Social Security's Phone Hours and Best Times to Call

Social Security's national toll-free line opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. The number is 1-800-772-1213. You can also reach the TTY number for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers at 1-800-325-0778, which operates on the same schedule.

Call volume peaks in the morning, especially between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Eastern. If you call during these hours, expect to wait 15 to 30 minutes or longer. The wait time drops noticeably after 11 a.m., and the shortest waits typically occur between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern time. If you are calling from the West Coast, that means 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific.

Social Security does not take calls on weekends or federal holidays. If you call on a holiday, you will reach a recorded message directing you to call back on the next business day.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security's main phone line (1-800-772-1213) is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday only.
  • Wait times are shortest between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern, and longest between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
  • You can check your account and handle many tasks online through my Social Security without waiting on hold.
  • Local Social Security offices have their own phone numbers and hours, which vary by location.

Why Morning Calls Take Longer

Social Security receives roughly 200,000 calls per day across all its phone lines. The agency staffs its call centers based on historical call patterns, which means the morning shift handles the heaviest volume. Many people call first thing after arriving at work or before starting their day, which creates a bottleneck that does not clear until mid-morning.

The afternoon shift has fewer incoming calls but also fewer staff members on duty, so the wait is shorter even though the line is still busy. If you have flexibility in when you call, waiting until after lunch will almost certainly get you through faster.

Reaching Your Local Social Security Office by Phone

Each Social Security office has its own phone number and hours. Some offices open at 9 a.m., others at 10 a.m. Many close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. Closing time ranges from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. depending on the office. To find your local office's direct number and hours, visit ssa.gov and use the office locator tool, or call the national line and ask for the number.

Local offices often have shorter wait times than the national line because they handle fewer calls. However, not all offices answer their phones during the same hours as the national line. Some local offices do not answer phones during lunch, and a few have limited phone hours even when the office is open to walk-in visitors.

What You Can Do Without Calling

Social Security's my Social Security online account lets you check your earnings record, view your benefit statement, change your address, report a change in your work status, and request a replacement Social Security card without speaking to anyone. You can create an account at ssa.gov. This option is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you will get an answer when ready instead of waiting on hold.

If you need to report a death, change your direct deposit information, or request a benefit verification letter, you can do these things online as well. The online system handles most routine requests faster than calling, especially during business hours when the phone lines are busy.

What Requires a Phone Call

Some requests still require speaking to a representative. If you need to report a change in your living situation, discuss a discrepancy in your earnings record, ask about a specific benefit program, or handle a complex situation, you will need to call. Representative-handled calls typically take 10 to 20 minutes once you reach someone, depending on what you need.

If you are calling about a specific case or claim, have your Social Security number ready. If you are calling about someone else's account, you will need to provide your relationship to that person and may need to provide documentation of your authority to discuss their account.

Using the Automated Phone System

When you call the national line, you reach an automated system first. You can use this system to check your benefit amount, request a replacement card, report a change of address, or get general information without waiting for a representative. The automated system is available during the same hours as the live line (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday).

To speak to a representative, you will need to navigate the automated menu and request to hold for the next available agent. The system will tell you the estimated wait time before you decide whether to hold or call back later.

Planning Your Call Around Time Zones

Social Security operates on Eastern time regardless of where you are calling from. If you are on the West Coast, 7 a.m. Eastern is 4 a.m. Pacific, and 7 p.m. Eastern is 4 p.m. Pacific. The shortest wait times (2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern) fall between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Pacific time.

If you are calling from outside the continental United States, the time difference is larger. Alaska is three hours behind Eastern time, and Hawaii is five hours behind. Plan your call so you are calling during Social Security's business hours in the Eastern time zone, not your local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a callback instead of waiting on hold?

Social Security does not offer scheduled callbacks through the national line. However, some local offices may be able to schedule an appointment for you to call back at a specific time. Call your local office directly to ask whether this option is available in your area.

What if I call after 7 p.m. Eastern time?

You will reach a recorded message stating the office is closed and directing you to call during business hours or visit ssa.gov. The automated system for checking basic information may still be available, but you cannot reach a live representative outside of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday.

Do I need to call the national line or can I call my local office?

Either works, but your local office may have a shorter wait. If your local office does not answer or has limited phone hours, the national line will handle your request. For complex issues, your local office representative may be more familiar with your specific situation if you have visited in person before.

What happens if I call on a federal holiday?

Social Security offices are closed on federal holidays including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. You will reach a recorded message. Call back on the next business day when the office reopens.

Is there a number to call if I am deaf or hard of hearing?

Yes. The TTY number is 1-800-325-0778, and it operates 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. This line is designed for callers using TTY equipment or relay services.