The main Social Security phone number and what it handles

The general Social Security Administration phone number is 1-800-772-1213. This line handles calls about SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and other Social Security programs. You can call this number to ask questions about your account, report a change in your situation, request a replacement Social Security card, or get information about the process process.

The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you call during business hours, you will reach a representative. Outside those hours, you can leave a message and someone will call you back, usually within one business day.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use TTY (text telephone) at 1-800-325-0778. This service is available during the same hours as the main line.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, to reach a representative about your SSDI or SSI account.
  • Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and any case or claim number ready before you call to speed up the process.
  • If you are waiting for a decision on a claim, the representative can tell you the status but cannot speed up the review.
  • For TTY access, call 1-800-325-0778 during the same business hours.
  • If you cannot reach someone by phone, you can create an account at ssa.gov to message Social Security directly through your online account.

What to have ready before you call

Gather these documents or information before dialing so the representative can help you quickly. You will need your Social Security number, your date of birth, and the names and birthdates of any family members who receive benefits on your record. If you are calling about a specific claim or appeal, have your claim number or notice number handy — this appears on any letter Social Security sent you.

If you are calling to report a change (such as a new address, a return to work, or a change in living situation), have the date the change happened and any relevant documents nearby. For example, if you moved, have your new address written down. If you returned to work, have your employer's name and the date you started.

Calling about your SSDI or SSI claim status

If you have already submitted a claim and are waiting for a decision, the representative can tell you where your case stands. They can confirm that Social Security received your process, tell you whether they are still reviewing it, or let you know if they need more information from you. However, they cannot speed up the review process or change the timeline.

If Social Security needs documents from you, the representative will tell you what is missing and where to send it. You can mail documents to the local Social Security office, fax them, or upload them through your online account at ssa.gov if you have created one. Ask the representative which method is fastest for your situation.

Reporting changes to your account or benefits

Call to report changes that affect your benefits, such as starting work, earning more money, moving to a different address, getting married or divorced, or a change in your living situation. Social Security needs to know about these changes because they can affect how much you receive or whether you continue to receive benefits.

When you report a change, the representative will ask you questions to understand how it affects your case. Be honest and specific about dates and amounts. If you are unsure about something, say so — the representative can explain what information you need to find. After you report the change, Social Security will send you a letter confirming what they recorded.

What happens if you cannot reach someone by phone

If you have trouble reaching Social Security by phone or prefer not to call, you can create a free account at ssa.gov and use the message feature to contact your local office. This method works well for non-urgent questions or when you need time to gather documents. Messages are typically answered within three to five business days.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov and use the office locator, or call the main number and ask for the address. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require an appointment. Calling ahead to schedule an appointment will save you a trip.

Calling about appeals and hearing requests

If your claim was denied and you want to appeal, you can call to ask about the appeal process and what documents you need to submit. The representative can explain the four levels of appeal (reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court) and tell you the important date for filing your next step.

If you have already requested a hearing before an administrative law judge, you can call to check on the status of your hearing. The representative cannot tell you the outcome before the judge's decision is issued, but they can confirm your hearing date and time, and tell you if the judge needs any additional information from you before the hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Social Security call me back if I leave a message after hours?

Yes. If you call outside business hours (before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Eastern time, or on weekends and federal holidays), you can leave a message. A representative will call you back the next business day, usually in the morning. Make sure your phone number is clear on the message.

Can I call about someone else's benefits if I am their representative?

Yes, but you will need to be officially recognized as their representative. This can be a family member, attorney, or other person with a signed form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative) on file with Social Security. If you have this form on file, tell the representative when you call and provide the beneficiary's Social Security number.

What if I need an interpreter?

Tell the representative when you call that you need an interpreter. Social Security can arrange for a three-way call with an interpreter at no cost to you. The interpreter will translate between you and the representative. This service is available in most languages.

Can I record the call?

You can record the call on your end, but you should tell the representative at the start of the call that you are recording. Some states require both parties to consent to recording. The representative may end the call if they do not consent, so it is best to ask first.

What if I disagree with what the representative told me?

Ask the representative to send you a written confirmation of what they said, or note the date and time of the call and the representative's name. You can then request a second opinion by calling back and speaking to a different representative, or by visiting your local office in person. If you believe Social Security made an error, you can file a formal appeal.