How can I get help from Social Security?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers customer service online, by phone and at field offices nationwide.

You can conduct most routine business, including applying for benefits and filing appeals, at the Social Security website or by calling the SSA’s national customer service line (800-772-1213).

Getting help online: My Social Security

You can apply for retirement and spousal benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare online through the SSA website (but not for survivor benefits). You can also begin and in some cases complete an application for Supplementary Security Income (SSI) online,  but in many circumstances, you will have to finish the process by phone or in person.

Opening an online My Social Security account gives you 24/7 access to your Social Security statement, which shows your earnings history and estimated future benefit payments. You can also track the status of an application for benefits or pending appeal and request a replacement Social Security card.

My Social Security services expand once you start collecting benefits. Among other things, you can use your account to get copies or request replacements of key documents, including tax forms and official verification of your benefit status; report a change of address to the SSA; and change bank details for direct deposit of your monthly payments.

AARP has a tutorial on creating a My Social Security account. The SSA’s Online Services page has details on information and assistance you can access anywhere using a computer or mobile device. Many Social Security forms are available online to download and print.

Getting help by phone

If you are unable to use online services or want to speak directly to a Social Security representative, call the SSA’s national customer service number at 800-772-1213 or call your local field office. You can apply for any type of benefit by phone, including survivor benefits and SSI.

The national phone line is staffed by live agents from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time on weekdays except for federal holidays. Outside those hours, you may be able to find what you’re looking for using the SSA’s 24-hour automated phone service.

Field offices are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Enter your ZIP code into the SSA’s field office locator to find contact information for your nearest facility.  

The national 800 number receives about 80 million calls a year, according to SSA data. Customers have experienced long wait times in recent years as Social Security implemented an upgrade to its phone system and struggled with staff shortages at its teleservice centers.