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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Joshua O.
I have been on hold for 90 minutes because of something that isnt even my fault to begin with. How about a courtesy to the American people and allow a call back rather than forcing people to wait on the phone
Christi D.
Friday, waited 2.90 hours and then got disconnected.
Today, I’m waiting (now over 2 hours) to be connected with a human.
It is impossible to make an appointment online with my local office/s that do not take ‘walk ins’. Calling my local office to make an appointment… after two calls, at 17 minutes each, each had an auto-message intercept that they are too busy to take my call and then an auto-disconnect.
If they are not adequately staffed… then fix the problem and staff appropriately. I think that is the real problem, there are not enough employees… maybe they do not pay as much as Mc Donalds…?
Sammy A.
Unable to complete form online as it is faulty (every time I move to the next section it randomly shows a blank screen). Waiting over 2 hours on hold so far. Not sure if I should continue to wait.
Marty B.
Your 1-800 is not accessible from Honduras despite your insistence. Your online form demands keys and codes never issued.
Changing banks for direct deposit is impossible from certain places.
Please fix it!
tony m.
apply for lump sum death benefit
julie
How about making the number FREE!!!! What about people who cant afford cell phone or landlines or internet!! Or have the money to take a bus!!! You have to fill out forms to email,or call,or MAYBE TRY TO DO A WALK IN FORBID!!!
Angela K.
I’ve been on hood for nearly 3 hours of a known wait time of 2. It’s after 7:00 pm will they still answer?
Danely
Hi, did they answer after 7:00pm? I’m on wait call right now and it’s been 3 hours as well! Not sure if I should stay or hang up
Teri w.
Been on hold for three and a half hours. Was not offered a chance to get a return call. Your web site wants will not give any info about a Medicare card. It wants you to supply your medcare number. The card has been lost. Said to call the 800 number. It takes four weeks to get it by mail. What the heck is going on?!???? My disabled son needs a copy of his Medicare card. The web site wants his Medicare number. Don’t have it. Web site says to call the 800 number. My time is valuable
Kathryn B.
Go to your local SHIP center, usually known by a name like “senior center”. Call 800-552-3402
Matthew T.
SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET THEIR S*IT TOGETHER THIS IS RIDICULOUS OVER 200 DAYS TO PROCESS AN APPLICATION & OVER 132 MINUTES ON HOLD STILL ON HOKD ACTUALLY THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS!!!!! LETS GO AMERICA……
Gail B.
I agree and I am having a very similar experience.
Laura M.
Online system cannot validate MY info even after several attempts, so have no choice but to go in. I go in, they cannot take walk ins, by appointment only. I call and states 110 minute hold time. ok. I elect to a call back and more than 2 hours later…NOTHING. WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO??? Can’t make an appointment with SSA if SSA doesn’t pick up or call back.