Customer Service Is What We Do
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: August 19, 2021
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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Tags: online services
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Darlene
My aunt died on March 29,2018. According to a letter that was in her files, she was a month behind on her benefits, so why did they take the April get reclaimed by you? Shouldn’t it have been left in the account to pay on her bills incurred for March?
R.F.
We are sorry to hear of your loss, Darlene. Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. Benefits for the month of March, are paid in the month of April.
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you must return the benefit received for the month of death or any later months. For example, if the person dies in March, you must return the benefit paid in April. Thanks.
Eric L.
Wow, 4 Hours. No answer. Now the Great Lakes Program Service Center is closed to phone calls. I really needed to talk to them today. Letting me stay in Que, listening to the phone ring.
No answer.
R.F.
We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone, Eric. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Representatives at our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), 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 or later in the week. We have referred your complaint to our Office of Operations to follow up and to take corrective action as necessary.
Keep in mind that many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website.
To submit your comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Thanks!
Eric L.
Is 1-888-231-3939 a valid # to the Great Lakes Program Center? If so, I am concerned about them. Maybe someone should at least call and check up on them from SSA. The # is reflected as the # to call for questions on my letter from them. Still ringing, at 2 Hours and 15 min.
Eric L.
Egregious. Sitting here waiting for someone to answer my call. Having all this paperwork I need together and in front of me. What if I should need a restroom break? I will assume the people in this office have had a break since I first called, now, 2 hours and 30 min ago.
Eric L.
I see the only Public Affairs people to ever respond on this blog are, Ray Fernandez, Jenna Yeager, and Ann Clifton. Mostly Mr. Fernandez. Does anyone else see this blog? I think I shall get this blog info over to my Senator’s, and Congress Persons’.
What effect has this blog had on Public Affairs, and making things better if no one else looks at it?
Here I am, still waiting for my call to be answered after 3 Hours…
I have also noted I have no replies to my blogs since my first one.
This is some sham. But the blog has given me something to do as I listen to endless ringing.
Eric L.
The Great Lakes Program Service Center, stops receiving calls at 4:30 CT. Less than an hour from now. I guess the race is on to see if they even will answer today.
Eric L.
Can you help? Please? Have you ever listen to phone ring for 3 hours and 45 min? I have a huge headache now.
I know data wont be collected if I hang up. I noted that in the reports that are published.
If the call goes past 4:30 PM CT, and it is still ringing, should I hang up?
Eric L.
Calling Great Lakes Program Center at 1-888-231-3939 today 6/11/2018. No answer as I sit here an write this. Phone still ringing in fact. It is 2:56 PM EST and the phone has been ringing for 1 hour and 28 min. I plan to stay on to speak to someone. But this is a unreasonable amount of time. Not happy.
Eric L.
Spent the last 15 min. looking over this site. I can assume I will get the standard, Calls are heavier than normal. (and what is normal or reasonable, as I have seen this going on for years?) or, I see there may never be a responding comment. Listening to the phone ring still, at almost 1 hour and 54 min.
This is a taxpayer expense website I see.
How long can I be in Que for? Wow.
Since I want this to be data collected, I wont drop out of Que.
I will keep you updated…
Lisa H.
. My experience with Social Security at Martin Luther King Jr in Washington DC made me feel like being Disabled is a crime. I was told it was Welfare benefits I was receiving in a very nasty tone . I just can’t get over how I was treated I have a lot of disabilities and because I chose to help someone apply for their benefits I got treated like a dog ?
George T.
good morning I would like to chance my account number for direct desposit checking account for desopsit on the 16th june 2018 from the old number to the new checking account the bank is vystar credit union
Jacksonville, fl 32206
R.F.
Hello George, we do not have access to personal information in this blog, therefore, we cannot update your information on your Social Security benefit record.
If you already receive benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) and you have a bank account, you can start or update your direct deposit by using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!
Janet B.
I have had a very hard time getting recognized as the current wife due widows benefits! My husband passed away January 10,2018. Could someone confirm that my marriage certificate has been entered into my file at the payment center??? Call me to get my social security number!
veda t.
I need award letters for myself and my husband. His name is Edward Henry Strong, S.Sec. Number *** – ** – ***
Born 3/6/1936 at Waukegan, Illinois to James Strong and Dorothy Strong. Dorothy’s maiden name was Laurent. Our current address is:
100 NE Brookdale Lane Apt.G102
Bremerton, WA 98311
In November, 2017 we moved from 1142 Wheaton Way 98310. Apt. #9
My name is Veda Taylor Strong
Soc.Sec. Number *** – ** – ***
I was born at Harlowton, Montana to Ruth and Benjamin Taylor. Ruth’s maiden name was Wallace. our current address is:
100 NEBrookdale Lane Apt. G102
Bremerton, WA 98311 In November 2017 we moved from 1142 Wheaton Way
Bremerton, WA 98310
R.F.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot update your records at this time.
If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address and request a benefit verification letter online by using a my Social Security account.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on any social media channels or communicating personal information via email. Thanks!
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. 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 or later in the week. Thanks.
Tamara K.
Customer Service is usually great if or when you can get to a representative. The trick is getting to one.
Mary j.
How do I find out my beneficiary is n who gets the 255.00 after I die
R.F.
Generally, the lump-sum is paid to the surviving spouse who was living in the same household with the worker when they died. See our Benefits Planner For Survivors for more information.