How We Serve People Who Have Limited English Proficiency
Date:
Dear Colleague,
If you assist clients with limited English proficiency (LEP), you should know that we have resources available in different languages to help them conduct their business with us in their preferred language. By addressing language and other barriers, we can help more people access Social Security programs, services, and benefits.
Our free interpreter services are available to people who prefer to conduct business in a language other than English. We offer interpreters in more than 200 languages to help customers communicate and understand important information. Customers can obtain these services by calling our toll-free number at
Our website provides online resources in Spanish including information about retirement benefits, disability benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
We offer the instructions for applying for a Social Security Number card in 17 languages (including English and Spanish). Applicants can use the new instructional guides to complete the official SS-5 English form.
We offer many of our publications in languages other than English. Please check out Social Security Information in Other Languages page to view these resources, which include:
- Social Security Numbers for Non-Citizens
- Understanding the Benefits
- A sample Social Security Statement and 10 supplemental fact sheets
We strive to improve our customer service and provide helpful information to everyone. You can learn more about our commitment to increase access to benefits and services for LEP customers in our Language Access Plan.
Please share this information with your colleagues, friends, and family.
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Camarena
Associate Commissioner
Office of Public Inquiries and Communication Support
oea.net.post@ssa.gov
@SSAOutreach