Social Security customer service can help with retirement, disability, survivor and Supplemental Security Income benefits, missing payments, Social Security cards, appeals, overpayments and Medicare enrollment. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Automated telephone services are available 24 hours a day. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call TTY at 1-800-325-0778.
Social Security Customer Service Phone Numbers and Contacts
- National Social Security number: 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- Representative hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. local time
- Automated telephone services: Available 24 hours a day
- Contact Social Security: SSA Contact Information
- my Social Security account: Sign In or Create an Account
- Find a local office: Social Security Office Locator
- Schedule or change an appointment: Social Security Appointments
- Apply for benefits: Apply for Social Security Benefits
- Check an application or appeal: Check Social Security Status
- Appeal an SSA decision: Start a Social Security Appeal
- Replace a Social Security card: Request a Replacement Card
- Benefit-verification letter: Get Proof of Benefits
- Overpayment help: Resolve a Social Security Overpayment
- Report Social Security fraud: SSA Office of the Inspector General
- OIG fraud hotline: 1-800-269-0271
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE / 1-800-633-4227
- Medicare TTY: 1-877-486-2048
- Official website: SSA.gov
- SSA headquarters: 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21235
The Baltimore headquarters is not a walk-in claims office or the normal address for applications, appeals or supporting documents. Use the local office, secure upload service or mailing address shown on the official notice for the individual case.
Social Security does not publish a general email address for questions requiring access to personal benefit records. Use a secure my Social Security account, the National 800 Number or a local office.
Best Times to Call Social Security
Telephone wait times can vary.
SSA recommends trying:
- Early in the day, generally between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Later in the afternoon, generally between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Wednesday through Friday
- Later in the month
Have the needed information ready before calling, but do not read a complete Social Security number, bank-account number or password aloud until you have independently verified that you called the official SSA number.
Choose the Correct Social Security Support Route
- Apply for retirement, disability or survivor benefits: Begin through SSA.gov or call for an appointment.
- Apply for SSI: Review the SSI application route or call Social Security.
- Check an application or appeal: Use the online status tool or automated telephone service.
- Missing benefit payment: Contact the bank first, then call SSA if the payment remains missing.
- Change direct deposit: Use a my Social Security account or the secure telephone and identity-verification process.
- Replace a Social Security card: Start online and follow any appointment or document instructions.
- Change a name or citizenship record: Follow SSA’s document and appointment instructions.
- Appeal a benefits decision: Use the appeal instructions in the notice before the deadline.
- Challenge an overpayment amount: Request reconsideration.
- Cannot afford repayment: Ask about a waiver or reduced recovery rate.
- Medicare enrollment: Contact SSA.
- Medicare claims, coverage or plan complaint: Contact Medicare.
- Suspected benefit fraud: Report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General.
- Social Security number identity theft: Report it through the Federal Trade Commission’s identity-theft service.
Information to Have Before Contacting Social Security
Depending on the request, gather:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Current mailing address
- Telephone number
- Type of benefit or application
- Date of the SSA notice
- Application, appeal or payment status
- Relevant work and earnings information
- Bank information for an authorized direct-deposit change
- Required original or certified identity documents
- Names and dates of previous SSA contacts
- The specific correction or decision requested
Keep Social Security numbers, claim numbers, Medicare numbers, addresses, bank information, medical records, tax forms and identification private.
Do not upload a Social Security card, government identification or SSA notice with a public review.
What Can Be Done Through a my Social Security Account?
A personal my Social Security account can provide access to services such as:
- Reviewing an earnings record
- Viewing benefit estimates
- Checking an application or appeal status
- Downloading a benefit-verification letter
- Obtaining an SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S
- Changing an address when eligible
- Changing direct deposit when eligible
- Requesting a replacement Social Security card in eligible situations
- Viewing payment information
- Managing online account security
Current account access uses Login.gov or ID.me. Open SSA.gov directly rather than signing in through a link in an unexpected email, text message or social-media post.
For account-creation assistance, call 1-800-772-1213 and say “Help Desk.”
Social Security Office Appointments
Schedule an appointment before visiting a field office whenever possible.
Call 1-800-772-1213 to:
- Schedule an in-person appointment
- Schedule a telephone appointment
- Change an existing appointment
- Cancel an appointment
Use the office locator to confirm:
- Address
- Local telephone number
- Office hours
- Temporary closures
- Whether a separate Social Security Card Center serves the area
SSA may still serve some people without appointments, particularly those with urgent or specialized circumstances, but an appointment can reduce the risk of a wasted trip.
Bring only the documents requested for the transaction. SSA may require original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency rather than ordinary photocopies.
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits
Applications may be available online, by telephone or through an office appointment depending on the benefit.
SSA handles applications for:
- Retirement benefits
- Spouse benefits
- Disability benefits
- Supplemental Security Income
- Survivor benefits
- Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment
Do not delay contacting SSA merely because every document is not yet available. The application or protective-filing date can affect benefits.
Record:
- The date the application was started
- The confirmation or reentry number
- Documents requested
- Submission deadlines
- Scheduled appointments
How to Check an Application or Appeal Status
Sign in to a my Social Security account or use SSA’s online status tool.
Automated status assistance is also available by calling 1-800-772-1213 and saying “application status.”
A status may show that the claim is:
- Received
- Under review
- Waiting for medical or nonmedical information
- At a state disability-determination service
- Scheduled for a hearing
- Decided
A pending status does not necessarily indicate that the application was approved or denied. Read the formal notice when it arrives.
Social Security Payment Is Missing
If an electronic payment does not arrive on the scheduled date:
- Check the official benefit-payment schedule.
- Review the bank account.
- Contact the financial institution first.
- Confirm that the account remains open.
- Call Social Security if the payment remains late, missing or stolen.
Call 1-800-772-1213 or contact the local office. SSA will review whether the payment was issued and whether replacement action is appropriate.
Do not pay anyone who promises to release a delayed Social Security payment.
How to Change Social Security Direct Deposit
The fastest route for many beneficiaries is a personal my Social Security account.
A direct-deposit change may also be completed by telephone. SSA may require a one-time security code generated through its secure PIN service before a representative can process the change.
If the beneficiary cannot access a my Social Security account or complete the secure telephone verification, SSA may require:
- An in-person identity check at a local office, or
- Enrollment or account changes through the financial institution
People receiving SSI can have different online-service availability from people receiving retirement, survivor or disability benefits.
Never change direct deposit in response to an unsolicited telephone call, text message or email.
Replacing a Social Security Card
A replacement card may be requested online in many situations.
An office visit may be required when:
- The applicant cannot complete the online identity check.
- A name or citizenship record must be changed.
- The requested card is for a child.
- The applicant lacks eligible state identification.
- Original supporting documents must be examined.
A Social Security card is free. SSA does not charge an application, replacement or expedited-processing fee.
Beware of websites charging to complete a free SS-5 application or obtain an ordinary replacement card.
Social Security Benefit-Verification Letters and Tax Forms
A benefit-verification letter can show that a person:
- Receives Social Security benefits
- Receives SSI
- Has applied for benefits
- Does not currently receive benefits
- Has Medicare coverage
Download the letter through a my Social Security account or use automated telephone assistance by saying “proof of income.”
Replacement SSA-1099 and SSA-1042S tax forms are also available through eligible online accounts.
Do not post a benefit letter or tax form publicly. These documents can contain information useful for identity theft.
How to Appeal a Social Security Decision
Read the complete decision notice immediately.
An appeal generally must be requested within 60 days after the notice is received. SSA usually assumes receipt five days after the date printed on the notice unless the person shows that it arrived later.
The four possible appeal levels are:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing before an administrative law judge
- Appeals Council review
- Federal district court review
Not every case goes through every level.
Some decisions have a much shorter period for requesting that benefits continue during the appeal. For example, a notice involving termination of disability benefits may explain a 10-day continuation deadline.
The individual notice controls. Do not wait until the end of the 60-day period to request help.
Keep:
- The complete notice and envelope
- The appeal confirmation
- Medical or nonmedical evidence submitted
- Fax, upload or mailing confirmation
- Representative appointment records
Social Security Overpayment Notices
An overpayment notice should explain:
- Why SSA believes too much was paid
- The amount
- The repayment plan
- Appeal rights
- Waiver rights
- Applicable deadlines
Available responses can include:
- Request reconsideration: Use this when disputing whether an overpayment occurred or whether the amount is correct.
- Request a waiver: Use this when the person was not at fault and repayment would be unaffordable or unfair under SSA’s rules.
- Request a lower recovery rate: Use this when the debt is accepted but the proposed withholding would prevent payment of necessary expenses.
- Arrange repayment: Use this when the debt and amount are accepted.
Submitting an appeal or waiver request promptly may pause collection while SSA decides the request. Read the notice carefully because the collection and appeal deadlines are not always the same.
Do not ignore an overpayment notice even when it appears incorrect.
Social Security vs. Medicare Customer Service
Contact Social Security about:
- Enrolling in Medicare Part A or Part B
- Applying for Extra Help with prescription-drug costs
- Updating an address connected to Social Security records
- Medicare eligibility connected to Social Security benefits
- Replacing a Medicare card through a my Social Security account when available
Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE / 1-800-633-4227 about:
- Medicare claims
- Coverage questions
- Medical or drug plan complaints
- Medicare billing
- Provider information
- Medicare Summary Notices
Medicare representatives and live chat are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except some federal holidays. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Social Security Fraud, Scams and Identity Theft
Report suspected fraud involving Social Security programs to the SSA Office of the Inspector General.
Examples include:
- Misuse of another person’s Social Security number
- False statements to obtain or continue benefits
- Concealed work, earnings or living arrangements
- Representative-payee misuse
- Impersonation of SSA or OIG employees
Submit the report through the official OIG form or call 1-800-269-0271.
Social Security impersonation scammers may:
- Claim that a Social Security number is suspended
- Threaten arrest or deportation
- Demand immediate payment
- Request gift cards, cryptocurrency or cash
- Send a fake badge or employee identification
- Use the name of a real government employee
- Ask for remote access to a computer or phone
SSA does not suspend Social Security numbers or demand payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency.
SSA has also warned that it will not send a text message asking a person to prove or confirm identity for a direct-deposit change.
What to Do When a Social Security Number Is Stolen
If the number has been used to open an account, obtain credit or make a purchase, report identity theft through the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.
The FTC can provide an Identity Theft Report and recovery plan.
Additional steps may include:
- Contacting affected banks or creditors
- Reviewing credit reports
- Freezing credit files
- Changing compromised passwords
- Filing a police report when appropriate
- Requesting a replacement Social Security card when needed
SSA does not investigate every form of consumer identity theft merely because a Social Security number was used.
How to Escalate a Social Security Complaint
- Identify whether the issue involves an application, payment, card, appeal, overpayment, Medicare matter or fraud report.
- Use the appropriate online service when available.
- Call 1-800-772-1213.
- Record the date, time and purpose of the contact.
- Ask whether a local office or specialized processing center controls the case.
- Schedule an appointment when the matter cannot be resolved online or by telephone.
- Submit documents through the secure route or address stated in the notice.
- Ask for a supervisor when a service problem remains unresolved.
- Use the formal appeal process rather than an ordinary complaint when challenging a benefits decision.
- Contact the SSA Office of the Inspector General for fraud, waste, abuse or employee-misconduct allegations within its jurisdiction.
A telephone complaint does not automatically extend an appeal, reconsideration, hearing or benefit-continuation deadline. Submit the required formal request before the deadline.
A review submitted to CustomerServiceNumbers.com does not contact SSA, apply for benefits, replace a card, report fraud, correct a payment or file an appeal.
Social Security Customer Service Reviews and Complaints
CustomerServiceNumbers.com currently has no published Social Security Administration reviews and no established customer rating.
Because no reviews are visible, this page does not claim that people currently praise or complain about SSA telephone service, local offices, applications, benefits, payments or appeals.
New reviews can help readers understand current experiences involving:
- National telephone support
- Automated services
- Local office appointments
- Retirement, disability, survivor and SSI applications
- Missing payments
- Direct-deposit changes
- Social Security cards
- Appeals
- Overpayment notices
- Fraud and scam reporting
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Customer Service
What is the Social Security customer-service phone number?
Call 1-800-772-1213.
What are Social Security customer-service hours?
Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Automated services are available 24 hours a day.
What is the Social Security TTY number?
Call 1-800-325-0778.
Does Social Security have a customer-service email?
SSA does not provide a general email address for questions requiring access to personal benefit records. Use a secure online account, telephone support or a local office.
Do I need an appointment at a Social Security office?
Schedule an appointment before visiting whenever possible. Call the National 800 Number or local office.
Can I apply for Social Security benefits online?
Many retirement, disability and Medicare applications can be started online. Other situations may require a telephone or office appointment.
How do I check my Social Security application?
Use the online application-and-appeal status tool, sign in to a my Social Security account or call automated telephone assistance.
How do I report a missing Social Security payment?
Contact the financial institution first. If the payment remains missing, call Social Security or contact the local office.
How do I change direct deposit?
Use a my Social Security account when eligible. Telephone changes may require a one-time security code. An office visit or assistance from the bank may be required when secure verification cannot be completed.
How long do I have to appeal a Social Security decision?
The general deadline is 60 days after receiving the notice. Shorter deadlines may apply when requesting continued benefits. Follow the exact instructions in the notice.
What should I do about a Social Security overpayment?
Request reconsideration if the amount or finding is wrong, request a waiver when repayment should be excused, or request a lower recovery rate when the proposed withholding is unaffordable.
What is the Medicare phone number?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE / 1-800-633-4227. Medicare TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
How do I report Social Security fraud?
Use the SSA Office of the Inspector General’s online form or call 1-800-269-0271.
Where is Social Security headquartered?
The Social Security Administration’s main address is 6401 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21235. Individual claims should be handled through the assigned office or route stated in the notice.
Related Government Customer Service Pages
Why Trust CustomerServiceNumbers.com?
CustomerServiceNumbers.com has helped consumers locate customer-service information and share support experiences since 2004. We independently organize official telephone numbers, online services, appointment routes, appeal guidance, fraud-reporting contacts and customer reviews.
We are not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, SSA Office of the Inspector General, Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Login.gov, ID.me or any financial institution.
Share Your Social Security Customer Service Experience
Have you contacted Social Security about retirement, disability, survivor or SSI benefits, a missing payment, direct-deposit change, Social Security card, appeal, overpayment or local-office appointment? Leave a factual review below and explain which service route you used, the approximate response time and whether the issue was resolved.
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Page Update Note
This Social Security customer-service page was reviewed and updated on July 17, 2026. The update corrected representative hours to local time, added current online-account and appointment routes, clarified Social Security versus Medicare responsibilities, and expanded guidance for applications, missing payments, direct deposit, replacement cards, appeals, overpayments, fraud and identity theft.
Last Updated: July 17, 2026
Customer Service Information Disclaimer
CustomerServiceNumbers.com is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, SSA Office of the Inspector General, Medicare, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Login.gov, ID.me or any financial institution. Social Security does not provide support through this website.
Telephone numbers, representative hours, automated services, appointment practices, online-account requirements, appeal deadlines, payment procedures, overpayment policies and Medicare contacts can change. The official SSA notice, applicable law and current SSA.gov instructions control.
This page cannot determine benefit eligibility, calculate an award, access an SSA record, change direct deposit, replace a card, file an appeal, stop an overpayment collection, report fraud or provide legal representation.