About the Social Security Administration (SSA): Mission, Structure, and Functions

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the U.S. government agency that administers Social Security programs. 

It handles retirement, disability, survivor, and Supplemental Security Income benefits, as well as assigning Social Security numbers. 

What is the mission of the Social Security Administration?

The mission of the Social Security Administration is to deliver Social Security services that protect people’s financial security. 

SSA runs benefit programs for retirees, disabled workers, survivors, and low-income individuals through its OASDI (Old‐Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) programs. 

SSA also issues and manages Social Security numbers and coordinates with Medicare.

How is the Social Security Administration organized?

The Social Security Administration operates via a national network:

1. Approximately 1,230 local field offices and 164 hearing offices
2. Regional offices, national hearing centers, centralized processing centers, teleservice centers, and appeals and oversight units
3. Headquarters in Woodlawn, Maryland, just west of Baltimore

SSA also publishes the Program Operations Manual System (POMS) as its internal policy and operational guide.

What programs does the Social Security Administration manage?

The Social Security Administration oversees several key programs:

1. Retirement benefits: Monthly payments for workers who have earned enough credits and reach eligible age.
2. Disability Insurance (SSDI): Benefits for workers who have a qualifying disability and sufficient work history.
3. Survivor benefits: Payments to family members of deceased workers who qualify
4. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Needs-based payments for those 65+, blind, or disabled with limited income and resources.
5. Social Security numbers and cards: Issuing, replacing, or correcting SSN cards as needed.

How can people use the SSA’s online services?

The Social Security Administration offers online services through its website (ssa.gov) and My Social Security:

1. Apply for benefits (retirement, disability, Medicare) online.
2. Request replacement Social Security cards (in many states) online.
3. Check application or appeal status online.
4. View earnings records, estimate retirement benefits, and manage account details in My Social Security
5. Access program information, calculators, forms, and policy publications via the official SSA website.

What recent changes or challenges is the SSA facing?

The Social Security Administration is grappling with several changes and challenges:

1. Website and portal outages, including issues with My Social Security, have interrupted access for users, prompting investigations.
2. Staff cuts and restructuring: SSA announced plans to reduce about 7,000 employees.
3. Service delivery pressures: wait times for phone calls and in-office services have worsened, leading to some field staff being reassigned to phone duties.
4. Controversy over access to SSA data by outside entities and oversight, including legal actions to limit unauthorized access to personal data.

These challenges highlight the growing strain on SSA’s infrastructure and its need to modernize while ensuring privacy and service continuity.

How do you contact or visit the Social Security Administration?

To reach the Social Security Administration:

1. Toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
2. Local field offices: Use SSA’s office locator via its website
3. Online contact and services: Use ssa.gov’s contact pages and My Social Security portal
4. Mail and headquarters: SSA’s national offices and mail services handle overarching policy, appeals, and administrative functions

Many actions require in-person verification (for identity or documentation), so appointments or field visits remain relevant.

How to protect yourself when dealing with the SSA?

Because the Social Security Administration deals with sensitive personal data (SSNs, earnings records, etc.), vigilance is vital:

1. Be alert to SSA impersonation scams, which typically use calls or messages claiming to be from SSA and demanding money or personal info. These are a known fraud vector.
2. Always verify you are using the official SSA website (check URLs, HTTPS security)
3. Do not provide your Social Security number or personal identifiers in unsolicited calls or messages
4. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on your My Social Security account
5. Monitor your benefit statements, earnings records, and account activity for suspicious changes

By combining awareness with secure use of SSA tools, you can reduce risks of identity theft or fraud.