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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Paul
SSA announced new process that allowed for electronic filing of many SSA forms. There are NO LINKS ANYWHERE for these forms. Wait times are much longer and the last two days I have been disconnected at least SIX times. I find it curious that I can change my GENDER in My Social Security Account but I CANNOT FILE FORMS ELECTRONICALLY! Go ELON and VIVEK
robert s.
the office of international operations has no one answering the phone. 1 phone is all they have. and the desk personel take turns answering it. i made 54 calls to them in 3 days before i got through. SSA treats us outside the U.S. like 3rd class citizens. very disrespectful. please fix this.
Isabella W.
I was on hold today for 1 hour and 48 minutes! I have been calling virtually daily for over a Month! I have an online account, it does not allow me to report my change or payslips online Even Though it says it does! I went in to the local SSA and was told both times that they wont see walk ins. Help!!!!!!!!
Dawn
I waited on hold today for 4 hours and 57 minutes. RIDICULOUS!!!! But the representative was very polite and resolved my reason for calling.
Joyce
Been on hold for over 3 hours now and it is after 9 pm will they still answer or should I just hang up. So frustrating ..
Donald P.
To report the death of an elderly family member. Recording 120 minute wait time, on hold 1-hour 10 minutes so far, unbelievable,and the have the nerve to request a survey after the call.
Maj J.
Yep, and waiting to do the survey, another 2 hours?
Larsen
On hold for two hours now and still waiting.
Jessica C.
That’s a complete lie about the wait times. I’ve been on hold now for almost an hour!!!
samuel S.
Not enough staff
Patricia A.
I am on hold with Social Security call line and have been for almost an hour. I find it disgraceful that the Social Security agency is obviously underfunded and understaffed as this is indicative of the care and attention our nation gives to the elderly and infirm. Shame of the President and Congress for failing to address issues relevant to America’s needs and citizen benefits.
Rick
This blog post is yet *another* blatant lie to the public. SSA hold times have *never* been less than minimum 60 minutes. Hold time announced yesterday was “over 120 minutes”, so I hung up. Hold time announced at 7AM PST was “over 60 minutes”. I hope Musk’s new Department of Government Efficiency will start by FIRING all so-called “leadership” of the SSA. These cronies wouldn’t last a day in private enterprise.