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Does Social Security phone line complete all calls in queue at closing time or cut off callers?

I've been trying to reach Social Security for three days about an urgent benefit issue. Every time I call, I get stuck in the queue and then it's close to their 4pm closing time. I'm worried they'll just cut me off when they close. UPDATE: They finally answered at 8:30 EST this morning. Very nice lady helped me resolve everything. For anyone wondering, apparently they DO answer all calls in the queue before closing for the day! The agent told me they don't just hang up on people waiting when the clock hits 4pm. Sharing in case this helps someone else.

Paolo Rizzo

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They're supposed to answer all calls in queue before closing. That's the official policy. But I've been disconnected right at 4:00 twice last month, so I don't think they always follow it. Might depend on which office you're connected to or how busy they are that day.

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Keisha Williams

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Thanks for that info! I guess I got lucky with my call this morning. The agent I spoke with was super helpful and didn't rush me at all.

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Amina Sy

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This has happened to me too. For what it's worth, I've found that mornings (especially early in the week) tend to have shorter wait times. Calling after lunch or on Fridays is almost always a nightmare. Glad you finally got through!

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Oliver Fischer

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Mondays r actually the worst day 2 call. Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the morning have always worked best 4 me. Ive been dealing with SSA for my SSDI for 5 years now.

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Natasha Ivanova

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I've been in the EXACT same boat trying to sort out my retirement benefits! SO FRUSTRATING! I was on hold for TWO HOURS last Thursday and then got disconnected at 4:01pm!! I was LIVID! 😠 Called back the next day and they said they SHOULD finish the queue but sometimes the system automatically disconnects callers. RIDICULOUS system for people who are elderly or disabled!!

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NebulaNomad

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You're right that it's frustrating, but there's a bit more nuance to how their phone system works. The SSA uses an automated call distribution system that's supposed to continue routing calls already in queue. However, if there's an unexpected volume spike or staffing shortage, they might have to implement queue management protocols that result in disconnections. If you're experiencing multiple disconnections, I'd recommend calling your local field office directly rather than the national number. Local offices often have better call completion rates near closing time.

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Javier Garcia

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I work as a benefits coordinator and deal with SSA regularly. Their policy is to answer all calls in queue before closing, but there are exceptions. During extremely high volume days, they sometimes have to implement what they call "managed queue procedures" where they stop accepting new calls 30-60 minutes before closing but still process existing ones. Also, if you're on hold for more than 2 hours, the system sometimes disconnects automatically regardless of time of day - it's a technical limitation, not a policy decision.

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Keisha Williams

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That makes a lot of sense - thank you for explaining. Do you know if there are certain days or times that are best to call to avoid these high volume situations?

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Javier Garcia

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Tuesday through Thursday mornings, preferably right when they open at 8:00am local time, tend to have the shortest wait times. Avoid Mondays (highest volume day) and Friday afternoons (when people are trying to resolve issues before the weekend). Also, the first week of the month is always busier because that's when most benefits are paid out and people have questions.

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Emma Taylor

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I've been trying to reach someone about my husband's survivor benefits for weeks now! Last time I called I waited for over 90 minutes before getting disconnected right before closing time. So discouraging. I'm going to try the morning approach tomorrow based on your experience. Has anyone here tried using Claimyr? My neighbor mentioned it - apparently it's a service that calls SSA for you and then connects you when an agent is on the line. There's a video explaining it at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU and their website is claimyr.com. I'm considering trying it because I'm just so tired of the endless waiting.

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Oliver Fischer

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i used it last month when i had to fix an issue with my back pay! worked great, got through in like 20 mins instead of waiting for hours. wish id known about it sooner honestly

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NebulaNomad

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Claimyr is legitimate and many people find it helpful. However, before using any third-party service, remember you can also: 1. Try scheduling an appointment online through my.ssa.gov instead of calling 2. Try your local office's direct number (often lower wait times) 3. Call during off-peak hours as mentioned above That said, if you've already tried these approaches without success, services like Claimyr can be a time-saving option.

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Keisha Williams

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Update on my experience: The agent I spoke with this morning explained that they're supposed to answer all calls in queue, but sometimes their phone system has technical issues. She recommended calling first thing in the morning (they open at 8am) or trying your local office instead of the main number.

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Amina Sy

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Did she happen to mention anything about whether applying for benefits online is faster than doing it by phone? I need to apply for spousal benefits soon and I'm trying to figure out the best approach.

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Keisha Williams

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She actually did mention that! She said applying online is definitely faster for most benefits like retirement and spousal. The only exception is if you have a complicated situation (like foreign pensions or something unusual). Online applications go directly into their system without waiting for someone to manually enter the info from a phone interview.

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Paolo Rizzo

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my cousin works for SSA and says they're crazy understaffed right now. they've lost like 25% of their workforce since 2010 but the number of beneficiaries keeps going up. no wonder the phones are a disaster

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Natasha Ivanova

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That explains SO MUCH about why service has gotten worse! Thanks for sharing this insider info. I feel a little (but not much) better knowing there's a reason behind the madness.

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