Is the SSA website down? Trying to check my SS benefits but getting 'services unavailable' error
I've been trying to log into my MySocialSecurity account since yesterday morning to check on my retirement benefit estimates, but keep getting an error message saying 'online services are unavailable at this time.' Is anyone else having this problem or is it just me? I've tried different browsers (Chrome and Edge) and even tried on my phone but no luck. I need to make some decisions about claiming next year and really need to see my benefit amounts. Anyone know if there's scheduled maintenance going on or when it might be back up?
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Lilly Curtis
yep its been down for me since yesterday too. typical government efficiency lol. tried calling but gave up after being on hold for 45 min
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Ryder Everingham
•Thanks for confirming it's not just me! Did you try during evening hours too or just during the day? I'm wondering if it might work better during off-peak times.
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Leo Simmons
I just checked after seeing your post and I'm having the same issue. The message says they're doing system updates. According to the recording on their phone line (1-800-772-1213), they're doing scheduled maintenance that should be completed by tomorrow. Seems like poor planning to have the system down for so long!
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Lindsey Fry
•It's always "scheduled maintenance" but they never actually SCHEDULE it or tell anyone in advance!! I had an appointment to review my application status today and can't even prepare by checking my account. SO FRUSTRATING!!!
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Saleem Vaziri
Has anyone tried using the express services? Some basic functions still work without logging in, like requesting a replacement card or benefit verification letter. Might help if you just need basic info while waiting for the full site to come back online.
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Ryder Everingham
•I didn't think of that! I'll check it out, though I really need to see my estimated benefit amounts at different claiming ages. That's probably not available without logging in.
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Kayla Morgan
I work with Social Security applications professionally, and this is actually a scheduled maintenance period. They're updating their security protocols after a detected attempt to access user accounts last month. The system should be back online by tomorrow afternoon at the latest. If you need immediate assistance with your Social Security account or have urgent questions, I recommend using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you connect with an actual SSA agent by phone without the usual 2+ hour wait. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Otherwise, you can try again tomorrow afternoon when the maintenance should be complete.
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Ryder Everingham
•Thanks for the clear explanation! Good to know there's a reason for it and it's not just random technical issues. I'll check out that service if it's still down tomorrow when I need to make some decisions about my application.
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Lindsey Fry
•has anyone actually used this claimyr thing? seems weird to need a service just to talk to SSA when its OUR TAXES paying their salaries???
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James Maki
Just wanted to update everyone - the site appears to be back online now. I just successfully logged into my account. They seem to have made some changes to the security questions and login process, so you might need to verify your identity again when you first log in.
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Ryder Everingham
•You're right! I just tried and it's working now. Had to answer an extra security question but I'm in. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Lilly Curtis
Is anyone else noticing the benefit calculator showing different amounts than before the maintenance? Mine seems to be about $75 higher per month than what it showed last week. Not complaining but wondering if they updated the COLA calculations or something?
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Kayla Morgan
•Good catch! They've implemented the 2025 COLA adjustments in the calculator now. The official COLA announcement came last week (3.2%), so your estimates should reflect the increased payment amounts going forward. They typically update these calculations during maintenance periods.
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