Social Security Delivers Faster Service to More People: Online, by Phone, and In Person
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 17, 2025
Social Security is committed to meeting people where they want to be served, whether online, by phone, or in person.
Our latest performance metrics show we’re handling more customer requests than ever, with shorter wait times and more convenient service options. By improving customer service across all our service channels, we estimate that, due to the reduction in wait times, we have saved Americans 43 million hours over the last year.
Online Services: 24/7 Access
More people are choosing to manage their Social Security business online. With a personal my Social Security account, you can:
- Check your benefits or update your records anytime
- Apply for benefits online
- Request a replacement Social Security card
Online transactions are growing, helping customers save time and avoid office visits. Even better, more services will soon be available 24/7, making it easier than ever to access the help you need whenever you need it.
Phone Services: Quicker, Easier Help
Our automated phone system lets you:
- Verify your benefits
- Check claim status
- Change your address
- Request tax or Medicare forms
Nearly 90% of callers now use our automated phone services. For those who need an agent, average wait times have dropped from 24 minutes in July 2024 to just 8 minutes in July 2025, and our answer rate has increased to 78%.
In-Person Services: Shorter Waits
Most services can be completed online or by phone, but if you need to visit a local Social Security office, making an appointment means an average wait of just 6 minutes. We’re also processing retirement and survivors claims faster than before.
Disability and Hearings: Faster Decisions, More Options
We’re reducing wait times for disability claims and hearings. More people are choosing virtual hearings for added convenience.
See the Data
For more details, visit our updated Social Security performance webpage.
Tip: The easiest way to do business with Social Security is online through your personal my Social Security account. Sign up today!
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MARY A.
This article is untrue. I tried to change my address and phone number for two months and was actually on hold for 2 1/2 hours. I finally contacted my Congressman who contacted Social Security to change my address. I still was unable to log in to the Social Security website because it would not recognize my new phone numbers.
Thanks, Trump, for firing too many workers.
Robert
This is true they have nobody to answer the phone.Wouldn’t it takes up through three hours or somebody to answer the phone and then they put you on for a minute about thirty minutes so they can spend the time to dig through the computer to find your account
Elmer M.
Is ease write and talk about someting that you do not experienced. Website is ok, telephone call do not help and schedule an appointment do not exists. I been waiting a long time like others, we need the help. I invite you and others from there to come to my site and after that; write and say. Blessings, God help us and you gays. Just humans factor.
Kevin C.
Wow that’s great news. But in my experience I beg to differ we cannot get a hold of the baton rouge office at all they don’t pick up the phone you can’t go in security stop you I have been trying now for 3 months to try to get online so I can change my phone number online you can’t do that cuz you need your old phone number to change into your new phone number so that means a visit to the office wow you can’t get there to the office so I have not been able to check my social security accounts at all at any time I needed a letter saying how much I received from social security I couldn’t even get back because of my phone number hasn’t changed you are so right better service
Barb
Ssa can not change your phone number for your online account sign in. Since SSA is no longer the company you actually use to sign in with, they can not help you. You have to reach out to login.gov or id.me, which ever one you use to sign in to your myssa accoumy account. login.gov will make you delete your acct with them and make a new account with them. Id.me will allow you to update new phone number. Either way you have to go to their website not ssa.
Lewis B.
This would be great if it weren’t such a pain in the back side to log on!
Marc E.
Why is my deposit short for October?
Richard O.
Still cannot access account online. Unable to process.
Akpan T.
Good morning,
Thank you for your time. I am following up on several inquiries that I made through your online service. I had also submitted supporting documents. Can you review my information and let me know the answer to my inquiry? Thank you again, and God bless.
Zhigang R.
SSA confirmed if my benefit application on March 17th. I am still waiting for an update. Could anyone help?
Salvador A.
I’ve been waiting over 2 years on my disability claim. I haven’t got any response. The website just show pending. Can someone help.
Steve
I was force out of the local office and made to go online
Laura C.
Neither the email SSA sent which link to this post, nor this post, actually gives the 800 number. Neither does the FAQ page.
Neither does the contact page, https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/
It does have this “Our website, http://www.ssa.gov, is the best way to get help. If you cannot use our website, please call our National 800 Number or your local Social Security office. ”
You have to click the Call Us button on the contact page in order to see the 800 number. That number should be included on any webpage where it says “our National 800 Number”