The fastest way to reach Social Security depends on what you need
Social Security has three main contact routes: phone, online account, and in-person at a local office. The phone line (1-800-772-1213) handles most questions and is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. If you need to handle something online, you can create or log into your account at ssa.gov/myaccount. For complex issues or if you prefer to speak face-to-face, you can visit a Social Security office in your area — find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.
Wait times vary by method and time of day. The phone line is busiest on Tuesdays through Thursdays and in the morning. If you call early in the week or after 3 p.m., you may wait less. The online account lets you handle many tasks without waiting at all, including checking your earnings record, changing your address, and requesting a replacement card.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time for questions about benefits, earnings records, or account changes.
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount to check your benefit amount, update your address, and request a replacement Social Security card without calling.
- Visit your local Social Security office in person if you need to sign documents, discuss a complex case, or prefer face-to-face help — find the address at ssa.gov/locator.
- Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and any relevant documents ready before you call or visit, so the conversation moves faster.
Using the phone line: what to expect and how to wait less
The main Social Security phone number is 1-800-772-1213. You can call to ask about your benefit amount, report a change in your life (marriage, divorce, moving, change in income), request a replacement card, or ask how to handle a specific situation. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. It is closed on federal holidays.
Wait times are longest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and noon. If you call on a Monday or Friday, or after 3 p.m., you will usually wait less. You can also call before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to leave a message, and a representative will call you back during business hours the next day.
When you call, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and any documents related to your question ready. If you are calling about a benefit payment, have your bank account number available. If you are reporting a change, have the date it happened and any paperwork that proves it (marriage certificate, divorce decree, lease, etc.).
Creating and using your my Social Security account online
A my Social Security account lets you handle many tasks without calling or visiting an office. You create one at ssa.gov/myaccount by entering your email, creating a password, and answering security questions. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Once you are logged in, you can view your earnings record (the income Social Security has on file for you), check your estimated benefit amount, change your address or phone number, request a replacement Social Security card, and set up direct deposit or change your bank account. You can also view your benefit payment history and the date your next payment is due.
If you are not yet receiving benefits, your account shows your estimated benefit amount at full retirement age and at age 62 and 70. This estimate updates each year after you file your taxes, so check back in the spring if your income changed. If you are already receiving benefits, your account shows your current monthly amount and your payment schedule.
Visiting a Social Security office in person
You can walk into any Social Security office to speak with a representative. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator by entering your city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have different hours. A few offices offer evening or Saturday hours — the locator will show you.
Go in person if you need to sign documents (like a form for a representative payee or a request for a replacement card), if you want to discuss a complex situation face-to-face, or if you have tried calling and were not able to reach someone. Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and any documents related to your question. Bring a photo ID if you are requesting a replacement card.
Wait times at offices vary widely. Some offices have short waits in the morning on Mondays or Fridays. Others are busy all day. You can call the office directly (the number is on the locator page) and ask when they are least busy, or you can ask if they take appointments. Some offices let you schedule a time slot online.
What to do if you cannot reach Social Security
If you have called multiple times and cannot get through, try the online account first — many issues can be resolved there without speaking to anyone. If your issue requires a phone call and you have not been able to reach someone after several tries, call back during off-peak times: early Monday morning, Friday afternoon, or after 3 p.m. on any day.
If you are having trouble with your benefit payment itself (you did not receive a payment you expected, or the amount was wrong), you can report it through your my Social Security account or by calling. Social Security takes payment problems seriously and will investigate. Have your payment history from your account ready so you can tell them exactly which payment is missing or incorrect.
If you need help with a complex case — for example, if you are appealing a decision Social Security made about your benefits — you can hire a representative. Representatives are lawyers or non-lawyers trained in Social Security law. They charge a fee (capped by law at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200), and they can contact Social Security on your behalf. You can find a representative through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (nosscr.org) or by asking at your local legal aid office.
Reporting changes to your account
Social Security needs to know about certain life changes so your benefits stay correct. You can report most changes through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person. Changes you should report include a move to a new address, a change in your phone number, marriage, divorce, a change in your income (if you are under full retirement age and still working), or a change in your direct deposit information.
If you are receiving benefits and your life situation changes, report it as soon as you can. For example, if you get married, Social Security needs to know because your spouse may be able to receive benefits on your record. If you go back to work, Social Security needs to know because it may affect your benefit amount temporarily. If you move, Social Security needs your new address so your benefit payments reach you.
You can report most changes online through your account. If you prefer to call, have the date the change happened and any documents that prove it. If you prefer to visit an office, bring the documents with you.
Getting help with your Social Security number or card
If you need a replacement Social Security card, you can request one online through your my Social Security account, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office. The online request is the fastest — you can do it anytime, and the card will arrive in the mail in about 1 to 2 weeks. You will need to upload a photo of your ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID).
If you prefer to request by mail, fill out Form SS-5 (available at ssa.gov) and mail it with a copy of your ID and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) to your local Social Security office. The address is on the form. By mail, the card takes 2 to 4 weeks.
If you lost your Social Security number or think someone is using it fraudulently, call 1-800-772-1213 right away. Social Security can place a fraud alert on your account and issue you a new number if needed. You will also want to contact the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I wait if I call Social Security?
Wait times range from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the day and time. Calling on Monday or Friday, or after 3 p.m., usually means a shorter wait. If you call during peak times (Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon), expect to wait 30 minutes or more. You can also leave a message and have a representative call you back.
Can I handle my Social Security business online without calling?
Yes, for many tasks. Through your my Social Security account, you can check your benefit amount, update your address, request a replacement card, and view your earnings record. If you need to sign documents or discuss a complex situation, you will need to call or visit an office.
What if I do not have internet access or cannot create an online account?
You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Both routes let you handle any business without an online account. Some libraries and community centers also offer free computer access if you want to create an account with help.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Social Security office?
Most offices accept walk-ins, but some are now taking appointments only. Call your local office (the number is on ssa.gov/locator) to ask whether they take appointments and when they are least busy. Some offices let you schedule online.
What should I bring when I visit a Social Security office?
Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and any documents related to your business — for example, a marriage certificate if you are reporting a name change, or a lease if you are reporting a move. If you are requesting a replacement card, bring a photo ID. If you are discussing benefits, bring your benefit statement if you have one.