Skip to main content
U.S. flag An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

...
What to Know about Proving Your Identity
Social Security
X
Benefits
BY PHASE
  • Prepare
  • Apply
  • Manage benefits
BY TYPE
  • Retirement
  • Disability
  • Survivor
  • Family
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Benefits overview
Medicare
  • Plan for Medicare
  • Sign up for Medicare
  • Request to lower IRMAA
  • Apply for Part D Extra Help
  • Manage Medicare benefits
Card & record
  • Number & card
  • Personal record
Español
Sign in
Menu

Press Office (Subscribe)

Menu

  • Contact the Press Office
  • Press Releases
  • Reports, Facts and Figures
  • Social Security Update
  • Follow us @SSAPress
  • COLA

Press Release

Wednesday, November 28, 2001
For Immediate Release
Jim Courtney, Press Officer
press.office@ssa.gov
News Release SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security Administration Offers New Service For The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced today that individuals who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing may apply for Social Security benefits immediately when they call the Social Security Administration's national toll-free TTY/TDD number, 1-800-325-0778.

"The Social Security Administration wants all Americans to have access to the services we provide," said Social Security Commissioner Jo Anne Barnhart. "The agency will continue to develop and implement innovative technology that improves the services we deliver to the public."

People who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing may immediately file for Retirement, Survivors, Medicare, and Lump Sum Death Benefits without an appointment. Callers may now dial 1-800-325-0778, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and file a claim for benefits using a TTY/TDD machine, which enables the person to communicate directly with a representative without the need for a local relay system. To file an immediate claim, individuals should have certain documents in-hand when calling such as their birth certificate, most recent W-2, military service DD214 and bank account information.

The paperwork completed by TTY/TDD during the initial contact application will be mailed to the applicant for review and a signature. The applicant may return the printed claim by mail or in-person to his or her local Social Security office. Along with the signed form, SSA also needs certain documents, such as a person's birth certificate and proof of citizenship or residency to establish eligibility for Social Security benefits. An applicant can either mail or take these items to Social Security.

For more information about Social Security and its programs, visit SSA's website Social Security Online -- www.ssa.gov -- or call 1-800-772-1213. People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing may call our toll-free TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

>NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS: Additional information is available on our factsheet about Immediate Claims Taking.

Support
  • Contact us
  • Find an office
  • Forms
  • Publications
  • Report fraud
Languages
  • Español
  • Other languages
  • Plain language
Services for
  • Employers & businesses
  • Representatives
  • Government agencies
  • Other groups
About
  • About SSA
  • Communications
  • Careers
  • Initiatives
  • Research & policy
  • Financial reports
Agency logo

SSA.gov

An official website of the Social Security Administration.


  • Accessibility support
  • Privacy policy
  • FOIA requests
  • Civil Rights/Compliance
  • Office of the Inspector General
  • Office of the Chief Actuary
  • Performance reports
  • System status
Looking for U.S. government information and services? Visit USA.gov