The Social Security Administration runs the Social Security program

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that manages Social Security. It collects payroll taxes from workers and employers, keeps records of your earnings history, pays retirement benefits to people 62 and older, pays disability benefits to workers who cannot work due to a medical condition, and pays survivor benefits to family members of workers who have died. The SSA also runs Medicare enrollment and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate program for people with low income and limited resources.

The SSA does not decide whether you are disabled or whether you deserve benefits — it administers the program according to rules set by Congress. When you contact the SSA, you are dealing with a federal agency, not a private company or a third party. Understanding what the SSA actually does helps you know what to expect when you contact them and what documents or information you will need.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Administration is a federal agency that collects taxes, maintains your earnings record, and pays retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
  • You can reach the SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213, in person at a local field office, or through their website at ssa.gov.
  • The SSA keeps a record of your earnings history and uses it to calculate your benefit amount, so checking your record for errors is important before you reach retirement age.
  • The SSA processes claims for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, but the decision process can take weeks or months depending on the type of claim.
  • If you disagree with an SSA decision, you can request reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, or further appeal.

How to contact the Social Security Administration

The fastest way to reach the SSA is by phone at 1-800-772-1213. This number works Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.

If you prefer to visit in person, you can find your local Social Security field office at ssa.gov/locator. You do not need an appointment for most tasks, but some offices accept appointments to reduce wait time. You can also create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, check the status of a claim, and change your address or phone number without calling or visiting an office.

What your Social Security earnings record contains

The SSA maintains a record of your earnings history from every job where you paid Social Security taxes. This record is used to calculate your retirement benefit amount, your disability benefit amount, and the survivor benefits your family could receive. Errors in your earnings record — a missing year, a misspelled name, or earnings credited to the wrong person — can lower your benefits.

You can view your earnings record for free through your my Social Security account or by requesting a paper copy from the SSA. The SSA recommends checking your record every few years and reporting any errors within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the error occurred. If you find an error, contact the SSA with your W-2 or tax return as proof.

How the SSA processes retirement benefit claims

You can contact the SSA to start a retirement benefit claim as early as 61 years and 9 months old, even though you cannot receive benefits until age 62. Starting your claim early gives the SSA time to verify your information and process your process before your first payment is due.

The SSA will ask for your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, your W-2 forms or tax returns, and your bank account information for direct deposit. Processing a retirement claim usually takes two to four weeks if all your documents are in order. The SSA will contact you if they need additional information. Your first payment typically arrives the month after you are approved.

How the SSA processes disability benefit claims

A disability claim goes through a longer review process than a retirement claim. The SSA sends your medical records to a state disability information office, which decides whether your condition meets the SSA's definition of disability. This office is separate from the SSA but works under contract with it. The decision process usually takes three to six months, though it can take longer if the office needs more medical evidence.

If the state office denies your claim, you can request reconsideration, which sends your case to a different examiner at the same office. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many people hire a representative — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — to help them at the hearing stage. The SSA has a list of representatives on its website.

How the SSA processes survivor benefit claims

When a worker dies, the SSA pays benefits to their spouse, children, and dependent parents. The surviving family member or the funeral home can contact the SSA to report the death and start a survivor benefit claim. You will need the worker's Social Security number, birth certificate, and death certificate, plus proof of your relationship to the worker (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers).

Survivor benefits are usually processed within two to four weeks. A widow or widower can receive benefits as early as age 60, or at any age if they are caring for a child under 16. Children can receive benefits until age 19 if they are in high school, or until age 18 if they are not in school. Dependent parents can receive benefits at age 62.

What to do if you disagree with an SSA decision

If the SSA denies your claim or you believe their decision is wrong, 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 must request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the denial notice, or you lose the right to appeal that decision.

At the reconsideration stage, the SSA reviews your case without a hearing. At the hearing stage, you can present evidence and testimony to an administrative law judge, who is independent of the SSA. Many people find that having a representative at the hearing stage improves their chances. The SSA publishes a list of approved representatives on its website, and you can also find representatives through disability advocacy organizations in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my Social Security record without creating an online account?

Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask the SSA to mail you a paper copy of your earnings record. You can also visit a local field office in person. Creating a my Social Security account is faster and lets you check your record anytime, but it is not required.

What happens if I find an error in my earnings record after I start receiving benefits?

Contact the SSA when ready. Errors can be corrected even after you start receiving benefits, and the SSA may owe you back pay if the error lowered your benefit amount. Bring your W-2 or tax return as proof of the correct earnings.

How long does it take to get a decision on a disability claim?

Initial decisions usually take three to six months. If your claim is denied and you request reconsideration, that takes another two to three months. A hearing before an administrative law judge can take six months to a year or longer, depending on the judge's schedule in your area.

Can I work while I receive Social Security retirement benefits?

Yes, but if you are under full retirement age and earn more than a certain amount per year, the SSA will reduce your benefits. The earnings limit changes each year. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn any amount without a reduction. Contact the SSA or check ssa.gov for the current earnings limit.

What should I bring if I visit a Social Security office in person?

Bring a photo ID, your Social Security card if you have it, and any documents related to your claim — birth certificate, marriage certificate, W-2 forms, medical records, or denial notices. If you are explore for benefits, bring your bank account information for direct deposit. Call ahead to confirm what documents your local office needs for your specific situation.