When COVID-19 hit in 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) shut its offices and returned in the spring of 2022. The agency has had to make significant changes since the pandemic.
One of the changes is that the SSA redesigned its website to simplify how to use it to persuade Social Security applicants and beneficiaries to use web services (instead of calling or visiting field offices).
Still, there are over 1,400 Social Security offices nationwide if you need to visit one. These offices range from field offices, regional offices, processing centers, hearing offices, and teleservice centers.
If you are wondering “how to find Social Security offices near me,” this post is for you. Read on to learn how to access your nearest Social Security offices.
Does Social Security Have Local Offices?
There are over 1,400 regional SSA field offices. Your regional field office is your first point of contact when you need any service, such as applying for benefits. In 2019, an average of 174,464 people visited local Social Security offices per day.
The SSA closed all local field offices during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it reopened all offices on April 7, 2022.
If you have to visit local offices, the SSA requires that you have a mask on. You will receive a mask if you do not have one.
While you can walk into a local Social Security office, scheduling an appointment is recommended. Visiting on appointment helps reduce the wait time.
How To Find Social Security Offices Near Me
The SSA recommends you create and use my Social Security account to access all services, including reviewing your statements and earnings history and applying for benefits.
But sometimes, you may want to visit in person for services not available online. You may wonder, “How can I find Social Security offices near me?”
Use the SSA’s online locator or dial 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, to locate a field office near you.
You can also call these numbers to reschedule or cancel visits. Check the SSA website’s Office Closings and Emergencies if you think an office may be closed due to an emergency.
Offices are generally classified as follows to ease customer service provision:
Field offices
They provide all of the SSA services. You can apply for Social Security, Medicare, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits here.
You can also update your benefits details, acquire replacement cards, and seek further assistance with the cost of your prescription medicines via the Medicare Prescription Drug Program.
Call your regional office in advance to inquire about its hours, which vary for each field office.
Resident stations
According to the SSA, these are “relatively small” buildings in remote areas, including nursing homes and community centers.
Resident stations offer fewer services, shorter working hours, and fewer employees than field offices.
Resident stations offer face-to-face support for communities far away from the field office or inaccessible. They are often found in locations with low population densities.
What You Can Do at Your Local Social Security Office
All SSA services, from applying for benefits, updating information, and acquiring a new Social Security card, are often available at your local Social Security offices.
You can take crucial documents to your local Social Security office to avoid losing them in the mail.
You can visit a local Social Security office to:
- File for disability, retirement, or survivor benefits
- Apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits
- Apply for a new or replacement Social Security card
- Update your benefit information
- Drop off documents, such as Form SS-5
- Find Medical resources for the Extra Help program
One thing to note is that although you will have to wait longer than it takes to enroll in benefits online, local offices offer more services. For instance, you may register for survivor benefits in person at your local field office but not online.
How To Make an Appointment at Your Local Social Security Office
To schedule an appointment, contact your local Social Security number or the SSA’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. Call the national TTY hotline at 1-800-325-0778 to make an appointment if you have hearing problems or are deaf.
Use the SSA’s office locator tool to get the phone number for your local Social Security office. Moreover, a separate TTY number will be accessible at the regional offices.
You can also ask for an accommodation service for your consultation if you do not speak English, are deaf, or have hearing-related issues. These services are free of charge.
It would help if you informed the SSA of the accommodations you need when scheduling your appointment.
Accommodations you can request when scheduling an appointment:
- A competent sign language interpreter
- An interpreter if you are not an English speaker or it is not your first language
- Hand-written notes
- Lip-reading or speech reading
Can You Go to Any Local SSA Office?
Since all local Social Security offices provide the same services, you do not have to visit a particular office.
But it would be best to consult the SSA’s list of local Office Closings and Emergencies for 2023 before visiting your preferred office.
Local Social Security offices may close on various occasions in 2023 or have delays affecting in-person services.
Before driving over, be sure your workplace is going to be open. Some offices will not provide in-person services till further notice in 2023.
Another thing to remember is that most federal offices, including Social Security offices, do not operate during national holidays. Here are the federal holiday schedules for 2023.
| Date | Holiday |
| January 2 | New Year’s Day |
| January 17 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| February 20 | Washington’s Birthday |
| May 29 | Memorial Day |
| June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| July 4 | Independence Day |
| September 4 | Labor Day |
| October 8 | Columbus Day |
| November 10 | Veterans Day |
| November 23 | Thanksgiving Day |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that finding Social Security offices near you is easy. You can use the SSA field office locator or search online for “Social Security offices near me” to access your local offices.
You can get various services in these offices, including applications for Social Security retirement and disability benefits and SSI.
However, talking to a Social Security lawyer when applying for benefits is advisable. Legal Giant can link you with a highly experienced Social Security lawyer to help you compile the required documents and aggressively fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
Contact us at 1-833-641-1650 for a free consultation!
