Social Security Is Improving Our National 800 Number and Reducing Call Wait Times
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 18, 2024
Social Security launched a national 800 number in October 1988. Today, our agents answer more than 28 million phone calls a year. Our new telephone platform makes it even easier to connect with us.
Why use our 800 number?
For more than 35 years, our toll-free number has been an easy way to contact Social Security without the need to travel to a local office. Our national 800 number – 1-800-772-1213 – allows you to access information and services with just a phone call, saving you time and money. It is especially helpful if you live in a rural or remote area, have limited mobility or transportation issues, or juggle a busy schedule.
For many people, the fastest and most convenient way to conduct business with us is online at www.ssa.gov. If you cannot or prefer not to use our online services, our enhanced telephone system offers new features that allow us to better serve you – whether you’re calling to update your personal record, check on the status of an application or appeal, or request a replacement Social Security card.
Our improved Call Back Assist feature saves your place in line without you having to wait on hold to speak with a representative. That means you can go about your day until a representative returns your call.
Our 800 number offers services in English and Spanish and interpreters in more than 200 languages and dialects. Our free interpreter services ensure most callers can access information and services in the language they prefer.
We also continue to offer teletypewriter (TTY) services for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or have difficulty using a traditional phone.
Wait times on our national 800 number are longer than we would like, mainly because of hiring and staffing challenges. We’re worked hard to reduce wait times and have cut the average wait nearly in half – from 24 to 13 minutes. We’re putting into place new technology and business practices so we can shorten wait times even more and improve the customer experience. By the end of fiscal year 2025, our goal is to answer our 800 number calls within an average of 12 minutes.
Reducing call wait times is one of Commissioner Martin O’Malley’s top priorities, and he’s committed to providing the public with prompt and reliable service. Our new phone platform is a major step forward. To learn more about our efforts, visit our 800 number performance webpage.
When can you call Social Security?
To speak with a Social Security representative, please call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The best times to call are early in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month when wait times tend to be shorter.
Our automated telephone services are available 24 hours a day and do not require you to wait to speak with a representative. You can request the status of a claim, a benefit verification letter, an SSA-1099 tax summary, and more. You can also listen to informational messages about a variety of topics.
Please let others know about improvements to our national 800 number and share on social media.
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Sara H.
Literally on a call right now while writing this comment. I have 2 phones on hold, hoping a better chance for someone to pick up.
Been on hold for almost 2 hours now. All just to update my address.
S.S.
Thanks for reading our blog, Sara. We are sorry to hear this. If you are receiving Social Security Benefits, you can use our automated telephone service to change your address by calling 1-800-772-1213. The service is available 24/7. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting an address change. For more information about other automated services, visit Using Our Automated Telephone Services. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income you can contact your local Social Security office. Use our Social Security office locator to find out how to contact your local office. We hope this information is helpful.
Amy
I’ve been on hold for 2 and a half hours and couting. This is absurd!!!
Sandra
You can update your address online by going to and creating an SSA account. It’s easier that waiting in line for a rep to answer or when you call you can keep your place in line by hitting the callback feature and the will return it within one hour
KAREN A.
wait time over 120 minutes.
Constance W.
I was on hold for over 2 hours on 2 different days and was not offered a call back.
Valerie B.
I have been on hold for an hour and 40 minutes. No option for a call back. Just the same message over and over about my call being important. All I need to know is why there is not a submit option on my application to apply for social security. This is beyond ridiculous.
Victoria M.
Been on hold for well over 2 hours so far.
Donna
Same for me
guest12
i have been on hold for 2 hours
Kathy J.
Tried to call 12/11 – was not given a hold time or option to call me back, waited 1 hour 40 minutes and had to hang up for an appointment. Tried again the next day and I’m on hold now over an hour again with no hold time given and no option to have them call me back. After 54 years of working my first experience and this is what I have to look forward to…Just Great! 🙁
Pamela w.
Benefit Verification letter for SSI in SS place to send to me how much get on the first in thirty to send in mailbox plaese
S.S.
Thanks for reading our blog, Pam. We are sorry that you are having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. You can use our automated telephone service by calling 1-800-772-1213. The service is available 24/7. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a benefit verification. For more information about other automated services, visit Using Our Automated Telephone Services. You can also call your local Social Security office. Use our Social Security office locator to find out how to contact your local office. We hope this helps.
Mike M.
This article is full of misinformation and outright untruths. I called lasteek and opted for a call back twice. It never happened. I called again and as on hold for over 5 hours before an agent finally answered the phone. I have been waiting for a direct deposit to my bank since November 27th and it has yet to be sent to my bank! I am now on hold with the SSA and have been on hold for an hour and 45 minutes. This is all unacceptable!