Get a free interpreter for Social Security services

Ask for the language you need

Contact SSA directly and identify the language in which you can discuss the matter comfortably. You do not need to begin with a long explanation of the underlying benefit or card issue before making that request. A short statement naming the language and the type of help you need can make the purpose of the call clearer.

Follow the current telephone instructions

SSA’s interpreter page explains how to obtain language help through 1-800-772-1213. Its current instructions provide a Spanish option and explain how callers seeking other languages can reach a representative, who contacts an interpreter. Recheck the official page before calling because recorded menus and prompts can change.

Arrange assistance for an office appointment

If the matter cannot be completed by phone, SSA says it can arrange a local-office appointment with an interpreter for the visit. Mention the language need when the appointment is arranged. If you already have an appointment, contact SSA about the assistance rather than assuming that the person who booked it recorded your language preference.

Prepare questions you want explained

• Identify the notice, application, or task you want to discuss.
• List the main questions in the language most useful to you, including anything you did not understand in a previous instruction.
• Ask for an unclear instruction to be explained before you act on it, especially a request for evidence or a date on a notice.
• Keep any appointment details SSA provides so you can check the location and time separately from the language arrangement.

Distinguish different access needs

Spoken-language interpretation and assistance for people who are deaf or hard of hearing have different arrangements. Use SSA’s hearing-access guidance if you need sign-language interpretation or another communication accommodation. Requesting an interpreter also does not, by itself, translate every document or change the requirements for your application; ask SSA about the particular material you need explained.