The Social Security Administration (SSA) is committed to providing fair and equitable
world-class service to the American public, regardless of an individual's inability
to communicate effectively in English.
SSA recognizes that using qualified interpreters efficiently facilitates our processes,
deters fraud, and ensures that individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP)
are not disadvantaged.
SSA will provide an interpreter free of charge to individuals requesting language assistance or when it is evident that such assistance
is necessary to ensure that the individual is not disadvantaged. SSA does not require individuals needing language assistance to provide
their own interpreters.
If the individual prefers to use their own interpreter, such as a family member, friend,
or third party, SSA will determine if the interpreter meets SSA's requirements for
a Qualified Interpreter.
Generally, SSA will not permit a child under age 18 to serve as an interpreter due
to the nature and complexities of SSA's business processes.
NOTE: For more information regarding SSA’s LEP services, visit the “Serving
Multilanguage Audiences” on the SSA website.