Social Security Administration Customer Service Number

Getting Help By Phone

Scammers want your social security number

If you are unable to use online services or want to speak directly to a Social Security representative, call the SSAs national customer service number at 800-772-1213 or call your local field office. You can apply for any type of benefit by phone, including survivor benefits and SSI.

The national phone line is staffed by live agents from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time on weekdays except for federal holidays. Outside those hours, you may be able to find what youre looking for using the SSAs automated phone service.

Field offices are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Enter your zip code into the SSAs field office locator to find the phone number for your nearest facility.

Wait times on calls to the national 800 number have fluctuated widely during the pandemic, rising sharply in the early weeks of the outbreak as field offices closed to visitors, then declining as the SSA outfitted more call center staff with tools to handle calls remotely. Hold times have spiked again in recent months as the agency implements an upgrade to the phone system, with waits averaging 32 minutes in February.

The SSA says customers may also experience busy signals or unintentional disconnects as it works through the technical issues and recommends calling when they system is typically less busy:

Between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Later in the week .
Toward the end of the month.

Contacting Social Security Online

Unlike some other government websites , the Social Security website is easy to use for those who speak English and Spanish, and it offers nearly all of the services you need. The website does also offer some information in other languages online, including Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Vietnamese.

You can view a list of the online services by visiting the online services section of the website. Youll notice that you can apply for benefits, get a copy of your statement, appeal a decision by Social Security officials, and get estimates of your future benefits and Medicare services, among other things.

Just like the SSAs offices, the website has certain hours of operation during which you can conduct business. But take heart: If not 24/7, the hours are pretty extensive unless youre trying to apply for benefits between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, before 5:00 a.m. or after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, or before 8:00 a.m. or after 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, the operational hours probably wont affect you.

Most experts say to avoid visiting a Social Security officeanother reason why it’s a good idea to start with the online services section of the SSA’s website.

What Can I Do If I Am Unhappy With My Call To Social Security

If you get off the phone with Social Security and feel as though your question was not answered properly or that your issue was not resolved, don’t give up. You have options available to you.

First, review the notes you took during your call. Did you fail to provide some information to the agent? Did the agent contradict him or herself or official Social Security policy? Identifying any issues with your conversation can be helpful if you need to call back or escalate your case.

Next, call back. While doing so can be frustrating, there is a chance that the next person you speak to will have more education or experience and may be better able to resolve your issue.

If a second call doesn’t provide you with the outcome you desire, get in touch with your nearest field office and make an appointment to meet in person with a Social Security Administration employee.

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Can I Schedule An Appointment With The San Rafael Social Security Office

The Social Security Administration does not currently have online appointment scheduler.

The SSA website, SSA.gov, is the best way for most people to get help.

If you cannot use the website, or need more help, you can contact your local office phone number or national 800 number for help scheduling an appointment.

When visiting a local field office, appointment is not required. However, if you contact the office and schedule, it may reduce the time you spend waiting for help.

Using Our Automated Telephone Services

The 2021 Social Security Payment Schedule

Services for all beneficiaries

Request a benefit verification letter
Ask for a form SSA-1099, Social Security Benefit Statement, to request a replacement tax summary

Services for Medicare beneficiaries only

Request a replacement Medicare Card
Request a form SSA-1020 to apply for help with Medicare prescription drug costs

Services for people who have applied for benefits

Ask to receive a claim status

Services everyone can use

Find the address of your local Social Security office
Request a form SS-5,Application for a Social Security Card, to:

apply for an original Social Security card or a replacement card if yours was lost or stolen,
request a name change on your card, or
update or correct other information on your Social Security number record.

Informational Messages

You can listen to informational messages on the following subjects:

Payment delivery dates
Best times to call our 800 number
Social Security Internet address and services
Supplemental Security Income
Non-receipt of your Social Security benefit
Representative payee

Services for Social Security Benefits Only

Change address and/or phone number

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Can I Schedule An Appointment With The Winston Salem Social Security Office

The Social Security Administration does not currently have online appointment scheduler.

The SSA website, SSA.gov, is the best way for most people to get help.

If you cannot use the website, or need more help, you can contact your local office phone number or national 800 number for help scheduling an appointment.

When visiting a local field office, appointment is not required. However, if you contact the office and schedule, it may reduce the time you spend waiting for help.

My Social Security Card Was Lost/stolen What Should I Do

If your Social Security card has been lost or stolen, you need to act immediately! You will need to request a replacement card, but you should also take the proper steps to prevent identity theft. Thieves could use your information to apply for loans, obtain credit cards, or file fraudulent tax returns in your name. You should place a fraud alert on your Social Security number and keep a watch on your credit report. Also be aware of scams that attempt to steal your SSN.

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What Kinds Of Issues Can Social Security Customer Support Resolve

Social Security customer service representatives can answer a wide range of questions regarding Social Security programs as well as some questions about your account, benefits and claim status. The representative can also guide you toward the forms that you will need to initiate processes that can’t be completed over the phone.

What Can’t Be Resolved By Phone With Social Security

Social security scam warning

Some highly sensitive issues, such as requesting a new Social Security number due to domestic violence or identity theft, cannot be handled over the phone. Similarly, while a customer service representative can advise you on replacing a Social Security card, you will have to make your request in person or through the mail.

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Why Do People Call Social Security Customer Support

People call Social Security for a range of reasons, including:

Questions about getting a Social Security number
Getting a replacement Social Security card
Questions about benefits and payments into Social Security
Questions about applying for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income programs
Obtaining status updates on claims and appeals
Check the status of Social Security payments and direct deposits

How You Receive Benefits

If you receive both SSI and SSP benefits, you will receive your SSP benefits the same way you chose to receive your SSI benefit.

If you receive SSP benefits but do not receive SSI benefits, you can choose how to receive your benefits. We strongly encourage you to receive benefits through direct deposit, which is safe, fast and convenient.

If you currently have a representative payee for your SSI benefits, that person will also manage your SSP benefits. If you want to change your representative payee, you must contact SSA. If you receive SSP but do not receive SSI benefits, you can assign or change a payee by calling SSP at 1-855-488-0541.

Answers On Hold Average Wait Times

Nicolas Rapp

*Average wait time for a live Social Security representative to answer a call to the agencys toll-free customer service line

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Putting You In Control

For over 80 years, Social Security has evolved and transformed to meet the changing needs of our customers. Today, we offer an extensive array of online services from applying for benefits to getting a replacement Social Security card, all from the comfort of your home or office! For those who prefer a more personalized service, you can always call us toll-free or visit your local field office. We provide the tools and services that put you in control. No matter where, how, or when you decide to do business with us we will always strive to provide the best experience and service to put you in control of your Social Security.

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The Best Ways To Contact The Social Security Administration

Did you know that more than 2,700 rules govern your Social Security benefits? Luckily, a significant number of those rules probably dont apply to youbut how do you have a chance of interpreting all these rules on your own when there are thousands of explanations in the agencys Program Operations Manual System ?

The easy answer is to contact the Social Security Administration . Yes, we know what sort of negative connotations the idea of communicating with a government agency conjures up. Thankfully, there are three ways to contact Social Security to get info and solve issuesonline, by phone, and in person.

How Do I Apply For Disability Benefits

If you need to apply for disability benefits, you have a few options. You can apply online, over the phone, or at your local office. The online application is the quickest and easiest way, but the other methods are available should you need them. Should you need to apply over the phone, simply call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 .

Can I Apply For Medicare Benefits At This Waukesha Office

If you decide to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up for Parts A and/or B by: Visiting your local Social Security office. Calling Social Security at 800-772-1213. Before you decide how you want to go about applying for Medicare, you need to understand the different parts of the program and which ones you need. Learn More About Applying for Medicare.

How Do I Apply For Social Security Benefits

I-Team: New Phone Scam Works to Steal Your SSN

You will need to complete an application for benefits. This can be done online, in person, or over the phone. The application process is necessary whether you are applying for retirement or disability benefits. You will need your Social Security number and other required documentation to complete your application.

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How Do I Apply For A Temporary Social Security Card

Requesting a replacement card online is the fastest way to get your new card however, if you need a temporary Social Security card, then you will need to head down to your local SSA office. While they will not technically issue a temporary card, they will give you a receipt showing that your new card has been requested. This receipt can act as a sort of temporary card in some cases.

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How Do People Feel About Their Calls To Social Security Customer Support

Over the past decade, The Social Security Administration closed many of its field offices, which resulted in an increased number of calls to Social Security customer support. This, in turn, led to long wait times to speak to customer service representatives.

Media reports indicate that many Social Security call centers were plagued by low employee morale and high turnover. It should be noted, however, that Social Security Administration leadership has publicly committed to improved customer service.

Where To Report Changes Or Provide Requested Information:

You may report changes to SSA by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local SSA office in person.

You may report changes to SSP by calling toll free at 1-855-488-0541 OR by fax at: 518-486-3459 OR by email at: OR by regular mail at:

NYS OTDA PO Box 1740 Albany, NY 12201

NOTE: If you receive Social Security Retirement, Survivorâs, or Disability payments and also receive SSP benefits, SSA does not share your federal benefit information or any changes, including address or living arrangement, with SSP and you must report changes directly to SSP.

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How Do I Apply For A Replacement Social Security Number Card Online

If you lost your card, you may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing your Social Security number is enough. But, if you do need a replacement, you can complete your application online or in-person.

The easiest way to request a replacement SSN card is online with a free, personal mySocial Security account. You can go to www.ssa.gov/ssnumber and answer a few questions to find out the best way to apply. If you arent able to use a personal my Social Security account to request a replacement card, you can still begin the process online and complete it in a local Social Security office or card center, usually in less time.

If you cannot complete the application online, you will need to provide the required documents. We need to see different documents depending on your citizenship and the type of card you are requesting. If you do not begin the application online, you will need to fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card and bring it to your local Social Security office.

There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free.

Other Questions You May Find Helpful

Write The Social Security Administration

The last way to contact the Social Security Administration remotely is by writing to their Office of Public Inquiries. However, its worth noting that it may take longer to receive an answer due to the length of time it takes for letters to be delivered. If you do decide to write the Social Security Administration, use the following address:

Social Security Administration

Baltimore, MD 21235

For Individuals Who Receive Both Ssi And Ssp Benefits:

If you receive both SSI and SSP benefits, you will report your changes to SSA.

Examples of changes that must be reported include, but are not limited to:

Change of residence and/or mailing address
Change in countable resources that exceed $2000 for an individual or $3000 for an SSI/SSP couple
Changes in bank account information
Changes in your payee
Changes in who you wish to allow to receive information about your benefits

NOTE: You must report any change in your State Living Arrangement directly to NYS SSP, not to the SSA.

A change in living arrangement must be reported to NYS SSP within ten days of the date of the change. Please note that a change in who is in the household must be reported even if your address has not changed. The death of a household member, or changes to who is living in the household are living arrangement changes that must be reported.

How Do I Make An Appointment With The Waukegan Illinois Office

Beware scam calls that appear to come from the Social Security Administration

Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Waukegan, Illinois office at 888-320-0960 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.

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Less Money Less Staff

As with most things, customer service issues are tied in large part to money. Since 2010, the SSAs operating budget set each year by Congress has declined by 13 percent and its staff by 12 percent, while the number of Social Security beneficiaries has increased 22 percent, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Its a customer service agency, and you need money for that, says Kathleen Romig, a CBPP senior policy analyst who authored the analysis . The more people you have to take claims and answer questions, the more quickly and accurately it gets done. Staffing has declined precisely as much as the funding because thats where the money goes.

In 2010, the SSA had over 67,000 full-time employees. By 2021, there were fewer than 59,000. An SSA spokesperson noted that the agency experienced many years where we received less than the annual Presidents Budget request. The SSA has authorized about 6,000 hires in fiscal year 2021 for its front line components, but having enough warm bodies is only part of the solution. Staff need extensive training to decipher the agencys highly complex rules and regulations, and to coax accurate results from its antiquated computer systems, which in some cases are more than 35 years old.

Theyre doing the best they can, says Franklin. its a mess.