The Social Security website goes down regularly, and when it does, you have other ways to reach the agency and handle your account

The Social Security Administration's website (ssa.gov) experiences outages for maintenance, updates, and occasional technical failures. When you cannot log into your account or access online services, you are not locked out permanently — the site usually returns within hours, and you have immediate alternatives that work right now.

The fastest path depends on what you need to do. If you need a document, a phone line works. If you need to report a change to your account, you can do that by phone or mail. If you were in the middle of an online task, you can usually pick it back up when the site returns, because the Social Security Administration does not erase your progress.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the Social Security Administration's main line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak with a representative about account changes, benefit questions, or to request documents.
  • Visit a local Social Security office in person if you need to sign documents or handle matters that require your signature.
  • Use the Social Security mobile app (available on iOS and Android) to check your benefit status and view your earnings record even when the main website is down.
  • If you were applying for benefits online when the site went down, your progress is saved and you can resume your application once the site returns.
  • Check the Social Security Administration's social media accounts (Facebook, X) or call 1-800-772-1213 for updates on outage duration and expected restoration time.

Call the Social Security Administration directly

The phone line is the most reliable way to reach the agency when the website is unavailable. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Representatives can answer questions about your benefits, process changes to your account, help you request documents like a benefit verification letter or earnings statement, and answer questions about Medicare or Supplemental Security Income.

Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning on weekdays. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. If you call outside those hours, you can leave a message and a representative will call you back, though this takes longer than calling during business hours.

Have your Social Security number ready before you call. If you are calling about someone else's account (a spouse, parent, or child), have their Social Security number and your relationship to them available as well.

Use the Social Security mobile app

The Social Security Administration's official mobile app (called "Social Security" on both iOS and Android) often remains available even when ssa.gov is down, because it runs on different servers. You can use it to check your benefit amount, view your earnings record, and see the status of any pending application.

You will need to create a login or use an existing one. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one through the app using your email address and a password. The app does not let you apply for benefits from scratch, but it does show you the status of an application you started on the website.

Visit a Social Security office in person

If you need to sign documents, update your address, report a change in your circumstances, or handle a matter that requires your signature, you can visit your local Social Security office. Find the nearest office by going to ssa.gov/locator (or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the address).

Most offices now operate by appointment only. Call ahead or check the office's page on ssa.gov to book a time slot. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and any documents related to your request (birth certificate, marriage license, proof of address, etc.). Walk-in visits are usually not accepted, though some offices may handle urgent matters without an appointment.

Check the status of an application you started online

If you were in the middle of applying for benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or Medicare when the website went down, your progress is saved. You do not need to start over. When the site returns, log back in and continue from where you left off.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to ask a representative whether your application was received and what stage it is in. Have your Social Security number ready.

Know how long outages typically last

Planned maintenance windows usually last a few hours and are often scheduled for early morning or late evening to minimize disruption. The Social Security Administration typically announces planned outages in advance on its website and social media accounts.

Unplanned outages (technical failures) vary in length. Most are resolved within a few hours, though some have lasted longer. Check the Social Security Administration's Facebook page or X account (@socialsecurity) for real-time updates on when the site will return.

What to do if you need a document urgently

If you need a benefit verification letter, earnings statement, or other document and cannot wait for the website to return, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to mail it to you or email it if available. Some documents can be sent the same day or next business day.

If you need the document even faster, visit your local Social Security office in person. Many offices can print certain documents on the spot, though availability depends on the type of document and your office's current workload.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my place in an online application if the website goes down?

No. The Social Security Administration saves your progress automatically. When the site returns, log back in and you will be able to continue from where you stopped. You do not need to start the application over.

Can I report a change to my benefits by phone?

Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative what has changed (your address, marital status, work situation, etc.). They can update your account over the phone for most changes. Some changes may require you to mail in documents or visit an office in person.

How do I know if the website is down or if it is a problem with my computer?

Try accessing ssa.gov from a different device (phone, tablet, or another computer). If it does not work on multiple devices, the website is likely down. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm whether the site is experiencing an outage.

Can I get my Social Security statement online if the website is down?

Yes, through the Social Security mobile app. Download it, log in, and you can view your earnings record and benefit estimate. If you do not have the app, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to mail or email your statement.

What if I need to change my direct deposit information and the website is down?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can update your direct deposit information over the phone. Have your new bank account number and routing number ready. Changes typically take three to five business days to process.