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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Steve M.
Same as many other comments, applied in October for benefits starting in January and have heard nothing, so I called. Said 120 minutes wait time, no callback option. Been on hold for 2 hours and 48 minutes so far. How am I supposed to plan my finances?
Charles H.
SSA assertion that wait times are less than 15 minutes appears to be a total fabrication. After holding 1.25 hours for a representative, just to find out the status of a Medicare application which the system would not allow me to check online, I just gave up.
richard b.
i think the message i would like to believe is the same as addressed in most of the messages above . except maybe some ” common speak” or “no lawyer speak”on the web site . Dont tell us 1 thing and it it is actually another .
Evan P.
12/13: I hung up after 3hrs of waiting
12/16: Wait times exceed 120 min
Call back does not work.
I am just calling to book an appointment. There’s no such option online
Bradley
Is this even the correct site for Social Security. Is the number even correct?
It says a 2 hour wait today and had a couple of different times I’ve tried and did wait over two hours with no response.
Does the automatic assistant ask for your SS number before they connect you to an agent and then be put on hold and have the option of a callback?
Kevin B.
Already TWO HOURS on hold and the music is KILLING ME! Applied online and am supposed to receive benefits starting in January. Website shows it is under review and NOTHING heard in over 7 weeks. It’s WELL past your deadline for written notification.
Cynthia R.
I applied for retirement benefits on September 10 to begin in January. I was told I would be contacted at around 30 days, and it has been almost 4 months.
I need to know what’s happening, my local office can’t help me because I applied on like. I have spent well over 30 hours over 3 weeks on hold with the National number. Am I able to retire in January as I planned? Will someone please answer?
Debbie T.
What is going on? Wait time for me currently is 2 hours and 50 minutes so far. Not acceptable. When the call started it stated the wait time would be 120 minutes. I left my cell plugged in and did other things while I waited but still nothing after 170 minutes!?? I can’t even access anything to get a call back. Online it even says call back is not available. Get your act together!
Amanda B.
I’ve been on hold for 4.5 hours
S.S.
Hi, Amanda. Thank you for reading our blog. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We ask for your patience during busy periods. If you are receiving Social Security Benefits, you can use our automated telephone service by calling 1-800-772-1213. The service is available 24/7.
You can also submit feedback by visiting our How can we help? webpage. From there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email Our Support Team” form where you can submit a suggestion, complaint, or compliment. We hope this is resolved soon.
Madonne R.
MR
December 13, 2024
On hold for 3 hours and 42 minutes!
MR
12.13.2024
On hold for 3 hours and 28 minutes!