Official Government Help Lines

Who to call about your own Medicare, Social Security, VA or tax case. Every number comes from the agency's own website.

SeniorGovBenefits is an independent website, not a government agency. We can't look up your account, check a claim or change your benefits. The agencies below can, and calling them is free.

If someone is in danger right now, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Medicare and Health Coverage

Medicare

Coverage, claims, bills and plan questions

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)TTY 1-877-486-2048. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays.

Official site: medicare.gov

Free Medicare counseling (SHIP)

Unbiased one-on-one help comparing plans and costs, with no sales pitch

1-877-839-2675Connects you to your state's SHIP office.

Official site: shiphelp.org

Health Insurance Marketplace

ACA plans and subsidies if you are under 65 or not on Medicare

1-800-318-2596TTY 1-855-889-4325. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Official site: healthcare.gov

Medicaid is run by each state. The Eldercare Locator below or your state SHIP can give you your state Medicaid office's number.

Social Security and Taxes

Social Security

Retirement, disability, SSI, Medicare enrollment and Extra Help

1-800-772-1213TTY 1-800-325-0778. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Automated services 24 hours a day.

Official site: ssa.gov

IRS

Federal tax questions for individuals

1-800-829-1040TTY 1-800-829-4059.

Official site: irs.gov

Local Help, Caregiving and Elder Protection

Eldercare Locator

Local services for older adults: meals, rides, in-home care, caregiver support and Adult Protective Services

1-800-677-1116Call or text.

Official site: eldercare.acl.gov

National Elder Fraud Hotline

Scams and financial exploitation of anyone 60 or older

1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311)Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.

Official site: justice.gov

Veterans

VA main information line (MyVA411)

Any VA question; they will route your call

1-800-698-2411TTY 711. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Official site: va.gov

VA benefits

Disability compensation, pension, Aid and Attendance and survivor benefits

1-800-827-1000TTY 711. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern.

Official site: va.gov

VA health benefits

Enrolling in and using VA health care

1-877-222-8387TTY 711. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.

Official site: va.gov

Veterans Crisis Line

Free, confidential support in a crisis

Dial 988, then press 124 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Official site: va.gov

Before You Call

  • Have your Social Security number or Medicare number, and any letter you received, in front of you.
  • Calls are often shortest early in the morning and later in the week.
  • Government agencies don't call, text or email to demand payment, gift cards or your full Social Security number. If someone does, hang up and call the official number on this page yourself.

Questions About This Website

To report a figure on our site that looks wrong, or to ask how one of our calculators works, use our contact form.

Numbers checked against each agency's website in October 2026. Agencies sometimes change their numbers or hours, so the official site linked under each number is the final word. SeniorGovBenefits.com is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration, CMS, the IRS, the VA, the Department of Justice or any other government agency.