General, Online Services

Customer Service Is What We Do

October 3, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

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

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Comments

  1. Diana K.

    I sat on the phone for over an hour, and was not helped. The survey asked if I was happy to leave my phone number and be called back. I wasn’t given that option. Instead I’m sitting here for another hour waiting to be help. As far as I’m concerned ? there is no customer service at social securit. My husband died on Friday and I had to put up with this rediculous service

    • V.V.

      Diana, we are very sorry for your loss and that you are having difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may be experiencing higher than normal call volume.

      In most cases, the funeral home will report a person’s death to Social Security. If you want them to do that, you just need to give the deceased’s Social Security Number to the funeral director so they can make the report.

      For more information, please read How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies.

  2. Amanda F.

    I have to say that for the most part, my experience with customer service has been fine. The process is long and frustrating, but everyone has been very polite. Until, yesterday, which is what has lead me to this blog. I have been trying to find where I can file a complaint. If you could please lead me in the right direction. Thank you!

  3. Gary W.

    IN order for my sister Darlene Macturk
    to move into a assisted living facility she needs a statement of gross S.S.monthly payments prior to Medicare automatic monthly payments .her S.S.# *** – ** – ***

    • V.V.

      Hi Gary, thank you for using our blog. Because of privacy and security concerns, you will not be able to conduct Social Security business on behalf of your sister unless you are her representative payee. Having a power of attorney, being an authorized representative, or having a joint bank account with your sister does not authorize you to access information on her Social Security record. If your sister does not have a representative payee and she is not capable of managing and directing her Social Security benefits, someone should consider applying to be her payee. To learn more about becoming a representative payee, you can read our publication, “A Guide for Representative Payees” or visit our Representative Payee webpage. You can also call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request an appointment.

      If your sister is capable of managing her benefits, she may be able to request the benefit verification letter online. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details.

      • Dionne G.

        In my view, blog.ssa.gov does a great job of handling topics of this kind! While frequently deliberately controversial, the material posted is generally well-written and challenging.

        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDwsVNMIbYc

    • Gilberto H.

      6/13/2019 In my estimation, blog.ssa.gov does a excellent job of handling issues of this type. While frequently deliberately controversial, the posts are in the main well researched and challenging.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4DZCbqWgJc

  4. Curtis H.

    My wife started to collect her SS @ age 62 it is only 460 dollars per month, she turning 65 this month, Sept 9 and Medicare is now deducting around $130 p/m from her check leaving her approximately $330 left.
    Question I will draw my SS payment @ age 66, can my wife freeze her SS and then draw off my SS account when I start collecting.
    Thank You,

    • V.V.

      Hi Curtis, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. For your wife to qualify for spouse’s benefits on your record, you must be receiving retirement or disability benefits. Also, if your wife is receiving Social Security benefits on her own record, we pay that amount first. But, if she also qualifies for a higher amount on your record as a spouse, she may be able to get a combination of benefits that equals that higher amount.

      See our Retirement Planner: Benefits For Your Spouse for more information.

      • Stefani E.

        Like the website– extremely user-friendly and lots to see!

        http://www.abcagency.se/75657

      • Leigh A.

        I enjoy your opinion on this topic and look forward to upcoming posts and comments here at blog.ssa.gov. Thanks!

        https://lil.ink/55867

    • Joel S.

      I’m gratified by the manner in which blog.ssa.gov covers this type of issue! Usually on point, sometimes controversial, consistently thoughtful as well as thought-provoking.

      https://lil.ink/55867

  5. Roy L.

    my account has been turned off due to lack of use. can you turn it back on

  6. Frank D.

    i never received my Medicare card after submitting on August 10. My confirmation number is 59816176.

    • V.V.

      Hi Frank, we are sorry to hear about this inconvenience. Due to security reasons we do not have access to your personal information in this venue, so it’s difficult for us to determine why you have not received a Medicare card.

      For assistance, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office.

  7. Michael S.

    I am yet to receive my August 3 social security benefits. On the 6th of August the FBU London office advised me that my benefits would be received on the 6th or 7th of August. All my emails to FBU London are ignored. I am currently living in South Africa and for 9 years my benefits were received on the 3rd of every month. I completed all the forms required for my benefits to be converted to the South African currency. I now owe loan shacks a ton of money. When can I expect this matter to be resolved?

  8. NJones

    Customer Service…such as hang-ups, forcing redials and then several more hours on hold, then they disconnect again because they closed the office, while I was still on hold long after 7pm??? You mean that kind of customer service?

    • V.V.

      We are sorry to hear that you had difficulty trying to contact us by phone. If you would like to submit a formal complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. Please keep in mind that many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website. We encourage our customers to create a my Social Security account. With a personal my Social Security account, you can get estimates of your retirement, disability, Medicare and survivors benefits, review your earnings record and much more.

      We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

  9. Thomas T.

    can someone please help me my sign on no longer works says you tried to contact me 3 times which is not true. how do I speak to some one?

    • R.F.

      Hello Thomas, if you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  10. Becky

    Hi, could you please tell me what information I need to bring in so my mom can start getting my deceased fathers benefits?
    Thank you in advance

    • R.F.

      Hello Becky. Click here for a list of documents, we may ask your mother to provide, when applying for survivor’s benefits.
      You cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online, your mother can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), and speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. She can also visit the local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone.
      We hope this information helps!

Comments are closed.