What the Social Security Administration Does and How to Contact It

The Social Security Administration runs Social Security programs, but it is not the only place you will need to go

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that manages Social Security retirement, survivor, and disability benefits. It also maintains your earnings record, issues Social Security cards, and handles appeals if your claim is denied. However, SSA does not manage Medicare, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — those are separate programs run by other agencies, even though SSA handles some of the paperwork.

When you need to do something related to Social Security — check your earnings record, report a change, or understand your benefits — you will contact SSA directly. But if you are also looking into Medicare, Supplemental Security Income, or Medicaid, you will need to work with different agencies or your state. Understanding which agency handles what saves you time and prevents you from being sent in circles.

Key Takeaways

The Social Security Administration manages retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, but does not run Medicare, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income.
You can reach SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), online at ssa.gov, or in person at your local Social Security office.
SSA maintains your earnings record and uses it to calculate your benefit amount, so you should check it every few years for errors.
If SSA denies your claim, you can appeal through SSA's own process — you do not go to court first.

How to reach the Social Security Administration

SSA operates a national phone line, online portal, and local offices. The main number is 1-800-772-1213, available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week.

You can also create an account on ssa.gov to check your earnings record, view your benefit statement, and report changes without calling. The online portal, called my Social Security, lets you request a replacement Social Security card in some states and change your address or phone number.

For face-to-face help, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling the main number. Offices handle applications, appeals, and complex questions that the phone line cannot resolve. Many offices now require you to make an appointment in advance rather than walk in.

What SSA does and does not manage

SSA runs three main benefit programs: retirement benefits (for workers age 62 and older), disability benefits (for workers under full retirement age who cannot work due to a medical condition), and survivor benefits (for family members of a worker who has died). SSA also issues Social Security cards and maintains the earnings record that determines your benefit amount.

SSA does not run Medicare, even though many people turn 65 and enroll in both Social Security and Medicare at the same time. Medicare is managed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). SSA does not run Medicaid either — that is a joint federal and state program, and your state handles it. SSA also does not run Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program for people with low income and limited resources; SSI is administered by SSA on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, but the rules and funding are separate from Social Security benefits.

If you need help with Medicare, contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). If you need help with Medicaid or SSI, contact your state's Medicaid office or the SSA office that handles SSI claims in your state.

Your earnings record and how SSA uses it

SSA keeps a record of your wages and self-employment income for every year you worked. This record, called your earnings record, is used to calculate how much your retirement or disability benefit will be. If your employer reported your wages incorrectly or if SSA entered them wrong, your benefit could be lower than it should be.

You can view your earnings record for free on my Social Security or by requesting a paper copy from SSA. The paper copy is called a Social Security Statement or benefit estimate. Check it every few years, especially if you are self-employed or have worked under different names. If you spot an error, report it to SSA right away — there is a time limit to correct old records, usually three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year the wages were earned.

If you find an error and your employer is still in business, SSA will contact them to verify the correct amount. If the employer is no longer in business or cannot confirm the amount, you may need to provide your own proof, such as old tax returns or W-2 forms.

How to appeal if SSA denies your claim

If SSA denies your claim for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process has four levels: reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court. You do not skip to court; you must go through SSA's process first.

You must request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the denial letter. SSA will review your case with a different person and may ask for more information. If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, also within 60 days. At a hearing, you can present evidence and testify. Many people hire a lawyer or representative at this stage, though it is not required.

If you lose at the hearing, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision. If the Appeals Council denies your appeal or does not respond within 60 days, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court. Each step has its own important date, so keep copies of all letters from SSA and note the dates.

Reporting changes to SSA

If your life changes after you start receiving benefits, you must tell SSA. Changes that matter include: getting married or divorced, a death in your family, a change in your address or phone number, a change in your income (if you are under full retirement age and still working), or a change in your medical condition (if you receive disability benefits).

You can report most changes online through my Social Security, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office. Some changes, like a death, require a certified death certificate. If you do not report a change and SSA overpays you, you will have to repay the money — SSA can withhold it from future benefits or ask you to pay it back.

Documents you may need when contacting SSA

The documents SSA asks for depend on what you are doing. For a retirement or disability claim, you will typically need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and tax returns or W-2 forms showing your work history. For a survivor claim, you will need the worker's death certificate and proof of your relationship to them.

If you are appealing a denial, bring any medical records, work history, or other evidence that supports your case. If you are reporting a change, bring proof of the change — for example, a marriage certificate if you got married, or a lease if you moved.

You do not need to bring original documents to SSA; copies are usually fine. However, SSA may ask to see the original to verify it is genuine. Ask your local office what documents they need before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do everything with SSA online, or do I have to call or visit an office?

You can check your earnings record, view your benefit statement, change your address, and request a replacement Social Security card online through my Social Security. However, you must call or visit an office to explore for benefits, appeal a denial, or handle complex situations. Some offices now require appointments, so call ahead.

How long does it take SSA to process a claim?

Processing time varies. Retirement claims usually take two to three months if you have all your documents ready. Disability claims often take three to six months because SSA must review medical evidence. If SSA asks for more information, the clock stops until you send it.

What if I disagree with my earnings record but cannot find old pay stubs?

Contact SSA and explain what is wrong. If you cannot find pay stubs, SSA will try to verify the amount with your employer. If your employer is out of business or cannot confirm it, ask SSA what other proof they will accept — sometimes a letter from someone who worked with you or a tax return can help.

Do I contact SSA or Medicare if I have questions about both my benefits and my health insurance?

Contact SSA for questions about your Social Security benefit amount, payment date, or changes to your claim. Contact Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) for questions about your health insurance coverage, premiums, or claims. If you have questions about both, you may need to call both agencies.

What happens if I move to another country?

You must tell SSA if you move outside the United States. Some countries have agreements with SSA that allow you to receive benefits there; others do not. SSA will tell you whether your benefits can continue and what you need to do. Call 1-800-772-1213 before you move to find out.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.