During the COVID-19 pandemic, most Social Security offices had to adjust their working hours or close temporarily to walk-in clients. Social Security limited in-person visits to critical services, and you could only access these services by appointment. However, with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, most Social Security offices have re-opened for in-person visits.
You can find out what Social Security offices are open by using the Social Security office locator tool. Go to ssa.gov/locator to find a local Social Security office near you that is open for walk-ins. You can also call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 to talk to a representative and ask about the status of the local Social Security offices in your area. If the local offices are open, you should call ahead of your visit to book an appointment to avoid waiting in line.
Are Social Security offices open for walk-ins?
Most local Social Security offices have resumed in-person services for walk-ins, but some offices may limit the services available to walk-ins. Before visiting your local Social Security office, you should call in advance to find out if they are accepting walk-ins, and if you may need to book an appointment.
You can find the local Social Security office, address, and contact information using the Social Security office locator tool. You can also dial the toll-free Social Security number at 1-800-772-1213 to talk to a representative for assistance.
How to find the local Social Security Office
You can find which offices are open near you by visiting the Social Security website. Use the office locator to search local Social Security offices by zip. The website will display a list of nearby Social Security offices near you, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and office hours.
You can filter the list of local Social Security offices by office type such as the Field Office, Disability Office, or Hearing Office. Choose the office that provides the service you require, and get directions to the office. You can call ahead of your visit to book an appointment to avoid delays waiting in line.
You can also visit the Emergency page on the Social Security website to check the field offices’ status across all states.
Can I schedule an appointment at the local Social Security office?
Local Social Security offices allow in-person appointments and walk-ins. However, local Social Security offices may be busy with long queues at certain times of the day. You can use the Social Security appointment scheduling system to make an appointment at your local Social Security office.
You can also schedule an appointment by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 between 7.00 am to 7.00 pm Monday through Friday. Request the representative to schedule an appointment for you at your nearest Social Security. When making an appointment, you will be required to provide your personal information, including your name, age, and Social Security number.
If you decide to walk in to the Social Security office without an appointment, be aware that the local offices tend to be busiest in the early mornings, early in the week, and during the initial days of the month.
How do I apply for Social Security for the first time?
If you are applying for Social Security benefits for the first time, you can choose to apply for benefits online or at the local Social Security office. Before you apply for benefits, check if you meet the Social Security eligibility requirements. You should also gather the required documents, including proof of identity, proof of citizenship, Social Security number, etc.
If you decide to apply for benefits online, you will need to log in to your My Social Security account or sign-up for a new account if you don't have an existing account. You will be required to answer questions about yourself and your employment/self-employment history. You will be required to mail the original documents to the Social Security address.
If you decide to apply for benefits in-person at the local Social Security office, you will need to download and fill out the application form. You should deliver the complete form alongside the original documents when you visit the local Social Security office.
Once you have submitted your application, Social Security will review your application to determine if you are eligible for benefits and how much you qualify to receive. Typically, Social Security takes about 6 weeks to process your application and start paying benefits, but it could take longer if you submit incorrect information or fail to provide the required documents.
Can I get a replacement Social Security card at my local office?
If you lost your Social Security card, you can apply for a replacement Social Security card either online or in person at the local Social Security office. If you decide to apply online, you will need to log in to your My Social Security account and go to ssa.gov/ssnumber. You will be required to answer several questions to know if you can apply online or in person.
If you are unable to complete the application online, you will need to print and fill out an Application for Social Security card and deliver it to the local Social Security office. You can also initiate the online application, and complete it at the local office. In some cases, you may be required to provide certain documents to verify your identity and US citizenship. Once your application is processed, Social Security will mail the replacement Social Security card within 14 days after the application is completed.
