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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Digvijay P.
Hello,
I appreciate your work regardingPersonal cost to the affected people.Nice work for providing customer service.
David P.
1-800 numbers are all well and good if you are in the USA, however, I am finding it impossible to find out status of my SS claim while out of the country. i am unable to use toll free numbers due to wait times and costs and there are no published local numbers to be found. Please tell me what I am supposed to do. Application was filed in Dec 2018 to start claiming in April 2019 and have heard nothing. The contact I had in Durham NC never returns calls. It is costing a fortune. Very, very, frustrating!!! This is also the third e-mail I have written and again no-one bothers to respond.
A.C.
Hi, David. We are sorry to hear about your experience. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We do ask that members in our Blog community continue to work with our offices with questions about their specific case. For assistance outside of the U.S., please visit our Office of Earnings and International Operations web page. If you wish to submit feedback related to your experience, you can visit our Contact Social Security page. Once there, you can select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email a Question to our Support Team” form, where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this is resolved soon.
Rick D.
I just became unemployed, and I just turned 62. I may want to begin collecting my SS benefit until I find another job. If I do find a job within 12 months, I will suspend my benefits and would with to wait until a later age to begin collecting them again. Must I pay back the benefits I’ve received? Will I still be able to collect the full amount I was due at the later age when I start collecting the benefits again?
V.V.
Hi Rick, thank you for your question. If you apply for Social Security benefits and you change your mind about when they should start, you may be able to withdraw your Social Security claim and re-apply at a future date. However, if you change your mind 12 months or more after you became entitled to retirement benefits, you cannot withdraw your application. Also, keep in mind that you must repay all the benefits that you and your family received. For more information, go to our web page If You Change Your Mind.
Barbara C.
I am trying to find out where my social security check is for February. It has never been late before
V.V.
Hi Barbara. Please contact your bank or financial institution first. They may be able to determine if your direct deposit failed. If you still need to report a late, missing or stolen Social Security payment, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or contact your local Social Security office.
Agnes M.
How can I change the amount that is deducted for federal withholding tax from my SS monthly check?
V.V.
Thank you for your question, Agnes. You will need to complete another W-4V to change the withholding percentage. You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. When you complete the form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld for taxes. Complete, sign and return it to your local Social Security office by mail or in person.
See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits for more information.
Karen B.
What form do I use to stop volunteering withholding for state and federal s.s. taxes?
V.V.
Hi Karen, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. To stop your withholding, you’ll need to complete Form W-4V from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can download the form or call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-3676 and ask for Form W-4V. Fill it out, sign and return it to your local Social Security office by mail or in person.
Rachelle I.
I signed up for “My Social Security” and was successful. I evidently forgot to save my username when I signed in with an incorrect password and tried to retrieve it!
Lots of user error here!
V.V.
Hi Rachelle: See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to retrieve or change your password. If you encounter a problem, 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”.
Shelley A.
I signed up for social security and I received a letter stating I would get my first check Feb. 20, 2019. It is not showing at my bank this morning. Was it sent? I just lost my husband and his SSI and I need mine to pay mtg. How can I find out. Everytime I try to use the my social security it says I am using the wong password or user name and I have reset etc. It still does it.
A.C.
Hi, Shelley. For information about missing Social Security payments, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. If you are still unable to access an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Sally T.
Anthem, my supplemental insurance carrier, told me to contact social security to change the incorrect date of birth they were given by ss. They will not release any information to me and I cannot log in for any information because they have my husband’s birth date as mine (he passed away on 1/7/2012). I was on the phone for over one hour with several representatives of Anthem on several occasions to no avail. Same problem, no access to my account.
V.V.
Hi Sally, thank you for your question. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
You will need to visit your local office as soon as possible with your birth certificate, original or certified copy.
Erin H.
My Name is Erin Haselton
Im trying to help my Husbands Ex Mother in Law we requested a call back last Friday morning and Was to here back in 51 minutes but never did… She was to have an Appointment to give proof of the Death of her Husband on January 13th… she said she received something by mail for Feb 24th but thats a Sunday? Can Some one please help Us….
her name is Kathleen Faye Huber
Soc# *** – ** – ***
Her Husband Paul Johan Huber
Soc# *** – ** – ***
Passed on 1/08/2019
Thank You for you Immediate Responce
Erin
V.V.
Hi Erin, we are sorry for the difficulties you are experiencing with Social Security. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot assist you.
To inquire about her appointment, you will need to contact her local office or call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.