What is the 24-hour Phone Number For Social Security?

When you have questions or concerns about your disability benefits, the 24-hour Social Security phone number can provide information. It may surprise you to learn that until 35 years ago, a free national phone number for people to use to contact the Social Security Administration did not exist. Now, the 800 number handles more than 28 million calls a year from people needing information from the SSA.

Calling the Social Security contact number is not the only way to get information about the status of an application or other issues regarding disability benefits. This blog explains how to access services and information from the SSA by phone, online, and in person. It also serves as a reminder to contact the helpful team of disability law professionals at Sackett and Associates for advice and representation about disability claims and appeals.

The Social Security 800 Number

The national toll-free contact number, 1-800-772-1213, offers a convenient alternative to visiting a local Social Security office to get information or access services. It’s especially welcome by people who live in rural areas or have mobility or transportation limitations that make it difficult to travel to a local office.

The phone system has accommodations allowing people who do not speak English or are hearing impaired to access Social Security customer service. The 800 number has English and Spanish capabilities. It also offers interpreter services in more than 200 languages and dialects free of charge to callers. Individuals who are hearing impaired or cannot use a traditional phone may access Social Security through its teletypewriter or TTY service by calling 1-800-325-0778.

When calling the Social Security helpline, be prepared to wait, but it’s not as bad as it has been in the past. The SSA reports an average wait time of 13 minutes, but it’s an improvement from the 24-minute average waiting time before the agency set out to overcome staffing issues. It set a goal of 12 minutes for 2025.

Using The 24-Hour Social Security Phone Number

Call the 24-hour Social Security between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, if you need to speak with a representative. You may experience shorter waiting times by calling early in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month. Another way to avoid waiting on hold is using the 24-hour automated phone system. Simply follow the voice prompts to find the information you need.

The Automated Phone System Gives You Access To Many Services, Including:

1. Notify the SSA of address and phone changes.
2. Get the address of a local Social Security office.
3. Request a form to apply for a Social Security card, change the name on a card, or update and correct information the SSA has on file on you.
4. Request the status of a pending claim for disability benefits.
5. Replace a Medicare card.
6. Request a form to apply for prescription drug assistance through Medicare.
7. Ask for a letter verifying your benefits.
8. Request a form SSA-1099 to replace a tax summary.

Various informational messages are available on the automated Social Security support number to answer your questions without waiting to speak to a customer service representative. Topics include the following:

1. How to become a representative payee for another person.
2. Reporting Social Security fraud.
3. Benefit payment dates.
4. How to arrange for direct deposit of your benefits.
5. Online services available from the SSA, including the website address.
6. Annual cost-of-living adjustment information.

Save time by using the automated 24-hour Social Security phone number first before waiting to speak with a representative.

Other Ways To Contact Social Security

The SSA website offers an alternative to the Social Security helpline that avoids long wait times. The following are some of the services accessible on the SSA website:

1. Find out if you are eligible for benefits.
2. Obtain an estimate of the benefits available to you.
3. Apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income
4. Check on the status of a pending application.
5. Check the status of a pending appeal.
6. Submit an appeal of an unfavorable decision by the SSA.

The website gives you access to all the services and information available using the Social Security customer service number, but it can be faster and more convenient.

Visiting A Local Social Security Office

The SSA has field offices located throughout the United States. If you prefer doing business with Social Security in person rather than online or by phone, call the national Social Security contact number to find an office near you. The SSA has an online locator to find a local office using only your zip code.

Depend On Northern California’s Premier Disability Law Firm

An easy way to get information and assistance about a disability claim is during a free consultation from the professionals at Sackett and Associates. Contact us today to learn why people in Northern California and throughout the country turn to Sackett Law for advice, guidance, and representation when applying for disability benefits or appealing unfavorable decisions.