General, Online Services

Customer Service Is What We Do

October 3, 2016 • By

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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. dragondawg

    Does your customer service include responding to Email? I’ve sent in 2 Email requests for the link to the page where one can request a “call back” from SSA/Medicare. Have not received a response to either Email.

    • R.F.

      To submit a comment, complaint or suggestion, you can write to us or send us an email message. Thanks.

      • dragondawg

        3rd Email just submitted.

  2. Sarah A.

    My name is Sarah Ann Carder.
    I’d like to change my address and phone number. Please tell me how to do this. I’m currently on hold with your office. They say it is a 50 minute wait. Just thought this might be quicker. Thank you.

    • R.F.

      Hi Sarah. If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account. If you do not receive Social Security benefits, SSI or Medicare, you do not need to change your address with us. Thanks!

  3. Debra P.

    I had a hearing on October 10th disability was approved additional information was submitted how long does it take to get an answer from them on when I will start to receive my benifits.

  4. Stephanie R.

    Hi. I have tried to contact by the 800 number twice today. I waited 55 minutes the first time and 50 minutes the second time. I was hung up on by both employees after asking to speak to a Supervisor. I hope my calls were recorded. After giving just a minimal amount of information for my child I was told by SSA employee teleservice person female that my child would not get disability, don’t I know this is just a step up from Welfare. I was not aware she is a pyhsician or that she makes that kind of judgment for my child. WHAT????????????????????I do not see you care about customer service or the welfare of my child who has a chronic, lifelong disability. When I talked to LeeROy the second time waiting on the phone for over 50 minutes- I didn’t get to finish with the information before I was told I called a different service center the first time? Of course like I don’t know that. And then he hung up on me. So two hours of my day and we are no longer closer to helping my son than we were this morning. THe first female call person stated :” He will be denied b/c this is a step above wel-fare and you work and he will be denied because you have a 403b with the State of Texas!!!!! I requested to speak to a supervisor and she hung up on me. If my son’s clairm for disability benefits is very important to you the SSA why did this happen today???? I filled out everything appropriately and called like the SSA requested.

  5. Gary W.

    Can’t even leave a call back number.!

  6. Gary W.

    Why aren’t your employees answering the phone today. Message says open 7am eastern. it is now 9 49 am eastern Nov. 15th. keeps repeating business hours NO Response.

    • R.F.

      We apologize for the difficulty you’re having when trying to reach us by phone, Gary. Sometimes we experience higher than normal call volume. The number appears to be working, please try again. Representatives at our toll free number (1-800-772-1213) are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. 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, and survivors benefits, review your earnings record and much more. We appreciate your feedback, and thank you for bringing this to our attention.

  7. Thomas E.

    For the last two days that I have called to get help, I have to listen to a lengthy description of COLA % and then I get a generic message stating the no agents are available to help and call back later. It then hangs up on me. Terrible customer service.

    • R.F.

      Our apologies, Thomas. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Please try again.
      Remember that many services are conveniently available anytime at our website. Individuals can create a personal my Social Security account to get general information about our programs or manage their Social Security benefits. Also, we respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs through our Blog and Facebook page. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. We hope this helps!

  8. Steven H.

    I already posted a comment yesterday about the passing of my wife. Now it is your turn to respond to me!

  9. Steven H.

    I want to report the death of my wife. You Social Security people need to know this. I tried on the phone. I waited for over an hour. A nice woman came on the line, and then we were disconnected, and she asked if I were there, probably six or eight times. We never got reconnected. How said. The passing of my wife is bad enough. I just really need to report it to you, and find out what, if anything, I need to do now related to her. Her name is
    LaRee Jensen, SSN*** – ** – ****
    Deat Date October 25, 2017

    Please tell me what I need to do about this. I do not want to pay for her Insurance Premium any more.

    Thank you,

    Steven H. Jensen

  10. Steven F.

    I tried to phone but I can not over 50 minutes for a ssa person. I am very willing to use the internet if I can get my user name and password would accept. I have used my account previously when it worked.

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