Chaka Fattah once said, "While Social Security faces some long-term challenges, the system is not in crisis." The statement holds to this day. The issue of accurately handling demographics hampers Social Security. And while they strive to deliver the best services to Americans, there still needs to be a powerful avenue for individuals to communicate their issues to Social Security Administration.

The Social Security Administration (SSA)

SSA was formed in 1935 and currently employs about 60,000 people. Its headquarters are in Baltimore, outside Washington, D.C. It provides the following services, among others:

• Checking your Social Security Statement
• Offering help in retirement, disability, SSI, and Medicare services
• Issuance and replacement of Social Security Cards
• Program Operations Manual System. POMS is an online information system used by Social Security employees to process Social Security benefits claims. POMS has a public interface that limits the users' access to internal data.

Contacting Social Security Administration (SSA)

Via Phone

Place a call through the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 to get automated services. The number works 24/7. Also, you can speak to a representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The pro of speaking to a real person is that you can get as personal as you wish with your query and receive an equally convenient and relevant answer. Automated responses may be too broad and general.

The following are some of the services you can access when on this call:

• Requesting a benefit verification letter.
• Requesting replacement for Medicare cards.
• Requesting claim statuses for benefits.
• Requesting information on the nearest local Social Security office.
• Further information, such as taxes and fraud.

Online

You can now access most of SSA's services online without the hassle of visiting a physical office. The website is filled with relevant information on everything SSA. Some of these services include requesting a new Social Security card and checking and applying for Social Security Benefits.

Their website also has a dedicated Frequently Asked Questions page that allows you to check answers to most of the commonly asked questions. Individuals can find the answers they need on the FAQs page, saving them lots of time speaking to a representative.

In fact, it is advised to confirm your question's availability on the FAQs page first before seeking other solutions. You may send an email without incriminating personal information in your query. You can access the email option here. It will require you to fill out a form with a space for you to relay your issues.

You can also check Social Security Administration's social media pages for updates and recommendations.

In-person Office Visits

SSA has an office locator that enables you to find their nearest office. You are just required to type in your local zip code, and the system will automatically show you the Social Security Administration office closest to you.

Office hours on weekdays are from Monday to Friday and from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The SSA offices are closed on weekends. As a cautionary tip, please confirm your local Social Security Administration office's working hours before visiting them. Read through its social media comments for practical advice from other individuals.

Optionally, in avoidance of all doubt in terms of securing a meeting, it is best to schedule an appointment. Appointments may take weeks or months, so it is best to visit an office physically. Of course, scheduling an appointment requires you to call the SSA's official phone number relative to each field office.

Use in-person office visits, especially when the issue you intend to solve is highly confidential and requires swift action. Having a representative see the seriousness of the issue goes a long way in ensuring it is solved as soon as possible. However, it is not advisable to visit a Social Security Administration office physically before exhausting all the available options first.

Before visiting an office, it is important to know the documents you must carry, either in softcopy or hardcopy. For instance, if you need a Social Security Card and applied for a Social Security Number, but the delivery of the card has taken more than two weeks, and you decide to visit a physical office, you should carry your application receipt, passport, and EAD.

From Outside the U.S.

American citizens outside the U.S. may also require the services of the Social Security Administration. They need to visit the local embassy. All countries in the world have a U.S. embassy.

You could also choose to write to the Social Security Administration Office of Earnings and International Operations through this address:

Social Security Administration Office of Earnings and International Operations

P.O. Box 17775, Baltimore,

Maryland 21235-7775,

United States of America

Additionally, you could request changes made to a family member's Social Security details. These changes may be marriage, divorce, illness, or death. You may be required to provide evidence of these changes, such as a death certificate, a marriage certificate, or hospital invoices.

Writing a Letter

You can resort to the old way of communication, which is writing a letter to the Social Security Administration offices. A letter offers the security of confidentiality. However, in most cases, it should be used as a last resort; when other methods have failed. This is because letters do not have a tracking process. Emails are a suitable replacement for letters. The address is:

Social Security Administration

Office of Public Inquiries

1100 West High Rise,

6401 Security Blvd.,

Baltimore, MD 21235

Include your claim and Social Security Number in your letter.

The Social Security Administration appreciates how important it is to communicate with people. Experts advise that you call after Monday for better service over the phone. Monday is a busy day for every office as staff rush to clear the weekend's backlog.

Due to diversity issues, the Social Security Administration has interpretation services free of charge. You can choose which language you wish your interpreter to speak, from Arabic to Polish to Tagalog. When you do an in-person visit, the office may arrange an interpreter to help you, which is why it is vital to book appointments.