Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requires that Federal Agencies make programs, activities, and facilities reasonably accessible for people with disabilities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on March 31, 2014 that it has opened a Center for Section 504 Compliance. The stated goal is to “ensure that our customers with disabilities have meaningful access when conducting business with us.” (SSA Section 504 Overview) Social Security’s Center for Section 504 Compliance can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (EST) by calling toll-free 1-844-881-9061.

People with disabilities who need accommodations can request them directly from the SSA office. Examples might include:

• Requesting sign language interpreters
• Receiving notices in alternative formats like large print or braille
• Having a hearing by phone rather than in person
• Authorizing a person to assist the claimant in answering questions or providing information
• Meeting at an alternate location if an SSA office is not accessible
• Requesting good cause for missing a deadline or not fulfilling a requirement due to illness or disability

Contact the Center for Section 504 Compliance with complaints and requests for help getting accommodations. Note that contacting the Center does not interrupt the 180-day time period for filing an internal complaint of disability discrimination with SSA (Complaint Form for Allegations of Program Discrimination by the Social Security Administration), or any applicable delays for filing an external claim in court under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

This information last reviewed: Apr 5, 2023