Contacting Social Security doesn't have to mean hours on hold. Here are the easiest ways to get help with your benefits.
In this article, we'll cover:
- Online options (no phone needed)
- Phone tips for shorter waits
- In-person visits
- What each method is best for
1. Online Options (No Phone Needed)
My Social Security account:
- Most convenient option
- Available 24/7
- No wait times
- Many tasks available
What you can do online:
- Check benefit amount
- View payment history
- Get benefit verification letter
- Change address
- Change direct deposit
- Request 1099 tax form
- Apply for some benefits
- Report wages (some situations)
Setting up my Social Security:
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
- Create account or sign in
- Verify your identity
- Access your information
Benefits of online:
- Instant access
- No hold times
- Available weekends
- Keep records of changes
Important: Not everything can be done online. Complex issues may still require a call or visit.
2. Phone Tips for Shorter Waits
Main number:
- 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm local time
Best times to call:
- Early morning (right at 8am)
- Late afternoon (after 4pm)
- Wednesday-Friday (usually less busy)
- Avoid Mondays and first of month
Worst times:
- Monday mornings
- Around the 1st (payment time)
- After holidays
- Tax season
While you wait:
- Use speakerphone
- Have documents ready
- Write down your questions
- Note the representative's name
What to have ready:
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Recent benefit information
- Specific questions written down
Automated system shortcuts:
- Listen for options carefully
- "Representative" or "0" may get a person
- Be patient
- Some info available through automation
3. In-Person Visits
When to go in person:
- Complex situations
- Need to provide original documents
- Technology challenges
- Prefer face-to-face
Finding your local office:
- Use ssa.gov/locator
- Enter zip code
- Get address and hours
- Check for appointment requirements
Appointments:
- Many offices now require appointments
- Call ahead to schedule
- Some walk-in availability
- Reduces wait time
What to bring:
- Valid ID
- Social Security card (if you have it)
- Any relevant documents
- List of questions
- Something to do while waiting
Best times for visits:
- Middle of the month
- Mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday)
- Later in the day
- Avoid first week of month
4. What Each Method Is Best For
Use online for:
- Checking payment information
- Getting benefit letters
- Changing address or direct deposit
- Viewing your record
- Simple updates
Call for:
- Questions about your case
- Reporting changes
- Complex situations
- When online doesn't work
- Urgent issues
Visit in person for:
- Applications (can also do online)
- Providing original documents
- Appeals
- When phone isn't working
- Complicated situations
Use mail for:
- Appeals (keep copies)
- Providing documents
- When you need paper trail
- Formal communications
Getting Better Service
Be prepared:
- Know your question specifically
- Have all information ready
- Write things down
- Be patient and polite
Take notes:
- Representative's name
- Date and time of contact
- What was discussed
- Any confirmation numbers
Follow up:
- If promised a callback, note when
- If change was made, verify it took effect
- Check online for updates
- Don't assume—confirm
If you're not satisfied:
- Ask to speak with supervisor
- File formal complaint if needed
- Document everything
- Consider visiting in person
Special Circumstances
Language assistance:
- Translation services available by phone
- Some offices have bilingual staff
- Request interpreter in advance
- TTY for hearing impaired
Representative help:
- Your representative payee can call for you
- Appointed representative can act on your behalf
- May need authorization on file
- They can handle many matters
How Purple Helps
Purple reduces the need to contact SSA:
- Clear view of benefit deposits
- Track payment history
- Easy record keeping
- Less confusion about payments
- Financial questions answered in-app