Why don't Social Security reps call back when they promise? Waited 3 weeks!

same thing happened to me lol. they said theyd call me back about my widows benefits and never did. i had to keep calling and eventually got someone else who actually helped me. dont hold ur breath waiting for that callback!

Unfortunately, this is a systemic issue with SSA right now. They're severely understaffed (down about 7,000 employees since 2010) while facing record call volumes. What's happening is the representatives are required to take a certain number of calls per day, and callbacks often get deprioritized when new calls keep coming in. Here's what I recommend: 1. Call first thing when they open (8:00 AM local time) 2. Request to speak with a supervisor immediately when connected 3. Take detailed notes of every call including the rep's name and direct ID number 4. Request a specific callback time, not just "within 48 hours" 5. If your SSDI application has been pending since January, you can also contact your Congressional representative's office - they have liaisons who can expedite cases This isn't right, but it is unfortunately common right now.

THEY NEVER CALL BACK!!!! I've been dealing with this for 6 months trying to get my husband's SSI sorted out. They promised callbacks SEVEN TIMES and not once did they actually call!!! The whole system is designed to wear you down until you give up. It's disgusting how they treat disabled people who literally need this money to survive!!!!

I used to work as an SSA claims representative (retired in 2022), so I can give you some insider perspective. The callback system is real, but it's completely overloaded. Most field offices are operating at 60-70% staffing while call volumes are up 20% since the pandemic. When I was there, we were required to prioritize: 1. Scheduled appointments 2. Walk-ins at field offices 3. Direct calls 4. THEN callbacks Many reps never get to #4 during their shift, and the callback queue doesn't always carry over properly to the next day due to system limitations. Your best bet is actually to schedule an in-person appointment at your local office. Yes, it might be 3-4 weeks out, but they WILL see you, and they can often resolve issues on the spot that might take months over the phone.

I had the same issue last year with my retirement benefits application. After two months of promised callbacks that never happened, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA rep in about 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU It was a lifesaver because I could actually talk to someone who resolved my issue on the spot instead of being promised another callback. The rep I spoke with even said they're instructed to prioritize people who are currently on the phone over callbacks because of their performance metrics.

had this happen with my disability review. no callbacks ever. but i found out if u say ur in dire need (like facing eviction like u mentioned) they are SUPPOSED to expedite. also sometimes they lie that they tried to call but couldn't reach u. check ur call logs to make sure they didnt call when u weren't looking

A callback from Social Security? Might as well wait for a unicorn to deliver your mail! 🦄📫 In all seriousness though, I've found that sometimes if you contact your local Congressional representative's office, they can light a fire under SSA. I did this after waiting 9 months on my disability review, and magically, SSA called me within 48 hours of my Congressional inquiry. My representative had a staff member who specialized in Social Security issues. Worth a try!

I want to clarify something important about SSDI applications filed in January. The current average processing time for initial disability determinations is 6-8 months, so your application timeline isn't unusual. That doesn't excuse the broken callback promises, but your application itself isn't necessarily delayed beyond normal processing times. Your application is likely at the state Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, not the local SSA office. The DDS works under contract with SSA but is a separate entity, which is why SSA reps sometimes can't give you specific updates - they're waiting on DDS too. If you need immediate financial assistance while waiting, ask about the "presumptive disability" provision or emergency advance payments. These are available in limited situations but could help with your eviction risk.

i think sometimes they dont call back cause they just forget tbh. there all probably overworked and underpaid just like the rest of us.

I completely understand your frustration - I'm going through something similar with my mother's Medicare benefits appeal. The callback promises seem to be standard procedure to get people off the phone, but they rarely follow through. One thing that worked for me was keeping a detailed log of every call - date, time, representative name/ID, and exactly what they promised. Then when I called back, I'd reference the specific previous conversation and ask to speak with that person's supervisor. It took several attempts, but eventually I got someone who actually took ownership of the issue. Also, if you're comfortable sharing which state you're in, some states have better DDS offices than others. I've heard from other members here that certain regional offices are more responsive than others. The system is definitely broken, but don't give up - you deserve those benefits and someone will eventually help you get them sorted out.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the callback system is completely broken and it's infuriating when you're facing eviction. I've been dealing with SSA for my own disability case and learned a few things that might help: 1. Document EVERYTHING - get the rep's name, employee ID, and exact time of your call. When they promise a callback, ask for a reference number for that promise. 2. Try calling your state's DDS office directly (as Julian mentioned) - they handle the actual disability determinations and might give you better info about your case status. 3. Contact your Congressional representative's office TODAY. This isn't just a suggestion - it's often the only thing that actually works. They have dedicated staff for Social Security issues and SSA is required to respond to Congressional inquiries within 3 business days. 4. If you haven't already, apply for emergency assistance through your local social services office while you wait. Many areas have emergency rental assistance programs. The system is designed to wear you down, but don't let them. Your January application timeline is actually normal (unfortunately), but the callback lies are unacceptable. Keep fighting - you deserve those benefits and there are people who will help you get them.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - the callback situation is absolutely maddening and you're definitely not alone. I went through something similar when trying to get my deceased father's benefits sorted out for my mom. What finally worked for me was a combination of what others have mentioned here: I contacted my Congressional representative's office AND started calling the SSA disability line at exactly 8:00 AM when they opened. The Congressional inquiry seemed to flag my case in their system, and when I called a few days later, the rep could actually see notes about the inquiry and took it much more seriously. Also, I found that saying "I need to speak with a supervisor immediately due to multiple broken callback promises" got me transferred faster than explaining the whole situation to the first rep. Have your case number, all the previous callback dates, and rep names ready when you call. The system is definitely broken, but don't give up. Once you finally get someone who actually cares (and they do exist), things can move pretty quickly. Hang in there - you shouldn't have to worry about eviction while waiting for benefits you're entitled to.

I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now with my SSDI appeal! Filed in December and have been promised callbacks SIX times over the past month - not a single one materialized. What's especially infuriating is that I can see they're noting in my file that they "attempted" to call me back, but my phone records show no missed calls from any government numbers. The advice about Congressional representatives is spot on - I just submitted a request through my rep's website yesterday after reading similar suggestions elsewhere. Apparently they have caseworkers who specialize in Social Security issues and can actually get SSA to respond within days instead of months. One thing I learned from a disability advocate is that you can also request your complete case file through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. It takes a few weeks, but you'll see exactly what SSA has documented about your case, including any notes about these "callback attempts" they claim to have made. Sometimes seeing the discrepancies in writing gives you ammunition when you finally do get someone on the phone. The system is absolutely designed to exhaust people into giving up, but don't let them win. Document everything, escalate to Congress, and keep fighting for what you're owed!

This is absolutely infuriating and unfortunately all too common. I've been dealing with SSA for my own disability case for over a year now, and the callback system is completely broken. I've been promised callbacks at least 8 times and have never received a single one. What's worked for me recently is a multi-pronged approach: 1. **Congressional inquiry** - This is your best bet. I submitted one through my representative's website and got a call from SSA within 72 hours. They have dedicated Congressional liaisons who actually have to respond. 2. **Early morning calls** - Call at exactly 8:00 AM when they open. The wait times are shorter and you're more likely to get a rep who isn't already overwhelmed. 3. **Document everything** - Keep a spreadsheet with dates, times, rep names/IDs, and exactly what was promised. When they don't follow through, you have ammunition. 4. **Ask for the "dire need" designation** - Since you mentioned eviction risk, they're supposed to flag your case for expedited processing. Make sure this is actually noted in your file. The fact that you filed in January and are facing eviction while waiting is exactly the kind of situation Congressional offices were designed to help with. Don't feel bad about "bothering" your representative - this is literally what their caseworkers are there for. The system is broken, but there are still ways to get results if you know how to work it. Hang in there - you're not alone in this fight!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been waiting for a callback on my SSI application for over 2 weeks after they promised to call within 24 hours. It's like they have a script - "we'll call you back" seems to be their automatic response to get people off the phone. What really gets me is that I've called back three times and each time they act surprised that no one called me, then make the same promise again. I'm starting to think the callback system doesn't even exist - it's just a way to manage their call volume by pushing people away. The advice about Congressional representatives is really helpful though. I didn't know that was even an option, but if it gets results in 72 hours like some of you mentioned, I'm definitely going to try it. At this point I'm willing to try anything because waiting on hold for 3+ hours every time I call is not sustainable. Thanks for posting this - it's frustrating but also reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this broken system!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's absolutely maddening and you're definitely not alone. I've been dealing with SSA for my father's survivor benefits and have experienced the exact same callback runaround. They've promised me callbacks four times in the past month and not once has anyone actually called. What finally worked for me was taking everyone's advice here and contacting my Congressional representative's office. I was hesitant at first because I didn't want to "bother" them, but their caseworker told me that Social Security issues are one of their most common requests. I submitted the inquiry on a Wednesday and got a call from SSA on Friday - first time they'd actually followed through on anything. The key things that helped: 1. When submitting the Congressional inquiry, be specific about the broken callback promises and include dates/rep names 2. Mention your eviction risk - they flag cases involving housing instability 3. Keep calling at 8 AM sharp when they open - shorter wait times and fresher reps Your January filing date is unfortunately normal processing time, but the callback lies are completely unacceptable. Don't let them wear you down - that's exactly what this broken system is designed to do. You deserve those benefits and there are people who will help you get them. The Congressional route really does work!

I'm so frustrated reading this because I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now! Filed my SSDI application in February and have been promised callbacks five times in the last three weeks - zero actual calls received. It's infuriating that they just lie to get us off the phone while we're dealing with serious financial hardships. Reading all these responses has been incredibly helpful though. I had no idea about contacting Congressional representatives for Social Security issues - I thought that was only for like major political problems. The fact that multiple people here got actual results within 72 hours through that route is amazing. I'm definitely submitting a request today. The advice about calling at exactly 8 AM and asking for supervisors immediately is also really smart. I've been wasting so much time explaining my whole situation to the first rep when they clearly can't do anything anyway. It's both awful and reassuring to see how many of us are dealing with this broken system. At least we're all sharing strategies that actually work instead of just suffering in silence. The callback system is clearly just a scam to manage their call volume, but now I know there are real ways to get around it. Thanks for posting this - you've probably helped way more people than just yourself by starting this conversation!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation and it's absolutely infuriating! Filed my disability application back in December and have been promised callbacks at least 6 times over the past two months. Not a single call back. Every time I call, they act like it's some shocking anomaly that no one called me, then make the exact same empty promise again. What really gets me is that I'm also facing potential eviction and have explained this multiple times, but it doesn't seem to matter at all. They just say "we'll prioritize your case" and then... nothing. It's like they have a script designed to get us off the phone as quickly as possible. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening though. I had no idea about contacting Congressional representatives - I thought that was only for huge political issues, not individual cases like this. The fact that so many people here got actual results within 72 hours through that route is amazing. I'm definitely submitting an inquiry today. The early morning calling strategy and asking for supervisors immediately also makes so much sense. I've been wasting hours explaining my whole situation to the first rep when they clearly can't help anyway. It's both terrible and oddly comforting to see how many of us are dealing with this broken system. At least now I know there are actual workarounds instead of just waiting by the phone like a fool. Thanks everyone for sharing what actually works!

This whole situation is incredibly frustrating but unfortunately very common. I've been helping my elderly neighbor navigate SSA issues and we've experienced the same callback promises that never materialize. It's clear the system is completely overwhelmed and the representatives are just trying to manage their call volume by making promises they can't keep. What I've learned from similar situations is that you really need to escalate beyond the regular phone system. The Congressional representative route that several people mentioned here is absolutely the way to go - don't hesitate to use it. That's exactly what those offices are there for, and Social Security issues are actually one of their most common types of casework. Also, when you do get through to someone, make sure to specifically ask them to note in your file that you're facing "dire need" due to potential eviction. This should trigger an expedited review process, though obviously the broken callback system means even that doesn't always work as intended. Keep detailed records of every interaction, including rep names and employee IDs. The fact that you're dealing with housing instability while waiting for benefits you're entitled to is exactly the kind of situation that warrants immediate Congressional intervention. Don't feel like you're being dramatic - your housing situation is urgent and they need to treat it that way.

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare - the callback system is absolutely broken and you're definitely not alone in this frustration. I went through something very similar last year with my disability review and learned some hard lessons about how to actually get results from SSA. The most effective approach I found was combining multiple strategies: 1. **Congressional inquiry is your best bet** - Don't hesitate to contact your representative's office today. I was initially reluctant thinking it was "too much," but their caseworker told me Social Security issues are literally one of their top categories. I got a callback within 48 hours of submitting the inquiry. 2. **Call at exactly 8:00 AM** - The wait times are dramatically shorter and you're more likely to get a rep who isn't already burned out from dealing with frustrated callers all day. 3. **Ask for "dire need" designation immediately** - Since you're facing eviction, this should trigger expedited processing. Make sure they actually note this in your file, not just verbally acknowledge it. 4. **Document everything systematically** - Keep a spreadsheet with dates, rep names/IDs, and exact promises made. When they inevitably don't follow through, you have concrete evidence. The January filing timeline is unfortunately normal (6-8 months average), but the callback lies are completely unacceptable. Your case is probably at the state DDS office now, which you can also try contacting directly for status updates. Don't let them wear you down - that's exactly what this broken system is designed to do. You deserve these benefits and there are ways to force them to actually help you!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable - I'm dealing with the exact same callback nightmare and feeling so much less alone after reading everyone's experiences! I filed my SSDI application in early February and have been promised callbacks four times now with zero follow-through. Each time they act shocked that no one called, then make the exact same empty promise again. What's really striking me is how systematic this problem seems to be. It's clearly not just a few isolated cases of forgetful reps - this appears to be how the system is designed to function (or malfunction). The fact that so many of us are getting identical scripted responses suggests they're trained to use callbacks as a way to manage call volume rather than actually help people. I'm definitely going to try the Congressional representative route after seeing so many success stories here. I had no idea that was even an option, but the 48-72 hour response times people are reporting give me real hope. I'm also going to implement the 8:00 AM calling strategy and start being much more assertive about getting "dire need" status documented in my file. Thank you to everyone who shared what actually works - this kind of peer knowledge sharing is probably more helpful than anything SSA has provided. It's awful that we have to become experts in navigating a broken system just to access benefits we're entitled to, but at least now I have a real action plan instead of just waiting by the phone indefinitely!