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.