The Social Security Administration runs Social Security, but it is not the only place you contact for help
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency that manages Social Security benefits — retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It is a real office with real staff, phone lines, and field offices in most towns. But SSA does not handle housing vouchers, rental assistance, food stamps, or Medicaid, even though people often call asking about those things. If you need housing help, you will contact your local housing authority or your state's housing agency, not SSA.
SSA's main job is to take your work history, calculate what you have earned, and send you a monthly check if you meet the rules for one of its programs. It also keeps records of your Social Security number, processes name changes, and handles appeals if your claim is denied. The agency has about 60,000 employees and handles roughly 450 million calls, letters, and visits per year.
Key Takeaways
- SSA manages only Social Security retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and SSI — not housing, food, or health insurance programs.
- You can reach SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213, by visiting a field office in person, or through its website at ssa.gov.
- SSA keeps records of your earnings and Social Security number, and it processes claims and appeals for its own programs.
- If you need housing help, contact your local public housing authority or your state housing finance agency, not SSA.
- SSA field offices are often busy; calling early in the week or using the online services portal can reduce wait times.
How to reach SSA by phone, mail, or in person
The main SSA phone line is 1-800-772-1213. It is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are longest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and shortest on Thursdays and Fridays. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.
You can also visit a field office in person. SSA has roughly 1,200 field offices across the country. To find the one nearest you, go to ssa.gov, click "Locations," and enter your zip code. Hours vary by office, but most are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your Social Security card, photo ID, and any documents related to your claim — birth certificate, marriage certificate, tax returns, or pay stubs, depending on what you are there to do.
You can also mail SSA a letter. Address it to the field office nearest you (found on ssa.gov) or to the national office: Social Security Administration, Office of Public Inquiries, 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235. Mail takes longer than a phone call or visit, so use it only if you cannot reach the office by phone.
What SSA can and cannot help you with
SSA handles Social Security retirement benefits (if you are 62 or older and have worked), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (if you cannot work due to a medical condition), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (if you are disabled, blind, or 65 and have very low income), and survivor benefits (if a family member who worked has died). It also issues Social Security numbers, replaces lost cards, and changes your name or address on record.
SSA does not handle housing vouchers, emergency rental assistance, public housing, Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, or veterans' benefits. If you need any of those, you will contact a different agency. For housing specifically, contact your local public housing authority or your state's housing finance agency. For Medicaid or SNAP, contact your state's department of human services. For unemployment, contact your state's labor department.
Many people call SSA asking about programs it does not run. If you are unsure which agency handles what you need, call 211 (a free referral line) or visit 211.org and enter your zip code. A counselor can tell you which office to contact and sometimes can transfer you or send you a warm handoff.
Creating an account on SSA's online portal
SSA has an online portal called my Social Security at ssa.gov. You can create a free account to check your earnings record, see your benefit amount, change your address, request a replacement card, and view your Social Security statement. You do not need to call or visit an office for these tasks.
To create an account, go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account," and follow the steps. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or address on file with SSA. The account takes a few minutes to set up and is secure.
If you already receive benefits, you can use my Social Security to see your payment schedule, update your direct deposit information, and report a change in your living situation. If you do not yet receive benefits but think you should, you can start a claim online through the portal instead of calling or visiting an office.
What documents you need for common SSA tasks
| Task | Documents to bring |
|---|---|
| Apply for retirement benefits | Birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, tax returns or W-2s from the past two years, marriage certificate (if applicable), divorce decree (if applicable) |
| Apply for disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) | Birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records from your doctor, list of medications, proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), bank statements |
| Report a death in the family | Death certificate, the deceased person's Social Security card, your relationship to the deceased |
| Replace a lost Social Security card | Photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) |
| Change your name or address | Photo ID, proof of the name change (marriage certificate or court order) if applicable |
Understanding SSA's appeals process if your claim is denied
If SSA denies your claim for benefits, 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 do not have to hire a lawyer, but many people do because the process is complex and the stakes are high.
You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. You can do this by phone, mail, or in person at your local field office. SSA will review your case with a different examiner. If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before a judge, which usually happens within 4 to 6 months. At the hearing, you can present evidence and testify. If the judge denies you, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision, and if that is denied, you can file in federal court.
If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can ask SSA for a list of legal aid organizations in your area. Some nonprofits offer free help with Social Security appeals. You can also find a lawyer who works on contingency — meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, rather than charging you upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my Social Security earnings record?
Create a free account on my Social Security at ssa.gov and log in. Your earnings record shows what SSA has on file for each year you worked. If something is wrong — a missing year or an employer name spelled incorrectly — contact SSA by phone or visit a field office with your tax returns or W-2s to correct it. Errors can lower your benefit amount.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can replace it for free by visiting a field office with your photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). You can also request a replacement online through my Social Security if you have an account set up. A replacement card usually arrives within 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I get a Social Security number if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You can get a Social Security number if you have a valid visa and a job offer, or if you are a permanent resident or refugee. You cannot get one just to open a bank account or get a driver's license. Visit a field office with your passport, visa, and employment letter or other proof that you need a number for work.
How long does it take to get a decision on a disability claim?
Initial decisions usually take 3 to 6 months, but it varies by state and how complex your medical records are. If SSA needs more information from your doctor, the timeline can stretch longer. You can check the status of your claim by logging into my Social Security or calling 1-800-772-1213.
What if I think SSA has the wrong information about me?
Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a field office with documents that prove the correct information — a birth certificate for your name, a marriage certificate for a name change, or a lease for your current address. SSA will update your record, usually within a few weeks. Errors on your record can affect your benefits, so fix them as soon as you notice them.