General, Online Services

Customer Service Is What We Do

October 3, 2016 • By

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Last Updated: August 19, 2021

customer-service

Social Security has been in the customer service business for more than 81 years, and with Customer Service Week, October 3-7, at hand, it is an exciting time to share the importance of this long-standing tradition.

“My experience with SSA has always been positive.”–Edward M.

This week focuses on commitment to excellence in service. Many of you rely on us for our programs and services. While much of the assistance we give is during the most critical times in your life, it is our belief that with every interaction with us you deserve professional, courteous, and compassionate service.

Times have progressed from 81 years ago, when most customer-to-employee interactions were in person. Today, part of your changing needs is the convenience of quick and secure online service options to conduct your Social Security business. Whether you are home or on the go, you can visit www.socialsecurity.gov to use our many online services.  And we are committed to customer choice, so you can always come see us in the office or call us on our 800 number.

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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

Comments

  1. Angel

    The Lakewood office Mrs Cruz is very rude she hung up on my fiance for trying to get dates from his case … definitely not good customer service the absolute worst I’ve ever had don’t go to the Lakewood office if you don’t have to and supposedly she is management smh

  2. JD B.

    IRS is garnishing my check, how do i find out how much I owe the IRS

    • R.F.

      Hello, for income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040.

  3. Doris H.

    Just received a SS amount reduction but SS# is not mine

    • Doris H.

      I believe this notice was meant for someone else.

      • R.F.

        We are sorry for any inconvenience, Doris. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
        Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a Social Security representative. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

  4. Victor J.

    I lost my wallet with the Social Security card in it. Would like to notify in the event somebody attempts to use my number.

  5. annie h.

    I need a copy of my son’s awards letter please,I am the payee for my son who draws off his dad

  6. James L.

    This is not exactly helpful as my social security check has always been deposited stateside. Why direct me to the American embassy?

  7. James L.

    I have not received my social security check this month and would like to know why? I live oversseas and depend upon that monthly check for expenses. The check goes to my credit union in California.

  8. Dan W.

    I had to laugh a bit at your comments on Customer Service is What we do. I am a US citizen living in Canada and Have tried to sign up for SS. The toll free number you publish does not work from Canada. I can’t sign up online because I do not have a US address. I tried to find a direct(non restricted toll free) number so I could call and then discuss how you could give me good customer service by allowing me to apply for my SS benefits :-).

    I hope this post might get me some information on how I do contact SS without currently living in the US and not having a US address. YOur help would be appreciated.

    • R.F.

      We are sorry for the inconvenience, Dan. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet.
      Although you need a U.S. address to register for a my Social Security account, you do not need a U.S. address to access our website or file online for benefits.
      We ask that individuals living outside the United States, contact their local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to their Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad.
      In your case, you may find the Canadian Service Area Directory useful.
      We hope this helps!

  9. Larry M.

    I served in the Air Force in the early ’70s and was told that if I asked (which is a requirement of SSA) that the amount of social security I receive would be increased. I need to know if this is true. I was told I would need to take my DD 24 to the SS office near me.

    Thanks for your help.

    • R.F.

      Hello Larry, if your active military service occurred from 1968 through 2001, you do not need to do anything to receive these extra credits. The credits were automatically added to your record. See our Retirement Planner: Special Extra Earnings For Military Service for more information.

  10. Joan R.

    I was suppose to receive my first check on 2/28. I am receiving spousal benefits. However, it was never deposited into my checking account. I went to social security office and they had keyed in an incorrect checking account number for me. They told me that the money was sent to my bank and for me to go to my bank and retrieve it. She said it did not bounce back to them. I then went to my bank and they looked at the account number that it allegedly went to, and said it never would have come into their bank as there are no accounts with that number of digits in the system. So they do not have it. I don’t feel it was correct of social security to send me to my bank to start off with. But now how do I get it. My bank said to give it a few days to see if it corrects itself with social security, but today is the 4th day. No deposit. The person at social security corrected my account number. What do I have to do to get the money that was suppose to be deposited to me on 2/28?

    • R.F.

      We apologize for the inconveniences you’re experiencing, Joan. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
      Please continue working with your local office.
      You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation.
      If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. Thanks.

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