HOW DO I TALK TO A REAL PERSON AT THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE?

The best way to speak with a real person at the SSA is to call your local SSA office during business hours. If your case is too complicated or urgent to handle on the phone or online, you may be able to make an in-person appointment.

You can contact SSA at the national toll-free number (800) 772-1213; TTY: (800) 325-0778 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The SSA provides numerous online resources to help you conduct business and find answers to your questions. If you want to speak with a real person, expect wait times. SSA’s automated phone service may be helpful and avert the need to speak with a representative.

How Does the Social Security Office Help With Medicare?

Social Security enrolls you in Medicare Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance). Medicare provides your healthcare coverage, but the SSA needs to determine your eligibility for Medicare and whether or not you’ve paid Medicare taxes long enough to get part A for free.

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits at least three months before you are eligible for Medicare, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. If you decide to keep Part B, Social Security will deduct the monthly Part B premium from your Social Security monthly payment. If you defer Part B enrollment, you can apply for it later through Social Security. If you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A and have to buy it, you can apply through Social Security. Medicare will bill you for Part A monthly premiums.