Social Security Phone Number: SSA Customer Service, Human Help Options
The main Social Security phone number is 800-772-1213. These other numbers could also get you the help you need.
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Head of Content, New Verticals The main Social Security Administration phone number is 800-772-1213, and the average hold time is about 12 minutes . Fortunately, that’s not the only number you can call for help or to speak to a live person.
Below are other Social Security Administration phone numbers to try so you can reach the people you need. (You can also look for answers on ssa.gov.)
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You can call the main Social Security phone number Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. You’re likely to spend less time on hold if you call at these times:
- In the morning, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Right before closing, between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
- At the end of the month.
» MORE: How Social Security works
If you have a question about any of the topics below, one of the lesser-known Social Security phone numbers on this list might get you help faster.
| General assistance | |
| Main number for help with retirement, disability (SSDI) or supplemental security income payments (SSI) | 800-772-1213 |
| Deaf or hard of hearing and use TTY equipment | 800-325-0778 |
| Help outside of the United States | 410-965-0160 |
| Help with Ticket to Work program | 866-968-7842/866-833-2967 (TTY) |
| Report stolen Social Security number to Federal Trade Commission | 877-438-4338 |
| Report Social Security fraud, waste or abuse | 800-269-0271 |
| Request replacement Medicare card | 800-633-4227/877-486-2048 (TTY) |
| Sign up for direct deposit | 800-333-1795 |
| Get an exception from mandate to receive electronic payment | 855-290-1545 |
| Help with appeals process (Office of Hearings Operations) | 703-605-8500 |
| For appointed representatives | |
| Help registering as an appointed representative | 800-772-6270/800-325-0078 |
| Help with a fee claim or 1099 for fees | 877-626-6363 |
| Change your address for fee payments from SSA | 877-268-3827 (fax line) |
| Help with suspended account | 866-691-3061 |
The Social Security Administration operates offices in every state and provides a searchable list (with phone numbers) here. The SSA has about 1,400 field offices. Field offices typically operate from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Social Security offices do not take walk-ins. You must make an appointment. Go to your local embassy or consulate
There are no Social Security offices outside the United States, but the administration’s Office of Earnings & International Operations (OEIO) partners with the Department of State's embassies and consulates around the world to handle issues.
American embassies and consulates have trained personnel to help Americans abroad with Social Security services. You can find the phone numbers to the Federal Benefits Units of various American embassies and consulates here.
These NerdWallet articles about Social Security might make life easier:
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Generally, the Social Security Administration calls only people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, people who are already receiving payments and require an update to their record, or people who request a phone call from the agency. Otherwise, you shouldn’t receive calls from the Social Security Administration.
Avoid Social Security scams. The Social Security Administration does not:
- “Suspend” your Social Security number.
- Ask for personal information or money in order “to activate” a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or other benefit increase.
- Threaten to arrest or sue you because you don’t agree to pay money immediately.
- Threaten to seize your bank account.
- Offer to move your money to a “protected” bank account.
- Direct message you on social media.
- Ask you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or cash.
- Pressure you to do something immediately, including sharing personal information.
- Demand secrecy.
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- 1. SSA.gov. Social Security Administration (SSA) Monthly Data for National 800 Number Network (N8NN) Average Speed to Answer. Accessed Aug 7, 2025.
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Social Security phone numbers