later in the week, no direct deposit disruptions are expected.
February 2026 Payment Schedule
| Birth Date | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 1st–10th | February 11 |
| 11th–20th | February 18 |
| 21st–31st | February 25 |
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries received their February payment on February 1, 2026.
Because no payment date falls directly on Presidents Day, deposits should arrive as scheduled.
Why Social Security Closes on Presidents Day
The Social Security Administration is a federal agency. All federal agencies close on officially recognized federal holidays.
Presidents Day is one of 11 annual federal holidays. Government departments, including the SSA, pause in-person and live phone operations.
Other agencies closed today include:
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices
- Federal courts
- Most federal buildings
Private businesses, however, may operate on different schedules.
What If You Had an Appointment Today?
If you had a scheduled in-person appointment for February 16, it would have been automatically rescheduled.
SSA typically:
- Contacts individuals in advance
- Provides a new appointment date
- Sends written confirmation if necessary
If you are unsure about your appointment status, check your mail or log into your online SSA account for updates.
Is Social Security Open on Presidents Day Every Year?
No. Social Security offices close every year on Presidents Day because it is a federal holiday.
This pattern does not change annually. Whether it’s 2025, 2026, or future years, SSA offices will remain closed on that Monday.
If Presidents Day falls on February 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21 depending on the calendar year, closures apply across all 50 states.
How This Impacts New Applicants
If you planned to apply for benefits in person today, you must wait until Tuesday.
However, you can still:
- Start your retirement application online
- Begin a disability benefits application
- Upload required documentation electronically
Applications submitted online today will be processed once staff return to work.
Processing timelines remain the same as normal federal business days.
Recent Update on SSA Staffing and Delays
As of early 2026, the Social Security Administration continues to experience staffing shortages nationwide.
Field offices have reported:
- Longer wait times
- Higher call volumes
- Delays in appointment scheduling
Because of that, the day after a federal holiday often sees heavy call traffic.
If you plan to contact SSA on Tuesday:
- Call early in the morning
- Avoid peak lunchtime hours
- Consider using online services first
Demand typically spikes after long weekends.
What About Direct Deposit Changes?
Online direct deposit updates remain available today.
If you:
- Need to change bank accounts
- Update routing numbers
- Confirm deposit details
You can complete those changes online without visiting an office.
Keep in mind that processing may not begin until Tuesday.
Does Presidents Day Affect SSI?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are usually issued on the first of each month.
If the first falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is issued on the previous business day.
Since February 1, 2026 fell on a Sunday, SSI recipients received payments on Friday, January 30, 2026.
Presidents Day does not impact February SSI payments this year.
Quick Summary: Is Social Security Open on Presidents Day?
Here’s a fast breakdown:
- Offices: Closed
- Phone lines: Closed
- Online services: Open 24/7
- Payments: No delay for February 2026
- Reopening date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Common Misconceptions
Many people assume banks closing on Presidents Day affects Social Security deposits.
That’s not always true.
While some banks observe Presidents Day, electronic federal deposits scheduled for mid-week remain unaffected unless the payment date directly falls on the holiday.
This month, no Social Security payment date coincides with February 16.
Another common myth is that emergency SSA services remain open. They do not. All in-person federal services close.
Planning Ahead for Federal Holidays
If you rely on Social Security services regularly, it helps to plan around federal holidays.
Here are the remaining federal holidays in 2026:
- Memorial Day – May 25
- Juneteenth – June 19
- Independence Day – July 4 (observed July 3)
- Labor Day – September 7
- Columbus Day – October 12
- Veterans Day – November 11
- Thanksgiving Day – November 26
- Christmas Day – December 25
All will result in SSA office closures.
Marking these dates helps avoid scheduling confusion.
Why This Question Trends Every Year
Search interest for “is social security open on presidents day” spikes every February.
Retirees, new beneficiaries, and disability applicants often need assistance during tax season. Presidents Day lands in the middle of peak filing preparation.
Many Americans use this time to:
- Request benefit verification letters
- Confirm annual earnings statements
- Update income records
That urgency drives high search activity.
What to Expect Tomorrow
When offices reopen on February 17:
- Expect longer wait times
- Prepare necessary documents before calling
- Bring identification if visiting in person
Arriving early reduces wait times at field offices.
Online users may experience slower page loads during high traffic hours, though the system remains operational.
Final Takeaway
If you’re asking whether Social Security is open today, the answer is clear: federal offices are closed for Presidents Day 2026, but online services remain available around the clock.
If you need immediate help, the SSA website provides most essential tools. Otherwise, regular operations resume tomorrow.
Staying aware of federal holiday schedules can save time and frustration. Have questions about today’s closure or tomorrow’s reopening? Share your experience below and stay updated on the latest benefit news.
FAQs
1. Is Social Security open on Presidents Day 2026?
No. All Social Security offices and phone lines are closed on February 16, 2026.
2. Will my Social Security check be late because of Presidents Day?
No. February 2026 payments are not scheduled for February 16, so deposits remain on time.
3. Can I apply for benefits today?
Yes. You can apply online through the SSA website even though offices are closed.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and reflects publicly available information as of February 16, 2026. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the Social Security Administration (SSA) or any government agency. Office hours, payment dates, and service availability may change without notice. Readers should verify details directly through the official SSA website or by contacting their local Social Security office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
