The main Social Security phone number is 1-800-772-1213

The Social Security Administration operates a single national phone line for most questions about benefits, account changes, and benefit verification. That number is 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. You can also reach a representative through this number if you are deaf or hard of hearing by calling the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

Wait times are typically shortest early in the week and early in the day. If you call on a Monday or Tuesday morning, you will usually reach someone faster than calling on a Thursday afternoon. The system will ask you to enter information about your account or your question, and it may route you to a specialist based on what you need.

You do not need to provide your Social Security number to the automated system to reach a representative. The system will ask for it only after you are connected to a person who can actually help you.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, for questions about retirement, disability, survivor, or Supplemental Security Income benefits.
  • Wait times are shortest early in the week and early in the morning, so plan your call accordingly if you have flexibility.
  • You can reach a representative without providing your Social Security number to the automated system first.
  • The TTY number 1-800-325-0778 serves people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
  • Social Security also offers online account creation through my Social Security, which lets you check your benefit status without calling.

What you can do on the phone

The 1-800-772-1213 line handles most routine requests. You can report a change in your income, address, or marital status. You can ask about your benefit amount, your payment date, or whether your benefits have been deposited. You can request a replacement Social Security card, report a lost card, or ask about the status of a card process you submitted online or in person.

You can also call to report that you have lost your benefits card, to ask about Medicare enrollment, to report a death in your family if you receive survivor benefits, or to ask general questions about how benefits work. If you are calling about a specific case — such as an appeal of a denied claim — the representative may transfer you to the office handling your case.

The phone line does not process new benefit claims. To start a claim for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you will need to create an account on my Social Security (at ssa.gov) or visit a local Social Security office in person.

When to use my Social Security instead of calling

The Social Security Administration's online account system, my Social Security, lets you check your benefit status, view your payment history, change your address, and request a replacement card without waiting on hold. You can create an account at ssa.gov using your email address and a password. The system is available 24 hours a day.

If your question is straightforward — such as confirming your next payment date or checking whether your card process was processed — logging into my Social Security usually takes less time than calling. You will have your answer when ready instead of waiting for a representative.

If you need to discuss something complex, such as how a change in your work will affect your benefits, or if you have a question the online system cannot answer, calling 1-800-772-1213 is the better choice.

What to have ready before you call

Have your Social Security number available, though you do not need to provide it to the automated system. If you are calling about someone else's benefits — such as a spouse's or a child's — have their Social Security number as well. If your question involves a specific change or event, have the date it happened.

If you are calling about a claim that was denied or a case that is under review, have any letters from Social Security about that case in front of you. The representative will ask you to confirm details from those letters to pull up your file. If you are calling from a phone number different from the one Social Security has on file, be prepared to answer security questions to verify your identity.

Local Social Security offices and in-person visits

If you prefer to speak with someone in person, you can visit a local Social Security office. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the address. Many offices now require you to make an appointment before visiting, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. You can schedule an appointment online through ssa.gov or by calling the main number.

In-person visits are useful if you need to submit documents, such as a birth certificate or marriage license, or if you have a complex situation that is difficult to explain over the phone. However, wait times at local offices can be long, and appointment availability varies by location.

Scams and fake Social Security numbers

Social Security will never call you first to threaten your benefits or demand when ready payment. If you receive a call claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to confirm your number or pay a debt, hang up. These are scams. Social Security contacts people by mail, not by unsolicited phone calls.

If you receive a suspicious call, you can report it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-269-0271. Do not provide any personal information to a caller you did not initiate contact with, even if they claim to be from Social Security.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I wait on hold when I call?

Wait times vary by day and time of day. Calling early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) and early in the day (before 10 a.m. Eastern time) usually results in shorter waits. During peak times, you may wait 30 minutes or longer. You can also ask the automated system to call you back instead of holding.

Can I schedule a callback instead of waiting on hold?

Yes. When you call 1-800-772-1213, the automated system will offer you the option to receive a call back at a time you choose. You will not lose your place in the queue, and you can hang up and do other things while you wait.

What if I need to report a death or explore for survivor benefits?

You can report a death by calling 1-800-772-1213. However, to start a new claim for survivor benefits, you will need to create an account on my Social Security or visit a local office in person. The phone line can answer questions about survivor benefits but cannot process new claims.

Is there a different number for Medicare questions?

Medicare is run by a different agency. For Medicare questions, call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). However, if your question involves both Social Security benefits and Medicare enrollment, the Social Security line can help you.

What if I am calling from outside the United States?

The 1-800 number works only from within the United States. If you are calling from outside the country, you will need to use an international calling service or visit the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. You can also mail questions to the Social Security Administration, though responses take longer.