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

Comments

  1. Darlene c.

    I’ve always had great service when I needed to call SS.

    But, because of the case of John W. Walker’s, I don’t seems to get a divinity answer when the beneficiaries are to receive their debit cards. He’s been gone almost 31 years and the case with the FBI has been going on going on 7 years.

    The last input from SS is that beneficiaries are to receive a notice – but nothing yet.

  2. More t.

    Disappointed with the status information provided in your online account. It only shows processing, the same status since December of this year. It would be so much more helpful if the status would include what step a claim is at in your process. If I try the link that is provided in “Help” that supposed to allow me to see information about my pending SSDI claim it takes me to a page that says….

    ” Forbidden! Unfortunately, you do not have access to this service. Please check your url for errors and try again.If you need immediate assistance: please contact us”

    It would save over an hour of waiting on the phone or a return call (which might be another hour or more later) to get answers to what I believe to be simple questions. It would certainly ease up the number of calls to your customer service. Less calls that would make it easier for those who’s only option is to call. It doesn’t make sense to clog up the phones when you could provide better information online.
    Isn’t that what having online access is for?

    I see hundreds of comments by people who just want help. Some desperate enough to post personal info that puts them at risk for scammers. Please folks don’t put your full name or even part of your SS #. If you get a reply from SS it will be only a general answer referring you to call or to a link that may or may not answer your question.

    To those sharing your stories my heart goes out to you. You aren’t alone. I hope they get to each of us in a timely manner. Just as we did when paying into the system year after year…

    To SS another suggestion. Please stop mailing letters dated the 4th requiring a reply within 14 days of a letter that was post marked the 12th. The stress of trying to fill out a 10 page questionnaire by hand in time is a huge deal for someone applying for SSDI that has partial use of their hands &/or another disability. We believe your threats if our reply isn’t timely.

    We are human beings not the number you assigned us.

    • More t.

      typo “of this past year”. I’m certain there are more typos. Apologies to grammar sticklers 🙂

  3. michaelangelo m.

    hello, I would like to cancel my medical supplement payment as I live in canada and have coverage up here . how do i do this?

  4. peggy h.

    I received a fraudulent call today and was unable to trace it but the guy’s “name” was Officer Chad Walker” Calling from SS to asked if I had received my note of a 2.3% raise in SS. I said I would call back and he hung up. Obviously a scam. I called ATT to get a trace on the number and not allowed.

  5. Stanley B.

    I have been getting a lot of calls from someone saying I was going to be prosecuted for fraudulent claims on my social security account. Yesterday I received 5 calls starting at 10:14 am thru 5:57 pm from 520 720 0738. This is the latest number that is being used and I in turn send the numbers to The Do Not Call Registry. What else can be done? Thank you

    • A.C.

      Hi, Stanley. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. We hope this helps.

  6. Mary P.

    Need myssa account unlocked.

    • V.V.

      Hi Mary. We are sorry that you are having with your my Social Security account. To pass the verification process, we match the personal information you give us with the data we have in our records. Then, we use our Identity Services Provider to further verify your identity.

      If you are locked out, you can 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”. We hope this information helps.

  7. Katherine R.

    How do I locate the amount of my Social Security benefit?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Katherine. If you are referring to a benefit verification letter, we have good news! You can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter using your personal my Social Security account. For questions regarding your benefit verification letter, we ask that members in our Blog community contact our offices. You can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day We hope this helps.

      • Lakenya S.

        Good, solid content. I just forwarded this on 6/8/2019 to a classmate who’s been doing some work of their own on this topic. To show his appreciation, he just bought me a drink! So, I guess I should say: Thank you for the meal!

        http://swish.st/28150

  8. Wendy G.

    I need help to change my email on my account…I don’t have AOL.com anymore please help?

  9. CASSANDRA W.

    HOW DO I ADD MY DAUGHTER TO MY ONLINE PROFILE TO GET PROOF OF HER BENEFITS RECEIVED UNDER MY SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.

    • V.V.

      Hi Cassandra. Our current policy does not allow people to set up my Social Security accounts for others. In addition, you must be at least 18 years old to create a my Social Security account.

      If you need proof that your child receives Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security (SSI) Income, you need to request a benefit verification letter. Often times this letter is referred to as a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter,” a “proof of income letter,” or a “proof of award letter.” Unfortunately, you cannot request a benefit verification letter online for another person, such as a spouse or child. To request a benefit verification letter for your child, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  10. Steve J.

    Can I cancel an appointment on line?

    • V.V.

      Hello Steve. We currently do not have an online appointment scheduler. You can schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment by:

      •Calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; or
      •Contacting your local Social Security office. Thanks!

Comments are closed.