Yes, you can make an appointment at your local Social Security office
You do not have to walk in and wait. Social Security lets you schedule a time to meet with someone in person at your nearest office. You can book an appointment by phone, online, or by visiting the office itself. The office will hold your appointment time, which usually means a shorter wait than showing up without one.
How you make the appointment depends on what you need to do. Some tasks can be handled over the phone or through your online account instead, which is often faster than going in person.
Key Takeaways
- Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment by phone, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.
- You can book an appointment online at ssa.gov/applyonline by creating a my Social Security account and using the appointment scheduler.
- Walk-in appointments are available at most offices, but you may wait longer than if you had scheduled ahead.
- Bring documents that prove who you are, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.
- Some matters — like reporting a change of address or checking your earnings record — can be done by phone or online without visiting an office.
Calling to schedule an appointment
The easiest way for most people is to call 1-800-772-1213. This is Social Security's main phone line. Tell the person who answers that you want to make an appointment. They will ask you what you need help with, what office location you prefer, and what days and times work for you.
The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 during the same hours. Have your Social Security number ready when you call, though you do not have to give it over the phone if you do not feel safe doing so.
Wait times to reach someone can be long, especially early in the week or early in the morning. If you reach a busy signal, hang up and try again in a few minutes, or try calling later in the day.
Booking online through your account
If you have a my Social Security account, you can schedule an appointment without calling. Go to ssa.gov and sign in to your account. Look for the option to schedule an appointment — it is usually on the main page or under a menu labeled "Services" or "Appointments."
You will see a list of nearby offices and available times. Pick the office and time that work for you, then confirm. You will get a confirmation number and a reminder email or text message a few days before your appointment.
If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to prove who you are — usually a driver's license or passport number.
Walking in without an appointment
You can also go to your local Social Security office without scheduling ahead. The office will serve you on a first-come, first-served basis. However, you may wait an hour or longer, especially during busy times like early morning or mid-week.
To find your nearest office, go to ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213. The office locator will show you the address, phone number, and hours. Some offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days, so check before you go.
What to bring to your appointment
Bring at least one document that proves who you are. Social Security accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, bring two other documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and a utility bill.
Bring any documents related to what you are there for. If you are reporting a name change, bring a marriage certificate or court order. If you are explore for benefits, bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and tax returns or W-2 forms from the past two years. If you are unsure what to bring, call ahead and ask.
What you can do by phone or online instead
Before you schedule an office visit, check whether you can handle your task another way. Many common matters can be done faster over the phone or through your my Social Security account.
You can report a change of address, request a replacement Social Security card, check your earnings record, and start a retirement or disability claim online or by phone. You can also report a death, change your direct deposit information, or ask questions about your benefits without visiting an office. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your specific need can be handled this way.
When to expect your appointment and what happens next
If you schedule an appointment, Social Security will usually have an opening within one to two weeks. During busy times, it may take longer. You will receive a confirmation with your appointment date, time, and office location.
Arrive about 10 minutes early. Bring all your documents. The person you meet with will review your documents, answer your questions, and either handle your request right away or tell you what happens next. Some matters are finished the same day. Others, like a disability claim, may take weeks or months to process after your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or representative to help you. If you bring a representative — such as a lawyer or advocate — they may need to show Social Security a form saying you have authorized them to act on your behalf. Ask when you schedule your appointment whether you need to bring this form.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Call 1-800-772-1213 to cancel or change your appointment. If you scheduled online, you may also be able to reschedule through your my Social Security account. Try to give at least a few days' notice so someone else can use that time slot.
Do I need an appointment to get a replacement Social Security card?
No. You can request a replacement card by mail or online through your my Social Security account. You can also walk into an office without an appointment to request one, though you may wait. Going online or by mail is usually faster.
What if the office is closed when I need help?
Call 1-800-772-1213 during business hours, or visit ssa.gov to handle many tasks online. You can also create or sign into your my Social Security account to check information, report changes, and start claims without waiting for an office to open.
Can I do a video appointment instead of going in person?
Social Security does not routinely offer video appointments, but some offices may have options during certain situations. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask whether your local office offers video or phone appointments for what you need to do.