Calling Social Security from Overseas: Numbers and Hours

Calling Social Security from overseas? The number for callers outside the United States is +1 855 522 6936, open 7:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Time. Start from 002call.

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The Social Security number for callers abroad

The Social Security Administration's International Operations page lists +1 855 522 6936 as its phone number for people outside the United States, and describes it as a toll-free number.

How to call Social Security from overseas

1. Check the time in Eastern Time. The line is open from 7:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Time. Convert your local time before you dial, so you do not try the line when it is closed.
2. Dial +1 855 522 6936. SSA describes this number as toll-free, so it is the right line to use from abroad.
3. Have your Social Security number and the reason for your call ready. Calls go more smoothly when you can answer questions about your record straight away.
4. Use email for written questions. The same SSA page lists the email address [email protected] for International Operations.

What SSA says about charges

SSA's page says its toll-free number "is intended to provide free access around the world". It also says that "charges may be applied by your local network carrier if you are calling from outside the United States."

The number is toll-free, but your phone company or hotel may still bill the call. Check your plan before you dial.

Calls from mobile phones, public telephones and hotel rooms may attract additional charges, as SSA's carrier note above explains.

What to have ready before you call

• Your Social Security number and your full name as it appears on your record.
• The reason for your call, and the date of any letter or notice you have received.
• Any reference number from an earlier contact with SSA.
• The time you dialled in Eastern Time, in case you need to call back.

002call sends your call over the internet, so it skips the international call charges your carrier and hotel phone would add. There is no subscription, and you pay only for the minutes you use. If you are abroad, Wi-Fi avoids mobile data charges.

Direct Cost Comparisons for Calling Options

Breakdown of Providers

Calls from overseas to a United States number can cost more than expected, even when the number is toll-free.

• Carrier roaming: $0.50 - $2.00 / min, depending on the carrier, plus monthly and hidden charges.
• Hotel room phones: Hotels often add their own markup to outgoing calls.
• 002call: For US numbers in our rate table, the rate is $0.02 / min.

Why 002call is the smart way to call

A 20-minute hold at $0.02 per minute costs $0.40 on 002call. Roaming and hotel charges for the same wait depend on your carrier or hotel, so check them before you dial. Start your call from 002call and see the rate before you connect.

002call's rate for US numbers is $0.02 / min. Start your call from 002call.

Numbers and hours from the Social Security Administration's International Operations page, checked 12 October 2026. Cross-checked against a U.S. Embassy Social Security page, checked 12 October 2026. Rates from 002call's published rate table.