Social Security: 24-Hour Telephone Service

Publication No. 05-10082

February 1996

Social Security's Toll-free 800 Number Service

Social Security has toll-free telephone service to provide you, our customer, 

with a convenient, easy way to conduct your Social Security business. Our tollfree number, 1-800-772-1213, is available any time; you can call 24 hours a 

day including weekends and holidays. You can speak to a representative from 

7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on business days. 

Who Answers The 800 Number?

The employees who answer Social Security's national telephone lines are fully 

trained representatives, just like the people who help you if you choose to visit 

a Social Security office. They use computer equipment and have access to your 

Social Security records. This means you can handle most of your business 

using the 800 number telephone system. 

Why Call The 800 Number?

We can take care of most of your Social Security business by telephone if 

you'll call the toll-free 800 number between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Following are 

some of the services available. Call to-- 

● schedule an appointment to apply for Social Security retirement, 

survivors or disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income, or 

Medicare; 

● change your address;

● sign up to send your Social Security benefit check directly to your bank;

● report your annual earnings;

● find out how work affects your Social Security benefits;

For your convenience, automated services are also available 24 hours a day. 

You can request-- 
● an application for a new or replacement Social Security card;

● a Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement (SSA-7004) which 

gives you an estimate of your Social Security benefit based on your 

lifetime earnings;

● a benefit verification (the amount of Social Security benefits you 

receive each month); or

● the location of the closest Social Security office.

In addition, you can call after business hours to access the automated service to 

request-- 

● a variety of publications, or 

● general information messages.

When Can You Call Us?

Our lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so if your 

business can wait, it's best to call at other times. However, if you are planning 

to file for benefits, you should call us as soon as possible. You can speak to a 

representative or make an appointment between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. 

on business days. 

For 24-hour automated service, it is best to call after business hours. Recorded 

information and services are available after 7 p.m. weekdays and round the 

clock on weekends and holidays. A recorded message will tell you how to 

leave your name and address, when needed, so we can complete your request. 

We'll respond to you by mail. 

People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our toll-free "TTY" number, 1-

800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on business days. 

To Help Us Serve You Better

When you call, you can help us serve you by having-- 

● your Social Security number handy, 

● a list of questions you want to ask, 

● any recent correspondence you received from us with you, and 

● a pencil and paper to record information and answers to your questions.

Your Privacy Is Important
The Social Security Administration treats all calls confidentially--whether 

they're made to our toll-free numbers or to one of our local offices. When you 

call, we'll ask you several questions to help us verify your personal identity. If 

you ask a friend or family member to call Social Security, you need to be with 

them so we can ask your permission to discuss your Social Security business 

with that person. 

We also want to make sure that you receive accurate and courteous service. 

That's why we have a second Social Security representative monitor some 

incoming and outgoing telephone calls. 

Social Security's Toll-Free Number

1-800-772-1213

Internet: http://www.ssa.gov