The main Social Security phone number is 1-800-772-1213

Call 1-800-772-1213 to reach Social Security's general customer service line. This number works from anywhere in the United States. You can call Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

When you call, you will hear an automated menu. You can press numbers to reach different services, or you can say what you need and the system will route your call. If you need to speak with a person, stay on the line and the system will eventually connect you to a representative.

Social Security also has a TTY number for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: 1-800-325-0778. This line is open during the same hours as the main number.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Social Security phone number is 1-800-772-1213, open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
  • Call early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reach a representative faster, as wait times vary throughout the day.
  • You can use the automated menu to handle many tasks without speaking to a person, such as checking your benefit amount or scheduling an appointment.
  • If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 during the same business hours.
  • Social Security also offers in-person appointments at local offices if you prefer to handle matters face-to-face.

What you can do when you call

The automated system can handle many common requests without connecting you to a representative. You can check your benefit amount, report a change in your address or direct deposit information, request a replacement Social Security card, or schedule an appointment at your local office. The system will ask you to enter your Social Security number and answer security questions.

If you need to speak with someone, a representative can help you with more complex matters. These include questions about your work record, changes to your benefits, representative payee issues, or problems with your account. Representatives can also help if you are having trouble using the automated system.

Finding your local Social Security office

You can also visit Social Security in person at your local office. When you call 1-800-772-1213, you can ask the automated system to find the office nearest you, or you can visit ssa.gov/locator on the internet to search by zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have different hours.

If you want to visit in person, it is often faster to call ahead and schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and any documents related to your question.

Other ways to reach Social Security

You can create an account on ssa.gov to view your Social Security statement, check your benefit amount, and change your address or direct deposit information online. This is often faster than calling, especially if you only need to check information or make a straightforward change.

Social Security also has a mailing address if you prefer to send a letter. However, mail takes longer than calling or visiting in person. If you send a letter, include your Social Security number, your name, and a clear explanation of what you need.

What to have ready before you call

Before you call, gather information that Social Security may ask for. Have your Social Security number ready, along with your date of birth. If your question is about a specific benefit or account issue, have any relevant documents nearby — such as a letter from Social Security, your most recent benefit statement, or information about a change you reported.

If you are calling on behalf of someone else, you will need to explain your relationship to that person and may need to provide a power of attorney or representative payee document. Social Security cannot discuss someone else's account with you unless you have legal authority to act on their behalf.

When to call versus when to visit in person

Call if you need to check information quickly, report a straightforward change, or ask a straightforward question. The phone system is designed for these tasks and often handles them faster than an in-person visit.

Visit in person if you need to sign documents, if you are explore for a new benefit for the first time, or if you have a complex situation that requires detailed discussion. An in-person appointment also works better if you have trouble hearing on the phone or if English is not your first language, since you can ask the representative to slow down or write things down.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I call to wait the shortest amount of time?

Call early in the morning, around 7 or 8 a.m. Eastern Time, or late in the afternoon, around 5 or 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Mid-morning and early afternoon tend to have longer wait times. Calling on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday is often faster than calling on Monday or Friday.

Can I call Social Security on weekends or holidays?

No. Social Security's phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time only. On weekends and federal holidays, the lines are closed. You can still create an account on ssa.gov and handle some tasks online at any time.

What if I cannot hear well on the phone?

Use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person, where staff can speak with you face-to-face. If you use a relay service, you can call the main number through your relay provider.

Do I have to call to report a change to my benefits?

No. You can report many changes online through your ssa.gov account, including a change of address, direct deposit information, or phone number. You can also visit your local office in person. Calling is just one option.

What if the automated system cannot help with my question?

Stay on the line after the automated menu finishes, and the system will connect you to a representative. You can also schedule an appointment to speak with someone at your local office, or create an account on ssa.gov to send a message to Social Security online.