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The Number To Social Security Office

Using Our Automated Telephone Services

Social Security Office closing

Services for all beneficiaries

  • Request a benefit verification letter
  • Ask for a form SSA-1099, Social Security Benefit Statement, to request a replacement tax summary

Services for Medicare beneficiaries only

  • Request a replacement Medicare Card
  • Request a form SSA-1020 to apply for help with Medicare prescription drug costs

Services for people who have applied for benefits

  • Ask to receive a claim status

Services everyone can use

  • Find the address of your local Social Security office
  • Request a form SS-5,Application for a Social Security Card, to:
    • apply for an original Social Security card or a replacement card if yours was lost or stolen,
    • request a name change on your card, or
    • update or correct other information on your Social Security number record.

Informational Messages

You can listen to informational messages on the following subjects:

  • Payment delivery dates
  • Best times to call our 800 number
  • Social Security Internet address and services
  • Supplemental Security Income
  • Non-receipt of your Social Security benefit
  • Representative payee

Services for Social Security Benefits Only

  • Change address and/or phone number

Contacting Social Security Online

Unlike some other government websites , the Social Security website is easy to use for those who speak English and Spanish, and it offers nearly all of the services you need. The website does also offer some information in other languages online, including Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Greek, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Vietnamese.

You can view a list of the online services by visiting the online services section of the website. Youll notice that you can apply for benefits, get a copy of your statement, appeal a decision by Social Security officials, and get estimates of your future benefits and Medicare services, among other things.

Just like the SSAs offices, the website has certain hours of operation during which you can conduct business. But take heart: If not 24/7, the hours are pretty extensive unless youre trying to apply for benefits between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, before 5:00 a.m. or after 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, or before 8:00 a.m. or after 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, the operational hours probably wont affect you.

Most experts say to avoid visiting a Social Security officeanother reason why it’s a good idea to start with the online services section of the SSA’s website.

How To Get Help

While Social Security offices remain closed, most services are available through the agencys website, by telephone , or via limited in-person appointments. You can find the office closest to you with an online locator tool. More information on dealing with Social Security during the pandemic is available on its website.

If youre dealing with Social Security by phone, be cautious. The number of Social Security identity phone scams has been rising. The agency generally only contacts people who have recently applied for benefits, or to update the records of those who are receiving benefits. The agency will never call to tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended or to demand payments or ask for credit card information.

If you need to enroll in Medicare, free counseling is available from the national network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, known as SHIP. More information is available on its website.

The nonprofit group Medicare Rights Center runs a free national Medicare help line, which can be reached at 333-4114. The center also offers useful tips on enrolling in Medicare during the pandemic.

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The Best Ways To Contact The Social Security Administration

Did you know that more than 2,700 rules govern your Social Security benefits? Luckily, a significant number of those rules probably dont apply to youbut how do you have a chance of interpreting all these rules on your own when there are thousands of explanations in the agencys Program Operations Manual System ?

The easy answer is to contact the Social Security Administration . Yes, we know what sort of negative connotations the idea of communicating with a government agency conjures up. Thankfully, there are three ways to contact Social Security to get info and solve issuesonline, by phone, and in person.

Getting Help In Person

Social Security number

You can apply for any type of benefit, get forms and information, and get help with Social Security issues in person at one of the more than 1,200 SSA field offices.

Social Security offices shut down in March 2020 and for most of the pandemic provided in-person service by appointment only and just for select situations involving urgent benefit issues or Social Security numbers.

While walk-in service resumed April 7, Social Security recommends scheduling your visit in advance. If you visit a field office without an appointment, the SSA says to expect long lines, especially at typically busy times, like Mondays, the day after a federal holiday and during the first week of the month.

A small number of field offices may continue to provide appointment-only service due to construction, inability to accommodate people waiting outside the office or other reasons. Check Social Security’s office closings and emergencies page for an up-to-date list.

Keep in mind

  • You must complete a self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms before entering a Social Security office and wear a mask during your visit.
  • You may be asked to wait outside due to limited office space, so plan for the weather.
  • If you need help with your visit because of a language barrier, disability or other issue, you may bring one adult for assistance. Otherwise, the SSA asks that you come alone .

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What You Should Do Before You Visit

You are expected to consider the following:

  • Provide a self-assessment checklist so you can decide if it is safe for you to attend an office.
  • Everyone is required to wear a mask and if you do not possess one you will be handed one on arrival. Hand sanitizer is made available for your use as well.
  • If room in the office is limited you may be required to queue outside.
  • If you dont require any assistance and are mobile enough to attend you should come on your own. If you do require help you may have one adult attend with you and children are also welcome too.
  • If you havent arranged an appointment in advance queues may be long typically just after a federal holiday and the 1st week of each month.

Can I Legally Change My Social Security Number

You will need to write down an explanation about why you need the new Social Security number. The Social Security Office may be able to help you with this. Your statement must include up-to-date and credible evidence of your claim by third parties. For example, if you change your number to protect yourself from domestic violence, you may need to prevent identity theft, the SSA will require at least two original documents proving who you are. This includes proof of citizenship and identity . You may also need proof of immigration status or if you have legally changed your name. The social security system does not make it easy to change your number for many reasons. Some people simply want to change their number to avoid debts or prosecution before a crime. Even if your reason for wanting to change your number is legitimate, several problems can arise when you give people a new Social Security number. For example, you might have trouble getting a U.S.

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How Big Will The Social Security Cola Be For 2023

There is a variety of estimates floating around. Some experts say the 2023 Social Security COLA could be as high as 10%. Something more around 9% is probably more likely. Either way, this could be the largest Social Security COLA since 1981.

When you are retired on a fixed income, every penny counts. A large Social Security Cost of Living … Adjustment could help ease the pain from inflation on retirees budgets.

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How Do I Apply For Social Security Benefits

How to Find Your Local Social Security Office

You will need to complete an application for benefits. This can be done online, in person, or over the phone. The application process is necessary whether you are applying for retirement or disability benefits. You will need your Social Security number and other required documentation to complete your application.

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When Will The Social Security Cola Increase For 2023 Be Announced

President Biden may oversee the largest Social Security COLA since 1981.

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The Social Security Administration announces the cost-of-living adjustment for the following year each year. With the bout of inflation hitting American wallets over the past year, the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment could be huge for 2023.

The September 2022 Consumer Price Index report is set to be released on October 13, and the Social Security COLA could be announced around that time.

What Is Social Security

In 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act. This new federal legislature started the collecting of taxes in 1937. Since then, working citizens across the United States began paying into social security in order to have a form of guaranteed income once they reached retirement age.

The Social Security Act was initially meant to be a form of basic retirement for working individuals. However, in 1939, an amendment was made to the act that allowed spouses and/or children to begin receiving social security survivor benefits if a parent or spouse was deceased and qualified for social security income.

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Whats The Family Responsibility Office

The Family Responsibility Office was established by the Family Responsibility and Support Arrears Enforcement Act . FRO is mandated to strictly enforce Support Orders in the Province of Ontario. FRO will collect amounts owed under Support Orders and ensure that support is paid to the person to whom the amounts are owed.

The program becomes involved in a case generally speaking when a Court makes a Support Order or when you or your spouse files a domestic contract containing support provisions with an Ontario Court.

When making an order for support, an Ontario Court will, at the same time, issue a Support Deduction Order . An SDO is an order which allows FRO to require that a payors income sourcededuct support payments from the income of the payor. The SDO contains crucial information, such as the addresses of the recipient and the payor, the name and address of the payors income source and the payors social insurance number. The SDO is then sent directly to FRO. FRO staff then uses the information contained in the SDO together with its powers, to attempt to collect support monies from the payors income source.

FRO may use any enforcement mechanism necessary to enforce Support Orders or Support Deduction Orders if the payor defaults on their payments. Below, while not exhaustive, are examples of some of the measures FRO may take to enforce Support Orders.

For more information on FRO visit their web site at:

Or contact them directly at:

How Do I Apply For Disability Benefits

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If you need to apply for disability benefits, you have a few options. You can apply online, over the phone, or at your local office. The online application is the quickest and easiest way, but the other methods are available should you need them. Should you need to apply over the phone, simply call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 .

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How Does Coronavirus Impact Social Security

Due to COVID-19, many local field offices are closed to the public. In most cases, you can call the office to schedule an appointment if you need to complete a transaction that can only be done in person. Otherwise, you will need to take care of your situation over the phone with the central office or online through the Social Security website.

How To Find The Social Security Administration Office Nearest To You

If you dont already know the address of your local social security office you can find this information on the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov

Steps to follow:

  • At the top right-hand corner of the website you need to click Menu.
  • On the left of the menu you click Contact Us.
  • On this page, click on the “Find an Office” link.
  • You then need to type in your zip code.

The zip code you have typed will provide the local address for your social security office, opening hours, telephone number, toll-free number, and driving directions to reach the office.

If you dont wish to file your application for benefits online, or for any reason you would like to speak to an agent, you can call the following number to schedule, alter, or cancel an appointment by: 1-800-772-1213 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.

How to Get Help With Your Claim

The SSAs website atwww.ssa.gov provides useful information to help you with your claim.

However, if you are unable to find the help you need from the website, call yourlocal Social Security office or the national 800 number from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. local time. If you are able to call the National 800 Number between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time, you can expect a quicker response.

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How Do I Apply For A Temporary Social Security Card

Requesting a replacement card online is the fastest way to get your new card however, if you need a temporary Social Security card, then you will need to head down to your local SSA office. While they will not technically issue a temporary card, they will give you a receipt showing that your new card has been requested. This receipt can act as a sort of temporary card in some cases.

What Is The Purpose Of The Social Security Administration

What is my Social Security?
    The Social Security Act and related laws established programs that have the following basic purposes:

  • To provide for the material needs of individuals and families.
  • To protect aged and disabled persons against the expenses of illnesses that may otherwise use up their savings.
  • To keep families together and
  • To give children the chance to grow up healthy and secure.

What are specific programs covered under the Social Security Act and related laws?

  • Retirement Insurance
  • Hospital and medical insurance for the aged, the disabled, and those with end-stage renal disease
  • Prescription Drug Benefit
  • Extra help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs
  • Supplemental Security Income
  • Public assistance and welfare services, including:
  • Temporary assistance for needy families
  • Medical assistance
  • Maternal and child health services
  • Child support enforcement
  • Family and child welfare services

Did You Know?

The Social Security Administration pays benefits to over 60 million people including retirees, children, widows and widowers.

What specific programs are covered under the Social Security Act and related laws?

*** THIS WEBSITE IS NOT A GOVERNMENT WEBSITE NOR IS IT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES – THIS WEBSITE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY ***

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Contacting Social Security In Person

When Social Security offices are fully reopened, if you cant resolve your problem or find the information you need on the website or over the phone, you can go to one of the field offices . In some casesif you need to request a Social Security card or update certain kinds of personal informationyou may have to visit an office.

But be forewarned: It probably wont be fun. You can schedule an appointment, though it could take weeks or more than a month to get one. Just heading to the office is an option, but youll probably wait more than a couple of hours to be seen. Some offices report lines out the door.

Staffing is an issue. Due to budget cuts to the SSA, there are fewer workers for an increasing number of applicants. And dont expect them to take an in-depth look at your situation. SSA employees don’t have the training or expertise to help you maximize your benefits the way a financial planner can. If you don’t have a financial planner or other professional who can help you make the right claiming choices, there are Social Security calculators that can help. The SSA also offers a number of online tools.

Some Social Security experts advise visiting multiple field offices in order to ensure that youre getting the most out of your benefits. One worker may misinterpret the rules and deny you benefits or other privileges for which youre eligible, so seeking multiple benefit estimates can help you find the best dealkind of like shopping for a new car.

Who Is Eligible For Social Security

The following people are eligible to receive social security benefits:

  • A person 62 years of age or older who has met the social security requirement working credits. This occurs by remaining employed for a steady and reasonable amount of time to pay into the social security fund.
  • A spouse under the age of 62 who has a dependent disabled child living with him or her.
  • High school students from the ages of 18 to 19 as long as they are enrolled full time in high school and have an unmarried status.
  • Any person with a disability that was legally verified before the person reached 22 years of age.
  • Divorced person who is unmarried and who is over 62 years of age may qualify for social security benefits from a previous spouse if they were married for more than a decade.
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    How Can I Check My Social Security Benefits

    The easiest way to check your benefits is by logging into your My Social Security account online through www.SSA.gov. Once you get logged into your account, you can view benefit statements, benefit estimates, earnings history, and the status of any pending applications. That site should be your go-to for any information related to your Social Security account.

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