The Social Security Administration (SSA) delivers all kinds of services to the American people. Whether you’re in need of retirement, disability, or survivors’ benefits, the SSA is the place you should go to get them. But what specifically can contacting the SSA do for you?

Below is a list of just some of the reasons you might be interested in talking to the SSA:

• If you’ve applied for benefits, you might want an update on your claim.
• If you’re a beneficiary, you can request a benefit verification letter or ask for a SSA-1099 tax summary of your benefits.
• If you receive Medicare benefits, you can ask for a replacement Medicare card or an SSA-1020 for your taxes.
• Anyone can contact the SSA for the address of a local Social Security office, to apply for a Social Security card, or to ask any questions about the SSA or the benefits they offer.

So how do you actually contact the SSA? There are three preferred methods that the organization encourages: calling, emailing, and visiting a local office.

1. Call them—This is generally the method of contact the SSA encourages most. The organization does not publish the phone numbers of its local offices, but you can reach their Maryland office by calling 1-800-325-0778 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also reach their automated phone service 24×7 at 1-800-772-1213.

2. Email them—You can email the SSA’s support staff at any time from this page on the website. Be advised that you should never include your Social Security number in any emails you send the SSA. This is to protect your privacy.

3. Walk into a local office—Although the main SSA office is located in Baltimore, Maryland, the organization has local offices in every state across the U.S. If you prefer face-to-face interactions over talking on the phone, visit the SSA’s office locator page. All you need is your zip code to find the nearest SSA office.

For more answers to common questions about the SSA, visit their FAQ page at faq.ssa.gov.

Here are some of the top healthcare and disability headlines for August 18–24

Gay Couples Are Eligible for Social Security Benefits, U.S. Decides

The Justice Department recently announced that same-sex married couples living in states that did not recognize their unions and who previously filed claims for Social Security benefits will now be able to collect payments. In the past, the Social Security Administration typically looked to the states to determine marital status. The ruling is expected to be enacted going forward, and will be applied to previously filed claims that were pending or in the litigation process. Read More

Inspired By Her Grandmother, This Designer is Making Custom Tableware to Improve the Lives of Dementia Patients

It comes as a surprise to some people that dementia comes with more than just cognitive impairments. Many have accompanying physical challenges as well, which can make simple tasks like eating difficult. After industrial designer Sha Yao’s grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Yao was determined to make life a little easier for those living with dementia and created a tableware set called Eatwell that accommodates dementia patients’ physical limitations while eating.

Here’s How Music Influences Your Workout, According to Science

Do you listen to music while exercising? Well good news! Turning up the beats actually benefits your workout by acting as a natural pain reliever and helping you move faster without even realizing it. Listening to music while exercising releases dopamine and opioids, which helps boost your mood, dulls pain, and makes you feel less tired. Plus the brain’s neurons can synchronize with the tempo of music, which helps when it comes to repetitive motions such as running. Read More

Here are some of the top healthcare and disability headlines for August 10–17.

Hillary Clinton Wants to Improve Social Security Benefits for Women, Low-Income Seniors  

According to a questionnaire submitted to the AFL-CIO, Hillary Clinton wants to improve Social Security benefits for women and low-income seniors by “enhancing [the program] to meet new realities.” Clinton also mentioned she would consider raising the cap on the amount of earnings taxable for Social Security. The Democratic presidential candidate is expected to expand on her proposed policies later this year. Read More

A Shocking Number of Adults Suffer From Chronic Pain

It’s estimated that nearly 25 million U.S. adults suffer from pain on a daily basis, and 40 million adults suffer from severe levels of pain, though on a less frequent basis. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits all approach to treating chronic pain. Prescription painkillers, yoga, and other alternative treatments have all been used, but different methods work better for some people than others. Additionally, one-third to three-quarters of people with chronic pain also experience moderate to severe depression. Read More

Yelp Posting Info on Docs and Hospitals, Alongside Your Favorite Restaurant

Yelp has partnered with ProPublica to gather government data on healthcare providers. The data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be broken down into categories to give users information about their local hospitals, nursing homes, health clinics, and other care providers. While the data is already publicly available, integrating the information with Yelp will make it more accessible and user friendly. Read More