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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Visaghan B.
Thank you for sharing SSA
pauline k.
Trump made all government entities including social security and IRS agencies more difficult to contact. Stop all this “efficient” lying.
Darlene O.
What about non disability appeals. Over 3 months waiting for a recon decision about an overpayment that is erroneous.
Jennifer M.
This is almost humorous, it takes numerous attempts over several days to finally get in touch with a rep who has no knowledge or access to my information so provides no guidence at best but historically its been they provide misinformation. My claim has been denied twice. while i understand this is common, its due to complete incompetence and in my case due to the dds not following policy or procedure in processing my claim.
Clifford W.
I’m a 64 màle I am been d8àble theDr 5old mie at57 heat failure n àfiib aopd I 5alk me d eds 8 not to my question iß. Can y’all tell me if 8m going to get another stimulus I’m in need of help 8 I don’t 8 2ill b living on street I have nothing but my church it ßuttitwo7ld help
Victor M.
Buenos Dias:
Aplique por beneficios de Seguro Social, en 10/22/22. Mi solicitud fue denegada por falta de aprobacion del Servicio de Inmigracion.
Someti ante USCIS, la solicitudes de EAD y Visa U, sin exito.
Estoy desempleado hace 4 meses, sin recursos.
Tiene recomendaciones para mi caso?
Robert s.
Your improvements are a good start, but. I’ve been waiting 3 years for a responce from social sec. My childrens benefits have not been paid. I sent you all the documents you required to 2 different office’s 3 different times. This is totally inexcuseable. You paid off public employees in record time. You don’t follow the law set by congress. And you stold childrens money/ benefits. Leaving us in poverty. Whats the point of having a government or defending this government.
mrs
Thanks for all you do, SSA
Terri
I have been on the dial
Up 1800 number made available on my online account after the site could not help me. I don’t know whether to wait another hour and 23 minutes or make an appt online or hang up and try to get an appt at the local office. It is kind of an emergency.
Robert
To the Social Security Administration, please use your time wisely and efficiently.Oh i’m sorry you’re a government entity that’s not possible
Paula C.
I also can’t see what the website can do for you I look at it all the time I have gotten a little from it but nothing important like my medicare Advantage it sends you to another website but I can’t ask it why I’m on Georgia Medicad & lost my Food stamps it also changed my Humana So I PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR EVERYTHING!It can’t explain anything about the issues I need help with I called and all they tell me is you have Georgia Medicad I didn’t ask to be disabled it choose Me!!! I’ve worked since I was 16 payed My Taxes and raised 2 Children now I can’t even buy a candy bar…. ALL I KNOW IS THAT GOT DOESN’T GIVE YOU MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE THAT’S WHAT I’VE BEEN TOLD ALL MY LIFE