How to Find a Social Security Office Near You (2024)

Key Takeaways

You can find the closest local Social Security office near you with SSA’s office locator tool.
While offices do accept walk-ins, you should make an appointment at your local Social Security office to avoid a long wait.
Accommodations, like a sign language interpreter, can be made available at your local Social Security office at no cost to you.
You can utilize a wide range of Social Security Administration (SSA) services at your local Social Security office — this includes applying for benefits.
You can go to any local Social Security office for their services, you don’t have a designated location.

Where Do You Go To Apply for Social Security?

Go to a local Social Security office near you to apply for Social Security benefits. To find the closest local Social Security office closest to you, use the SSA’s office locator tool.

You’ll have to input your zip code to find the closest office. Once inputted, you’ll have the address, phone numbers, fax number and hours of that specific location. There’s also an option to get a map and directions to help you find the office.

If you don’t have a local Social Security office near you, there are other options for you to apply for benefits. You can reach out to Social Security’s customer service online or call them.

Other Ways To Apply for Social Security Benefits

Apply for benefits online*
Apply for benefits over the phone by dialing 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)

*You can apply for retirement and disability benefits online, but if you’re applying for survivors benefits, you’ll need to call to apply or visit a local office.

Does Social Security Have Local Offices?

The SSA has over 1,200 local field offices. Your local field office is your first in-person resource for conducting business, like signing up for benefits, with the SSA. In 2019, 174,464 people visited the local Social Security offices a day on average.

While local Security offices were closed due to the pandemic, all offices reopened as of April 7, 2022. Masks are still required at local offices, according to the Social Security Administration. A mask will be provided to you if you don’t have one available.

While it is recommended to make an appointment before visiting a local Social Security office, they also accept walk-ins. It would be in your best interest to make an appointment to avoid a long wait.

Below are the general hours of most Social Security offices, though they can vary, depending on which local office you visit.

Local Social Security Office Hours

Monday	9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday	9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday	9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Thursday	9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday	9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday	Closed
Sunday	Closed

Source:Social Security Administration

What You Can Do at Your Local Social Security Office

Local Social Security offices generally offer the full range of SSA services, like signing up for benefits, updating information and getting a Social Security card replacement. You can also drop off important documents at your local office to avoid losing them in the mail.

Visit your local Social Security office to:

Apply for retirement, disability and survivors benefits
Order a new or replacement Social Security card
Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
Make changes to your benefit information
Drop off documents, like Form SS-5
Find Medicare resources for the Extra Help program

While you will face longer wait times compared to the ease of signing up for benefits online, your local office does offer more service options. For example, you can’t sign up for survivors benefits online, but you can at your local Social Security office.

How To Make an Appointment at Your Local Social Security Office

You can call the SSA’s national number — which is 1-800-772-1213 — or your local Social Security number to make an appointment. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, you can call the national TTY number at 1-800-325-0778 to schedule an appointment.

To find your local Social Security office’s number, use the SSA’s office locator tool. The local offices will also have a specific TTY number available.

If you don’t speak English, are deaf or hard of hearing, you can also request an accommodation service for your appointment. These accommodations are free of charge. You’ll need to let the SSA know of the accommodation you need at the time you set up your appointment.

Accommodations You Can Set Up Before Your Appointment

A certified and qualified sign language interpreter
Interpreter if you don’t speak English, or if it isn’t your first language
Lip-reading or speech reading
Handwritten notes

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Can You Go to Any Local SSA Office?

You aren’t required to go to a specific local Social Security office — you can go to any office since they all offer the same services. However, you should refer to SSA’s list of 2023 local office closings and emergencies before heading over to the office of your choice.

There are several dates in 2023 where local Social Security offices will have closures or delays that impact in-person services. Confirm your office will be open before making the drive over. Some offices aren’t holding in-person services until further notice in 2023.

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Last Modified: October 20, 2023

Lindsey CrossmierFinancial Writer

Lindsey Crossmier joined the RetireGuide team in 2022 as a writer to promote long-lasting financial literacy. She leverages her creative writing background, editorial experience and financial education from Yale to write retirement-focused financial content for those ready to prepare for their futures. Making complex information simple and accessible for all is her specialty.

Special focus on content about life insurance, Social Security, Medicare and certificates of deposits (CDs)
Research-based data drives her work
Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Central Florida

Edited By

Savannah PittleSenior Financial Editor

Reviewed By

Brandon Renfro, Ph.D., CFP®, RICP®, EARetirement and Social Security Expert

8 Cited Research Articles

Kijakazi, K. (2023, February 21). Social Security Administration To Resume In-Person Services at Local Social Security Offices. Retrieved from https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-administration-to-resume-in-person-services-at-local-social-security-offices/
Social Security Administration. (2023). Office Closings. Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/agency/emergency/officeclosing.html
Social Security Administration. (2023). Office Closings and Emergencies. Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/agency/emergency/
Social Security Administration. (2023). Social Security Office Locator. Retrieved from https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
Social Security Administration. (2022, August 3). Open Government Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/open/data/FO-RS-Address-Open-Close-Time-App-Devs.html
Social Security Administration. (2019, November 7). Open Government Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/open/data/field-office-visitors-average-daily.html
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). If You Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/people/deaf/
Social Security Administration. (n.d.). If You Need an Interpreter. Retrieved from https://www.ssa.gov/multilanguage/interpreter.html