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.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags:

See Comments

About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

Comments

  1. Marcia O.

    Because SSA discontinued mailing Social Security information to citizens, I attempted to access a SSA account that was set up years ago. It would not accept the passwords that were assigned to the account. I spoke with a ssa employee who cleared the account so that I could reset it. I accepted the option to add another layer of security. None of the security questions were relevant to me. When I submitted my information, I received a ‘suspended electronic access to your personal information’ message. I spoke with someone at the help desk as directed. At his suggestion, I tried to set up an account several times, still getting the suspended electronic message. Cleared the browser, tried a different search engine. No change. The help desk employee told me that I would have to visit the nearest ssa office to resolve the problem. No. I did nothing wrong. This is a system failure on your end. I will not take the day off of work, drive to downtown St. Paul through road closures and construction, pay to park and then sit around for reportedly hours because of a problem on your end. Come up with a more reasonable solution.

  2. James F.

    If I enroll to have part B start 3 months after my IEP , when does part b start ?
    Example age 65 (6/2019), I start application 9/2019, when does part a start and when does part b start ?
    If I wait until GEP 1/2020 to enroll will there be A 10% Penalty ?

    • Ann C.

      Thanks for your questions, James. Under certain conditions, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, which would allow you to sign up for Medicare Part B if you are past your Initial Enrollment Period. If you are still working and covered under a group health plan based on that employment, you may not need to file for Medicare part B until you stop working or drop your health care coverage.

      Typically, if you apply for Medicare Part B after age 65, you can sign up only during the general enrollment period (GEP). The GEP lasts from January 1 through March 31. Coverage would begin July 1. Most people who sign up for Part B during the GEP will have a 10 percent increase in monthly premiums for each 12-month period that they did not enroll, but were eligible.

      For specific questions about your case, call 1-800-772-1213, M-F between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and ask a representative to assist you, or you can contact your local office. You may also find more information about signing up for Medicare Part B, here. We hope this helps!

  3. crystal d.

    My case was closed and I did a appeal for it my worker had me sign a paper stating I would keep receiving payment until appeal is approved,but it is not posted or pending so how long does it take for that to happen ?

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Crystal, thank you for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to your information in this venue. We recommend that you continue to work with your local Social Security office to get this matter resolved.

  4. michael j.

    my dad I lost him Jan. 29,2014 . I been lost since. asbestos took his life taking a treatment at hospital. union sent a letter asking about his union dues 6 months after he passed that he also paid his dues 42 years never miss the whole 42 years. I been trying to get some help on this all this time by myself and taking care of my grandma 89. I have really just lost all of the union asbestos the American dream of doing the right things you suppose to. I am in tears and asking help I need his work history hoping to get help on his union pension and ins policy. I know my dad never ever planned on this to taken like it is looking me and grandma. please help and god bless

  5. Linda R.

    I am still waiting since Jan 31 for soc sec to send a correct 1099 indicating in box 4 soc sec 2018 benefits were repaid.? I would also like to see on my soc sec website updated monthly benefits after my 69th birthday 2019. At this time it still displays last years monthly benefits.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Linda. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community to continue to work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  6. Isis K.

    5/24/2019 @ 12:14:25 AM In my opinion, blog.ssa.gov does a excellent job of handling topics of this type. While ofttimes deliberately controversial, the posts are generally well researched and thought-provoking.

    meisterfouhy543.co

  7. William T.

    I no longer have access to the e-Mail address, I used to set up my “https://secure.ssa.gov/” account.

    This results in me not being able to access my account.

    Pleases reply to my below listed f-ma account on how I can resolve this issue.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi William, thank you for your question. After you sign in to your my Social Security account, you can update your email address. After inputting your username and password, you will be at the security code screen. If you receive your security code via email only, then indicate that you cannot access the options listed above and need to reset where you receive security codes. We will then send you a letter with a reset code and instructions.

  8. Faye B.

    Please provide the fax number of the Columbus Ohio east office (Hamilton Rd) I need to send records.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi Faye, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. Please use our Office Locator to locate your local office address, including their office hours, a map and directions. Most offices do not provide a fax number.

  9. Donella L.

    I gotta work 3 rd shift. I waited for a call back the next other is connected. Now says I gotta wait1:30 minutes now. I gotta get rest and I need help! That’s not right.

    • Vonda V.

      Hi, Donella. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. One thing you may want to try is to click “Get Help” in your personal my Social Security account to “Ask a Question”. Click “Talk to an Expert” for a call back. We hope this helps.

  10. Mark R.

    My wife and I are terribly disappointed with SSA’s customer service. We have had repeated phone calls with Medicare and SSA regarding our missing applications for Part B Medicare. We mailed it twice, spent hours on the phone during four lengthy calls and spent three hours in the Manhattan SSA local office and are still not enrolled.

Comments are closed.