Contacting the Social Security Administration: A Quick How-To

To know all about the rules that govern your social security benefits and get a clearer interpretation of the tons of explanations in the agency’s Program Operations Manual System (POMS), you will have to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What is the Social Security Administration?

A Social Security Administration is a body that assigns social security numbers, and one that is also in charge of administering the Social Supplemental Security Income program for the aged, blind, and disabled.

Here we bring the various mediums you can use in contacting the social security administration:

Contacting Social Security Online

The Social Security website is quite easy to use. And is written in plain simple English. And provides almost all the services that you need. Visiting the ‘What You Can Do Online Page’, helps you view a list of the online services. Here, you will notice that you can apply for benefits. Get a copy of your statement, appeal a decision by Social Security officials. As well as get estimates of your future benefits. And Medicare services, amongst other things. On each heading on this page. You will find a drop-down menu that points you in the right direction. Depending on your specific needs.

The websites have certain hours of operation during which you can conduct business. And the hours are very extensive.

Contacting Social Security in Person

If you are unable to resolve your problem. Or can’t find the information you need on the website or over the phone. When the social security offices are reopened. You can visit one of the field offices. To do this, you can use the Social Security Office Locator offered by the website. Which works through zip code in locating an office. You will also need to visit an office if you want to request a Social Security card. Or update certain kinds of details.

However, note that an appointment could take weeks. Or more than a month to get one. You can also just go straight to the office, but note that you’ll probably have to wait. For more than a couple of hours to be seen. Also, SSA employees are extremely busy, and may also not offer you the advice you need. On how to maximize your benefits.

Contacting Social Security by Phone

If the website does not address your question. You may need to call. However, social security does not publish the phone numbers of most local offices. Thus you may have to call the main number at 1-800-772-1213. Also even if you have the number of your local office, you’ll probably want to start with the SSA’s automated system. When you call, you can have the access to many services. Like requesting a benefit verification letter and/or statement of your benefits, inquire about the status of a claim, apply for a replacement card, find the address of your local office as well as to conduct some business related to Medicare.

In case the automated system is not enough, you can speak to a representative between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

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