Stuck in SSA phone limbo for 2+ days - phone number changed and can't get past two-factor authentication

I feel your pain! I went through almost the exact same nightmare last month trying to fix an underpayment issue with my retirement benefits. After 3 days of calling that stupid 800 number and getting nowhere, I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to SSA in about 20 minutes. They basically wait on hold for you and call you back when they have an agent on the line. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Honestly it was such a relief after all that frustration. I was skeptical at first but they actually delivered and I got my issues resolved that same day.

Have you tried going to your local field office in person?? Sometimes thats the ONLY way to get anything done with these people. I spent 6 weeks trying to fix my husbands SSI payment after they somehow lost his paperwork and the ONLY thing that worked was showing up at 6:30am to wait in line when they opened at 9am!!!

The authentication issue is something I help people with regularly. Here's what you need to do: 1. For the my Social Security online account, there is an alternative verification option. When you're at the two-factor screen, look for "Can't access this phone?" or "Need another option" (usually at the bottom of the screen). 2. This will give you an option to receive a verification code by mail, which takes 5-10 days but will work. 3. If you need immediate help, you can try calling at exactly 8:00 AM Eastern time. The earlier in the morning and earlier in the week, the better your chances. 4. When calling, avoid the automated menu options about benefits or payments - instead select options related to "security," "online account access" or "technical issues" as these queues are typically shorter. 5. If you do visit a field office as someone suggested, Tuesdays-Thursdays tend to be less crowded than Mondays and Fridays. Hope this helps!

Having worked with Social Security beneficiaries for many years, I can tell you that your situation is unfortunately common. The two-factor authentication system doesn't accommodate phone number changes well. To update your phone number in the system, you have three options: 1. Send a secure message through your mySocialSecurity account (which you can't access) 2. Call the national number (which you're struggling with) 3. Visit a field office in person (which may be your best option) For the phone option, try calling exactly at 8:00am Eastern on Wednesday or Thursday. Select option 1 for English, then 3 for "other" issues, then 1 again. This sometimes bypasses the longest queues. If you visit in person, bring multiple forms of ID (driver's license, passport if you have one, birth certificate), proof of address, and your Social Security card if you have it. This will speed up the process of updating your information. Most importantly, once you get your account access restored, immediately set up alternative contact methods (email, backup phone, address) to prevent this problem in the future.

omg the ssa phone system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!!! i spent 9 HOURS on hold last month trying to fix my disability payment after they randomly cut it by $223 with NO EXPLANATION!!! the system hung up on me TWICE after 3+ hours on hold each time. this is how they treat disabled americans who literally need this money to survive??? absolutely disgusting. our government should be ashamed.

Have you tried contacting your Congressional representative's office? Most people don't realize this, but they have staff dedicated to helping constituents with federal agency issues, including Social Security. When I had a similar authentication problem last year, I was getting nowhere for weeks until I called my Congressman's office. Their caseworker contacted SSA directly through their special channels, and my issue was resolved within 48 hours. Just Google "[your state] Congressional representative" to find your rep, then call their local district office (not the DC office). Explain that you need help with a Social Security issue. They'll ask you to fill out a privacy release form, and then they'll advocate on your behalf. It's literally their job to help with these situations!

try calling first thing tuesday morning thats when i always get thru... monday is always packed with weekend backlog and friday everyone calls before weekend... tues/wed/thurs way better

I wanted to follow up on your two-factor authentication issue specifically. If none of the other methods work quickly enough for you, there's one more option: SSA has a specific technical support line for my Social Security account issues: 1-800-772-1213, then select the option for "help with a personal Social Security matter" followed by "online account help" or similar wording. When you reach a representative, immediately explain that you need help with two-factor authentication due to a changed phone number. They should be able to verify your identity through alternative means and help update your contact information. Additionally, if you have any official correspondence from SSA with a specific claim number or reference number, have that ready - it can help them locate your records more quickly.