Do you have experience working with the public? Do you have a strong attention to detail? Are you patient and able to handle difficult conversations? If you answered yes to these questions, you might be a great fit for a social security claims specialist job.
Social security claims specialists are the first point of contact for people who need to file a social security claim. They help people understand the process, gather the necessary information, and submit the claim. They also provide support and assistance to claimants through the entire process.
If you’re looking for a job in this field, you’ll likely need to go through a social security claims specialist interview. During the interview, you’ll be asked a range of questions about your experience, your attention to detail, and your customer service skills. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of social security claims specialist interview questions and answers.
Good Question: Social Security Numbers on job applications
Interviews for Top Jobs at Social Security Administration
Social Insurance Specialist Interview
I applied online. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Social Security Administration
Interview
I got an email telling me to take an assessment. The assessment was lengthy and of medium difficulty. Got an email to set up an interview. Nothing too difficult, scripted questions about situational customer service and PII protection.
- Q: How would you react to an individual who was disabled but was denied for SSI?
Claim Specialist Interview
I interviewed at Social Security Administration
Interview
General chat then a set of typical interview questions such as “describe a time when you served a customer up and beyond?” “describe a time your colleague did something that caused ethical concerns and how you reacted ” Interviewed by two people.
- describe a time when you served a customer up and beyond
Mail/Office Clerk Interview
I applied through other source. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Social Security Administration in Aug 2022
Interview
It was a panel interview which lasted about an hour. The panel consisted of the job’s supervisor, his supervisor, and a colleague from another department. They were very kind. Asked the questions and gave me time to answer and they would ask clarifying questions if they didn’t understand.
- Tell us something you know a lot about. It can be your hometown, a videogame, hobby, a current or former job.We will give you 5 min. to prepare
What candidates say about the interview process at Social Security Administration
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Took around 45 minutes. Highly structured, panel interview over the phone.Shared on June 27, 2022 – Customer Service Representative – Albuquerque, NM
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Normal interview processShared on May 12, 2020 – Assistant – Bismarck, ND
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The Harrisburg office is home to both the Site Manager as well as the Regional Territory Manager so the interview was with both at the same time.Shared on March 30, 2020 – Benefits Specialist – Harrisburg, PA
How candidates received their first interview at Social Security Administration
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By answering a Job ad in a local newspaper.Shared on March 25, 2020 – Social Insurance Specialist – Torrance, CA
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Walked into the office when I graduated college.Shared on March 9, 2019 – Service Representative and Claims Representative – Chattanooga, TN
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Applied to an ad on the newspaper and took an exam then never heard until 3 months later and was given a panel interview by 5 individualsShared on May 14, 2018 – Claims Examiner – Las Vegas, NV
What advice do candidates give for interviewing at Social Security Administration
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Find a different agency. SSA was the lowest rated federal agency to work at early in 2022Shared on September 10, 2022 – Claims Representative
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Take your time. Be personable. They want someone who actively listens!Shared on August 16, 2022 – Customer Service Representative – Birmingham, AL
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Have a scenario that demonstrates a situation outcome and the action you tookShared on August 6, 2022 – Customer Service Representative – Chicago, IL
14 questions about Interviews at Social Security Administration
What happens after my interview is complete with social security administration?
You will be notified via USA Jobs of your status or you can reach out to HR.
What questions did they ask during your interview at Social Security Administration?
A lot
If you score high on the points asked when applying online does that guarantee your application will be sent forward for an interview
Yes top 15 scoring applicants referred to hiring officials
How long does it take to get an interview after you apply at Social Security Administration?
2 days at the most if not before
What happens after my phone interview?
You wait to see if they call you
Can i do a pjone interview instead
During COVID you more than likely do phone interviews
How long you will get an interview after a referral?
Months after you apply
What tips or advice would you give to someone interviewing at Social Security Administration?
Find a different agency. SSA was the lowest rated federal agency to work at early in 2022
What is the interview process like at Social Security Administration?
Took around 45 minutes. Highly structured, panel interview over the phone.
How should I prepare for an interview at Social Security Administration?
Be ready to answer General questions. Nothing related with actual role
They may be calling you for an SSI Interview to ask about your finances and living situation. This can also be called PERC. They do not always do this interview. It is for SSI only, not for SSDI.
They are sending you to a doctor’s appointment. This is a called a Consultative Exam. Don’t worry. It is very common and happens to many people who are reviewed. What Happens When I Am Sent to the Social Security Doctor?
The letter you get will tell you if it is a phone or in-person interview. If you are unable to go into the office, you can call and request a disability accommodation to do the interview by phone.
Before calling back or giving out any information, it is a good idea to confirm that the person contacting you is really a Social Security employee. There are scams from people pretending to be from Social Security.
If you wish, you can also bring all your medical records with you and submit them at this time. This is not required, but it definitely can help.
Questions About Your Work History and Banking
The Social Security Administration will ask you questions about your work history and basic information about your finances. Benefits depend on how much you earned during your career. If you had multiple jobs and varying earnings during various years, you’ll have to provide a record of them to the SSA. Gather copies of your W-2s, the dates of any railroad work or military service in addition to routing and account numbers for your bank accounts.
Example: “At my last job, I had a client who was having trouble receiving their benefits because they were out of the country for an extended period of time. The client wanted to know if there was any way they could receive their benefits while abroad. After researching the issue, I found that we could send them their benefits through a third party company. This allowed the client to receive their benefits without being present in the United States.”
Example: “I am very empathetic when I work with my clients. When someone comes to me stressed out or upset, I try to put myself in their shoes. I think about what would calm me down if I were in their situation. This helps me understand what they need from me and makes them feel more at ease. I also find that by listening carefully to their concerns, I can help them feel better.”
Example: “The most challenging part of being a claims specialist is having to turn away people who need our services. I understand that we have limited resources, so sometimes there isn’t anything I can do to help someone. However, I always try to make sure they understand all their options and provide them with any information or referrals that might help them.”
Example: “I have worked for the Social Security Administration for five years as a claims specialist. I am very familiar with the online application system that the agency uses because I use it every day in my current role. In fact, I find the online application system to be quite user-friendly. It allows me to complete most of my work without having to contact my supervisor or other colleagues for assistance.”
This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and see how you approach challenges. Your answer can also tell them about what you find difficult in your work, which may be helpful for them if they are considering hiring you. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention something that is challenging but also something you enjoy doing.
FAQ
What do they ask in a Social Security interview?
How long does an SSN interview take?
Do you need your SSN for an interview?
How do I prepare for Social Security job interview?
- Doctors and Treatment Facilities. …
- Medications. …
- Social Security Numbers. …
- Financial Information. …
- Contact List. …
- Work History. …
- Documents. …
- Statements.
