Alaska residents will have faster access to Social Security services through improved phone technology, new online options for replacement cards, and mobile assistance teams in remote areas, the Social Security Administration announced Friday.
New phone technology nearly doubled the answer rate at Alaska field offices in fiscal year 2026, according to the agency. Callers to the Social Security Administration's national toll-free number experienced an average wait of 5.6 minutes, an improvement of nearly 80 percent compared to fiscal year 2024.
The agency deployed mobile service teams across Alaska to provide in-person assistance in rural and remote communities and expanded virtual-service options to reduce barriers for residents who must travel long distances to reach a field office.
Beginning in the coming weeks, Alaska residents will be able to request Social Security number replacement cards online, the agency said. About 15,000 Alaskans annually need replacement cards, often requiring long-distance travel and incurring high costs to visit a field office. Residents will also be able to request name changes through the online system.
The Social Security Administration also expanded its automated telephone services and enhanced online access through "my Social Security" accounts, which provide 24/7 access to the agency's tools and services.