This is not a question. It's just a bit of information.

Based on my recent experiences with SSA, the hold time to reach someone is now about 50 to 60 minutes -- and that's after you go through 5 minutes to listening to their messages disclaimers and warnings.. At many times, the phone system won't even allow callers to wait on hold. Instead, callers are told to try again later.

SSA is doing their very best to make it difficult for retirees to apply for benefits.

Thanks for all you do to help people.

Hi,

Thank you for sharing your experience. As a former Social Security employee, I can attest that the agency is woefully understaffed and underfunded. This has resulted in a severe deterioration of customer service.

Funding for the Social Security Administration is controlled by Congress, and in my opinion Congress has consistently chosen to underfund the agency in recent years without regard to the fact that the inevitable result has been that Social Security is no longer able to provide the type of service that the public deserves and expects. It might be helpful if everyone would share their experiences in dealing with Social Security with their members of Congress, as well as encouraging them to provide adequate funding.

Best, Jerry