Email Our Support Team
Social Security cannot answer questions about economic impact payments under the recently enacted law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act. Treasury, not Social Security, will be making direct payments to eligible people. For more information, visit www.irs.gov/coronavirus.
Many of our services are now available online, like applying for Social Security benefits, requesting a replacement Social Security card, getting your Social Security Statement, and benefit verification letter.
You can also look for answers to your questions on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
We realize that each persons situation is unique. While we are unable to answer questions in this forum that require access to your personal information, such as benefits you may be entitled to, we care. Please toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available between 8a.m. and 7p.m., Monday through Friday. For the location and other information about your local Social Security office, use our locator.
If you cannot find your answer online and do not have a question about your personal situation, complete the form below to send us an email. Please do not include Social Security numbers in your message.
We are experiencing high volumes of email and may not be able to respond to your inquiry promptly. We appreciate your patience.
Thank you!
How Do I Make An Appointment With The Monroe Michigan Office
Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Monroe, Michigan office at 877-274-5416 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
Write The Social Security Administration
The last way to contact the Social Security Administration remotely is by writing to their Office of Public Inquiries. However, its worth noting that it may take longer to receive an answer due to the length of time it takes for letters to be delivered. If you do decide to write the Social Security Administration, use the following address:
Social Security Administration
Baltimore, MD 21235
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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.
How Do I Know If Social Security Is Calling Me
If you receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to be Social Security beware. You can call Social Securitys customer service line at 800-772-1213 to confirm whether a communication purporting to be from SSA is real. If you get an impostor call or email, report it to SSA using their detailed online form.
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Less Money Less Staff
As with most things, customer service issues are tied in large part to money. Since 2010, the SSAs operating budget set each year by Congress has declined by 13 percent and its staff by 12 percent, while the number of Social Security beneficiaries has increased 22 percent, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Its a customer service agency, and you need money for that, says Kathleen Romig, a CBPP senior policy analyst who authored the analysis . The more people you have to take claims and answer questions, the more quickly and accurately it gets done. Staffing has declined precisely as much as the funding because thats where the money goes.
In 2010, the SSA had over 67,000 full-time employees. By 2021, there were fewer than 59,000. An SSA spokesperson noted that the agency experienced many years where we received less than the annual Presidents Budget request. The SSA has authorized about 6,000 hires in fiscal year 2021 for its front line components, but having enough warm bodies is only part of the solution. Staff need extensive training to decipher the agencys highly complex rules and regulations, and to coax accurate results from its antiquated computer systems, which in some cases are more than 35 years old.
Theyre doing the best they can, says Franklin. its a mess.
Answers On Hold Average Wait Times
Nicolas Rapp
*Average wait time for a live Social Security representative to answer a call to the agencys toll-free customer service line
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Ssa Ride Days/times Coordinated By Isss
SSA trips will be determined by ISSS based on availability and need. Please allow at least 3 hours in your schedule for the trip to and from Tupelo. Please sign up for a shuttle date you will need at the ISSS front desk.
- For further questions, please contact: International Student Advisor International Student & Scholar Services.
How Do I Apply For Disability Benefits
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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Using Our Automated Telephone Services
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
Applying For A Us Social Security Number
In order to be eligible for a SSN , F-1 students must have a job or job-offer on campus, and J-1s students must have a letter of affiliation/support from their J-1 Program Advisor.
F-1 and J-1 students/scholars may begin working while the application for an SSN is being processed by the Social Security Administration . They may not, however, receive income until SSN processing receipt and or SSN has been issued and processed by the Human Resources department of their respective employer.
Employers may wish to reference the SSAs Fact Sheet, Employer Responsibilities When Hiring Foreign Workers, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/hiring.htm. This fact sheet contains information on how to report wages for an employee who has not yet received an SSN.
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How To Reach The Social Security Administration
A toll-free number operates from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday at 1-800-772-1213. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. You can also visit their website at www.ssa.gov for more information. You must apply for your Social Security Number in person. There are several local offices throughout the Seattle area, which are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm .
Below are some of the offices close to Seattle University:
| Downtown Seattle |
How To Find An Ssa Office And Make An Appointment
Throughout the pandemic, the SSA has expanded the number of services that can be completed online. Before many applicants that needed to visit a Social Security office to apply for benefits, can now apply for disability, Medicare, retirement and spousal benefits online.
Additionally, the site allows beneficiaries to check the status of your claim or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card in most states, get an instant proof of income letter, and much more.
For those that do need to visit one of their nearly 1,200 field offices they can use the Social Security online locator. You can use your zip code to find the one closest to you and get the contact number to arrange an appointment. Its advised though to check the listing of Office Closings and Emergencies to see if you should find an alternate office.
You can also schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment by calling the national toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm.
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Obtaining A Social Security Number
All employees paid by Boston University must have a valid Social Security Number for tax purposes.
You can be hired by Boston University and begin working without one, but immediately after you are hired, you must apply for a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration .
- International students in F-1 status: Have your supervisor complete a Certification of F-1 Student On-Campus Employment for a Social Security Number Application.
- Go to the International Students & Scholars Office with your immigration documents , your Boston University Terrier card, and the certification letter completed by your hiring supervisor on departmental letterhead. The ISSO will then endorse your certification.
- Complete a Social Security Administration Application for a Social Security Number .
- Present the Social Security number application in person at a Social Security Administration Office, along with documentation of age and identity. Have your Certification of On-Campus Employment letter , as well as immigration documents . Use the Social Security Administrations Evidence Requirements form to make sure you have all the documents you need.
You can find local Social Security Administration offices using the SSAs Local Office Search. It is strongly recommended that international students apply at the Boston office at 10 Causeway Street.
According to the Social Security Administration, it generally takes two to three weeks to receive a Social Security card.
Where Can You Apply For An Ssn
- You can apply for an SSN at the regional office of the SSA in Tupelo, Mississippi. The SSA office is open Monday- Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm. The SSA is closed for federal holidays.
- Contact Information:
- Social Security Administration Regional Office 199 Saddle Creek Drive Tupelo, Mississippi 38801 866-504-4267 www.ssa.gov
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How To Get Help
The next time you call your local Social Security office, youll speak to a Service Representative. Give them a chance and they may be able to help you. However, if you have ANY doubt about what youre being told, its time to escalate. Ask them to let you speak to a Technical Expert. It may take a while, but eventually youll be able speak to the most knowledgeable person in the office.
If you still have questions, you could leave a comment below, but what may be an even greater help is to join my . Its very active and has some really smart people who love to answer any questions you may have about Social Security. From time to time Ill even drop in to add my thoughts, too.
How Do I Apply For Social Security Benefits
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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Ways To Beat The Bureaucracy
Feel like youre not getting the answers you need from Social Security? Take these steps to improve your odds of customer service success.
Also of Interest
Email The Social Security Administration
If you dont have the time to call the Social Security Administration on your phone or you feel more comfortable writing an email, then you can do so by writing an email to their support team. You can write them an email directly from their site. They will request your email address, a subject line and a message.
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Can I Apply For Medicare Benefits At This Lansing Office
If you decide to enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can sign up for Parts A and/or B by: Visiting your local Social Security office. Calling Social Security at 800-772-1213. Before you decide how you want to go about applying for Medicare, you need to understand the different parts of the program and which ones you need. Learn More About Applying for Medicare.
To Apply For The Ssn Students Must :
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Applying For A Social Security Number
The only way to receive a Social Security Number within Washington State is for the purpose of your employment. This means that you will first need to find paid employment before you can receive this number. Please note that a Social Security Number is mandatory in order for you to get paid. Below are the steps on how to get your Social Security Number.
Ssn And Work Authorization
A Social Security Number does NOT grant any work authorization. All students are required to obtain and to maintain employment authorization since working without the proper authorization is a violation of their status which can lead to severe consequences.
Per the Social Security Administration, students who have applied for a Social Security Number can begin working before the SSN has been received.
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How To Contact The Ssa
People that do not want to apply for benefits online, or need to speak to the SSA for any other reason can also call the national toll-free number. Be advised that wait times are typically shorter later in the day and Wednesdays through Fridays.
Spanish speakers can receive assistance by calling the same toll-free number and informing the pre-recorded system or representative that they would like to talk to a representative in Spanish.
For those who cannot make a call during these times, recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day and on weekends.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
F-1 and J-1 students with scholarships that provide for expenses other than tuition, fees, and books must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for taxation purposes instead of a Social Security number. To apply for an ITIN, we recommend that you make an appointment at the IRS Denver Office, a designated IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. Please bring the following to your appointment:
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