If you’re living abroad and need to contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) — whether it’s about retirement benefits, disability payments, Medicare enrollment, or account updates — you may find that it’s not as simple as just picking up the phone.
Until recently, millions of Americans abroad relied on Skype’s free toll-free calling feature to stay connected with the SSA. That service was discontinued in May 2024, and since then, users have been left searching for reliable, affordable alternatives.
In this guide, we’ll explain what changed, why traditional methods no longer work well, and how to make a successful call to the SSA from overseas — without the frustration or the high cost.
What Changed in 2024?
For years, Skype offered a convenient way for U.S. citizens living abroad to call toll-free numbers — including 1-800-772-1213, SSA’s main line — at no cost. This was a lifeline for retirees, expats, and overseas federal beneficiaries.
But in May 2024, Microsoft ended support for toll-free calling on Skype. This move quietly eliminated one of the only widely used free options for calling U.S. government agencies from abroad.
Common Methods That No Longer Work (or Cost Too Much)
| Method | Issue |
|---|---|
| U.S. Toll-Free Numbers | Don’t work from most international phones or mobile carriers |
| Skype | Toll-free calling removed in May 2024 |
| WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc. | Only support app-to-app calling — can’t call landlines or toll-free |
| International SIM or Roaming | Expensive per-minute rates; often blocked entirely |
| Embassies | Limited appointments, long delays, not suitable for urgent issues |
| Google Voice | Not available or supported in many countries; setup is complicated |
The Best Alternative in 2025: Connect-EZ
Connect-EZ is a secure, browser-based calling service that allows you to call any U.S. number — including toll-free lines — using Wi-Fi or mobile data, without needing a U.S. SIM card or number.
Why Connect-EZ Works Well for SSA Calls:
- Works from any country with an internet connection
- Connects to 1-800 numbers, including SSA’s toll-free lines
- No roaming charges, international fees, or carrier restrictions
- Runs in the browser — no app or complex setup required
- Login with email — no need for a U.S. phone number
SSA Phone Numbers for Overseas Callers
| Service Description | Phone Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSA Main Line (toll-free) | 1-800-772-1213 | Not reachable from outside the U.S. |
| SSA Office for International Calls | +1-410-965-0160 | Reachable from abroad |
| SSA TTY for hearing impaired | 1-800-325-0778 | TTY device required |
When You Might Need to Call the SSA
- To apply for or update retirement, disability, or survivor benefits
- To ask about missing payments
- To change your direct deposit or mailing address
- To resolve SSA.gov login or account lock issues
- To get help with Medicare enrollment from overseas
- To report a death or apply for survivor benefits
How to Call SSA Using Connect-EZ
- Visit the Connect-EZ’s toll-free calling page *
- Enter the number 1-800-772-1213,
- Click on call now,
- Speak to a Social Security agent just as you would from inside the U.S.
Final Thoughts
The discontinuation of Skype’s toll-free access in 2024 left many Americans overseas without a reliable way to contact U.S. government agencies. But calling the SSA doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With tools like Connect-EZ, you can reach the support you need — from anywhere — without dealing with roaming fees, poor call quality, or blocked numbers.
*Default toll-free service is limited to 10 minutes/day/user. You can download the app or signup for longers calls.