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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Douglas S.
Spoke with a man twice at the Oak Ridge, Tn. Social Security office. Had questions about annual and monthly earnings limit for early retirees. On both occasions he gave me bad/wrong information. This fellow needs to be retrained. If he is confused about this simple subject, who knows how he is misleading folks with more complicated issues. Yesterday 9/9/19, I was at the Oak Ridge, Tn., office about 11am , my number was s41. He was no help at all, would not listen to my questions. Even his body language is offensive. Please observe this clerk In the future. You guys are suppose to help. Thx
angela
how do I recover username?
L.A.
Hi Angela. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter another 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 s.
I am trying to find out if a supposed collection agency for the delinquent student loans can garnish my social security benefits
L.A.
Hi Sally. There are a number of circumstances when the Federal government can garnish Social Security benefits. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments cannot be levied or garnished. If a creditor, other than the Federal government, tries to garnish your Social Security benefits, inform them that such an action violates Section 207 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 407). Section 207 bars garnishment of your benefits. It can also be used as a defense if your benefits are incorrectly garnished. To learn more about when Social Security benefits may be garnished go here. We hope this helps.
Richard G.
I want to my deep disappointment with the service I have received at the Middletown, Ohio Social Security Office. I made my third trip there today with an appointment for 9 AM to finish my application for retirement benefits. I arrived at 9:50 AM and was in a line of 25 people waiting for the office to open. When I got in, those of us with appointments were called to a window and apparently signed in without using the kiosk. At 10 AM I had still not been called for my appointment so I went to the window and inquired about the delay. The woman there (who wore no identifying information so I cannot give you her name) said, “you are not registered.” I pointed out that SHE was the one who signed me in. She then looked on her computer screen and stated, “Oh, somehow he (the service representative) was double booked. She could not give me an estimated time for my interview. I went back to another window and 10:30 AM and asked to speak with a supervisor. The man there (no ID) stated he was not sure one was available. but he would let “someone” know. I went back to the original woman at 11 AM and stated that I had another appointment at 1 PM and inquired when I would be seen. She stated she was “pretty sure” I would be seen by then. I was called back to my interview at 11:10 AM and was obviously frustrated. The interviewer immediately stated, “Why are you here today?” I looked at him incredulously and stated, “do you have my file up on your computer?” He stated, “We cannot start this interview if you are not going to treat me with respect!” I explained the source of my frustration and he again repeated that I must show him respect before the interview could proceed. I told him to start the interview and he eventually did. On my first appointment three weeks previous, I waited an hour and a half past the appointment time to be called. This level of service is obviously deficient. My advice is don’t set appointments for people if they are no more meaningful that the Cable Company’s four hour “service window.” I was told the application was successfully completed so I hope this is the last time I ever have to interact with one of your apparently clueless employees.
Richard G.
Typo. I arrived at 8:50 AM.
Kippilu M.
This is more of a question than a comment. Somebody told me that the Social Security Administration will help people receiving benefits, to pay a one time emergency Vet bill? Is it true or a joke? Thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Kippilu. We do not offer bill assistance. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps!
Tyler c.
I am on SSID and want to work a few hours, the ticket to work isnot something I think I can do. How much money can I make a month and still stay on SSID?
JAMES R.
You guys suck! My check was supposed to be direct deposit into my bank I was told last week. It’s still not in there and now I’m told it wasn’t processed and I have to wait 3 more days. I have 3 hungry boys to feed and we have jack shit!! Get your fucking act together ssi!!!!!!!!!
OLLIE J.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT SSA YOU ARE SPEAKING ABOUT. NOT ALL OF THE SSA OFFICES ARE THAT CLEAN, PROFESSIONAL OR EFFICIENT . MY LOCAL OFFICE ON S. THIRD STREET IN MEMPHIS HAS THE MOST RUDE, IMPATIENCE, SARCASTIC WITH LITTLE OR NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE SSA RULES OR LAWS . I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THEM FOR OVER 6 MONTHS TRYING TO ENROLL IN PART B. I HAD INSURANCE IN 2017 WHEN THEY BILL ME THAT PENALIZE ME FOR 5 YEARS INSTEAD OF ONE. I FILED A RECONSIDERATION FORM THAT WAS THROWN OUT SAID I DIDN’T NEED ONE. THEY FINALLY ADMITTED THAT THEY HAD MADE A MISTAKE, THAT THEY WOULD SEND ME A REFUND IN A FEW DAYS THAT WAS JULY 6, 2019, A MONTH LATER AFTER TRYING TO CONTACT BY PHONE, TO CHECK THE STATUS, NO ONE EVER PICK UP PHONE AND THE NATIONAL PHONE WAS AN HOUR AND 45 MINUTES WAIT. I GUESS WHEN THE EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED BY THE SSA THEY FEEL LIKE EVEN IF AND WHEN THEY ARE RUDE NO ACTIONS WILL BE TAKEN SO WHAT IF THEY ARE RUDE. WHEN I TRY TO COMPLAIN TO ANY OTHER SSA OFFICE THEY DIRECT ME RIGHT BACK TO THE 3RD. STREET OFFICE. THIS WILL BE THE 7 TH TIME I HAVE HAD TO GO TO THAT OFFICE FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN ONE VISIT AND THEY WONDER WHY THE ATTITUDE. THE AGENTS ARE ONLY AS GOOD A S MANAGEMENT AND LET ME TELL YOU AT THIS LOCATION MORE TRAINING IS MUCH NEEDED A LITTLE SENSITIVITY GOES A LONG WAY. BLACK ON BLACK IS SAD
Joan D.
Received a notice from SS that my birth date and SS# do not match. They match ..all info is correct. Perhaps because 33 yrs ago we did not have to put our SS on the license. But the info you have sent me correct.
L.A.
Hi Joan. Thanks for your question. You will need to visit the local Social Security office or the nearest Social Security Card Center in your area, complete an application and submit evidence of age and evidence of identity to support the change. We will need to see a certified copy of your birth certificate to correct your date of birth on our records. Your valid State ID or Driver’s License or your U.S. passport can be used as proof of identification. We hope this helps.
John M.
I had a good customer service experience. but used a service from SSN Simple they guided as i wanted to change the name of my kid but thanks to you also ..