Social Security offices are closing their doors due to coronavirus, but help with benefits is still available, the agency says.

The Social Security Administration said this week that its local offices across the nation are now closed to the public for in-person service.

Officials said the move will protect both the agency’s employees and its beneficiaries, many of whom are considered to be at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Social Security will continue to offer assistance by phone, both from local offices and through its national number (1-800-772-1213), and the agency said many services are available on its website. A dedicated webpage details what services are still being offered.

Despite the changes, Social Security said that payments to beneficiaries will continue as usual.

“Be aware that scammers may try to trick you into thinking the pandemic is stopping your Social Security payments but that is not true. Don’t be fooled,” Andrew Saul, commissioner of Social Security, said in a statement.

Individuals who already have appointments or hearings scheduled will be contacted to make alternate arrangements, officials said.

More than 69 million Americans receive monthly payments from Social Security, including 8 million Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries, many of whom have disabilities.

Social Security did not indicate when its local offices might reopen.

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