Starting this month, people who have a Social Security account will be able to sign up for a personal Security Authentication PIN which should speed up telephone interactions with SSA. The PIN will add an extra layer of security protection and eliminate about three minutes of waiting time once connected with a telephone representative. The establishment of the PIN is entirely voluntary and it is not necessary to visit a field office.
Of course, online is still the preferred way of interacting with SSA. Only those who will be calling SSA and who want to save a bit of time on the phone will need to establish the PIN.
Read the SSA Press Release.