How to Reach Social Security by Phone, Mail, and Online

The fastest way to reach Social Security depends on what you need

Social Security has three main contact channels: phone, mail, and online. The phone line (1-800-772-1213) is fastest for most questions and account changes, but wait times can run 30 minutes or longer during peak hours. The online portal, my Social Security at ssa.gov, lets you check your earnings record, change your address, and request a replacement card without calling. Mail takes weeks but works if you need to send documents or prefer written communication.

Which channel you choose matters because some tasks can only be done one way. You cannot change your direct deposit information by mail, for example, but you can do it online or by phone in minutes. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, Social Security offers a TTY line at 1-800-325-0778.

Key Takeaways

• Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time, for account changes and benefit questions.
• Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings history, change your address, and request a replacement Social Security card online without waiting on hold.
• Mail documents to your local Social Security office; find the address at ssa.gov/locator or call the main number to confirm where to send them.
• Social Security field offices handle in-person visits, but you must schedule an appointment first — walk-ins are not accepted.
• If you are outside the United States, call the international line at 1-410-965-7307 during U.S. business hours.

Phone contact: when to call and what to expect

The main Social Security phone line is 1-800-772-1213, open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Call this number to report a change in your circumstances, ask about your benefits, request a replacement card, or discuss your earnings record. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.

Wait times are longest in the morning and on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you call after 5 p.m. or on a weekday afternoon, you will typically wait less. Social Security also offers an automated phone system that handles some requests without speaking to a representative — the system will prompt you to choose an option after you call.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, use the TTY line at 1-800-325-0778 during the same hours. If you are calling from outside the United States, use 1-410-965-7307 (not toll-free) during U.S. business hours, Eastern time.

Online account access through my Social Security

The my Social Security portal at ssa.gov is the fastest way to handle many tasks without calling. You can create a free account using your email address and Social Security number. Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, change your address, request a replacement card, start the process for a name change, and update your direct deposit information.

Creating an account takes about 10 minutes. Social Security will ask you security questions to verify your identity. If you cannot answer enough questions to pass verification, you can create an account using a different method — the website will walk you through alternatives.

The my Social Security account also shows your current benefit amount if you are already receiving payments, and lets you view your Social Security Statement, which estimates your future benefits based on your work history.

Mailing documents and written requests

If you need to send documents — such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or proof of income — mail them to your local Social Security office. Find your office address at ssa.gov/locator by entering your zip code, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the address. Always include your name, date of birth, and Social Security number on any documents you send.

Mail takes two to four weeks to arrive and be processed. If your documents are time-sensitive (for example, if you are applying for benefits and have a deadline), call first to confirm where to send them and whether mailing is the right option. Some offices accept documents dropped off in person during business hours, though you still need an appointment.

Keep copies of everything you mail. If your documents do not arrive or get lost, you will have proof of what you sent and when.

In-person visits to a Social Security office

Social Security field offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but you must schedule an appointment before you go. Walk-ins are not accepted. To schedule, go to ssa.gov/locator, find your office, and click the appointment link, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to book an appointment.

In-person visits are useful if you need to sign documents, bring original identification, or discuss a complex situation face-to-face. Bring your Social Security card, photo ID, and any documents related to your request. Appointments typically last 15 to 30 minutes.

If you cannot visit during regular business hours, some offices offer limited evening or Saturday hours. Ask when you schedule whether your office has extended hours.

Contacting Social Security about specific situations

If you are reporting a death, call 1-800-772-1213 immediately. Social Security needs to know within one month to stop payments and process survivor benefits. Have the deceased person's Social Security number and date of death ready.

If you suspect fraud or identity theft involving your Social Security number, call the same number and ask to speak with someone about fraud. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. If someone is using your number to work, Social Security will contact you about the earnings, and you can dispute them by calling or visiting an office in person.

If you are outside the United States and need to report a change or ask a question, use the international number 1-410-965-7307. This line is not toll-free, and you will be charged international calling rates.

Finding your local Social Security office

Use the office locator at ssa.gov/locator to find the address, phone number, and hours for the office nearest you. Enter your zip code and the site will show all offices in your area. Each office listing includes a link to schedule an appointment online.

If you do not have internet access, call 1-800-772-1213 and provide your zip code. The representative will give you the address and phone number of your nearest office. Some communities also have Social Security representatives at local libraries or senior centers on certain days — ask your local office whether this service is available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reach someone on the phone?

Wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Early morning and Monday or Tuesday calls often mean 30 to 45 minutes on hold. Calling after 2 p.m. or on Wednesday through Friday typically results in shorter waits. The automated system can handle some requests without a representative, which is faster.

Can I handle my Social Security business through a representative or agent?

You can authorize someone to act on your behalf by completing a power of attorney form or a limited authorization form. Visit ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request the form. The person you authorize can then call or visit an office to handle certain tasks, though some sensitive matters still require you to be present.

What if I do not have internet access to use my Social Security?

Call 1-800-772-1213 to handle your request by phone, or visit your local office in person with an appointment. Some libraries and senior centers also offer computer access if you need help creating an online account.

Is there a way to avoid the phone wait?

Use the my Social Security online portal for most routine tasks — it is faster than calling. If you must call, try calling after 2 p.m. on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. You can also use the automated phone system for simple requests like checking your benefit amount or requesting a replacement card.

What should I do if I cannot reach Social Security after multiple attempts?

Try calling at different times of day or on different days. If you need urgent help, visit your local office in person and schedule an appointment. You can also contact your U.S. Representative's or Senator's office — they have constituent services staff who can sometimes help with Social Security issues.