Reduced hours posted for Social Security office

CHILLICOTHE, MO — Effective Nov. 19, 2012, the Chillicothe Social Security office will close one-half hour earlier each day. Business hours at this office are now Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Also, beginning Jan. 2, 2013, the office will be closed at noon every Wednesday. This change in business hours will allow agency employees to complete face-to-face interviews and process claims without incurring the cost of overtime. Significantly reduced funding provided by Congress prompts the focus to avoid overtime expense. In addition, all Social Security offices will be closed to the public on Nov. 23, the day after Thanksgiving. Employees on that day will be focused on reducing backlogged workloads. Most Social Security services do not require a visit to a local office. May services including application for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits as well as signing up for direct deposit, replacing a Medicare card, obtaining a proof of income letter or reporting a change of address or telephone number can be done online or by telephone. The toll free telephone number is 1-800-772-1213. Many online services are also available in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov.