Social Security's Online Services and Phone Hours
Social Security does not offer live chat or email support through their website. You can create an account on ssa.gov and access certain services 24/7 — checking your earnings record, viewing your benefit statement, and changing your address or phone number — but if you need to speak with a person, you must call or visit an office in person.
The main Social Security phone line is 1-800-772-1213. Representatives answer calls Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The line is closed on federal holidays. Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and longest around mid-month when people call about benefit payments.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778, also available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security's main phone line (1-800-772-1213) is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, and closed on federal holidays.
- You can handle many tasks on ssa.gov without calling — checking earnings, viewing statements, and updating your address are available 24/7 online.
- Wait times are usually shorter before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., and longer around the 10th through 20th of each month.
- If you cannot reach someone by phone, you can visit a local Social Security office in person during regular business hours.
What You Can Do Online Without Calling
Creating a my Social Security account on ssa.gov lets you handle several tasks without waiting on hold. You can view your Social Security earnings record, which shows the wages Social Security has on file for you. You can also see your benefit statement, which estimates what you might receive at different ages if you claim retirement benefits.
You can change your address, phone number, or email address in your account. You can also request a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost or stolen, though you will need to verify your identity and may have to pick it up at a local office or wait for it to arrive by mail.
If you already receive benefits, you can view your payment history and change your direct deposit information online. You cannot change your benefit amount or start or stop benefits through the website — those require a phone call or office visit.
When to Call Instead of Using the Website
Call the main line if you need to report a change that affects your benefits, such as a change in income, living situation, or marital status. You also need to call to report the death of a beneficiary, to ask about survivor benefits, or to discuss your options for claiming retirement or disability benefits.
If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will need to speak with a representative or visit an office. The same applies if you want to appeal a decision Social Security has made about your case.
If you have questions about your earnings record or believe there is an error, calling is faster than trying to correct it online. A representative can walk you through what Social Security has on file and explain what documents you might need to provide.
Local Social Security Offices and In-Person Hours
Every city and county has at least one Social Security office. You can find the address and phone number of your nearest office by entering your zip code on ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have extended hours one or two days a week. A few offices close for lunch. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit, because hours vary by location and some offices have reduced schedules.
You do not need an appointment to visit most offices, but wait times can be long — often 30 minutes to an hour or more during mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Some offices now offer appointments through their website or by phone, which can shorten your wait. Ask when you call whether your local office takes appointments.
How to Prepare Before You Call
Have your Social Security number ready, along with your date of birth. If you are calling about a specific benefit or claim, have any relevant documents nearby — your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, or recent tax returns, depending on what you are calling about.
Write down the main reason you are calling before you dial. Representatives handle many calls and move faster when you can state your question clearly. If you are calling about a family member's benefits, have their Social Security number and your relationship to them ready.
If you are calling from a phone that is not your own, make sure you have a quiet place to talk and that you can hear clearly. Social Security representatives sometimes need to verify your identity by asking personal questions, and background noise can slow the process.
What to Do if You Cannot Reach Anyone
If the phone line is busy or you reach an automated message saying the office is closed, you can try again the next business day. Social Security does not take messages or offer callbacks, so you will need to call back yourself.
If you have tried calling multiple times without success, visit your local office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring if you were calling — your Social Security number, identification, and any paperwork related to your question.
You can also create or log into your my Social Security account and use the message feature to contact Social Security about certain issues. Responses typically take 5 to 10 business days. This option is slower than calling but can work if you have a question that is not urgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call Social Security on weekends or holidays?
No. The main line is open only Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Federal holidays are closed. You can use your my Social Security account online 24/7 to check information, but you cannot reach a person on weekends or holidays.
How long will I wait on hold?
Wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and time of month. Early morning (before 10 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) are usually faster. Mid-month tends to be busier. Some calls are answered in minutes; others may take 30 minutes or longer. The automated system will sometimes tell you the estimated wait time.
What if I need help in a language other than English?
Social Security offers interpretation services in many languages. When you call, tell the representative your language, and they can connect you with an interpreter. There is no extra charge. If you prefer, you can bring your own interpreter to an office visit.
Can I schedule a video call with Social Security instead of calling or visiting?
Some local offices offer video appointments, but this is not available everywhere. Call your local office or the main line to ask whether video appointments are available in your area. If they are, you can usually schedule one through the office directly.
What if I disagree with a decision Social Security made?
You have the right to appeal. Call the main line or visit your local office to request an appeal form. You typically have 60 days from the date on the notice to file your appeal. A representative can explain your options and what documents you might need to support your case.