The Social Security Administration Tuesday closed its offices around the country, including in Syracuse, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The SSA offered services on its website and over the phone beginning Tuesday morning.

The move came after calls from the union representing Social Security employees. In Syracuse, the offices, located on the fourth floor of the James M. Hanley Federal Building, were typically a source of heavy foot traffic. The Social Security Administration serves mostly retirees and people with disabilities.

“This decision protects the population we serve -- older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions -- and our employees during the Coronavrius (COVID-19) pandemic," the agency said in a statement.

Officials noted that several services are available on the SSA website, at socialsecurity.gov. People can apply for benefits online, check on their applications or appeals, request replacement cards and print benefit verification letters using the website.

The agency also published a Q-and-A for people with concerns about the coronavirus and their benefits.

Syracuse-area residents can contact the Social Security office by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Officials said anyone who has scheduled an in-office appointment or hearing will be contacted by phone. Appointments can be handled over the phone, the SSA said. Individuals with upcoming hearings will be given the option of holding the hearing over the phone.

SSA officials said employees may call from private telephone numbers. They warned people to avoid scams by remembering that employees will never threaten or ask for any form of payment over the phone.

SSA invited anyone with questions to call the national hotline at 1-800-772-1213.