You Know Where to Find Us (Because We Make It Easy)
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: November 6, 2023
For 80 years, Social Security has been there for you and your family when you need us most. And, finding us at our field offices, where you can speak with an employee face-to-face, is easier than ever!
Our handy Field Office Locator is accessible from your computer and mobile device. On the website, you can enter your zip code to find the address, phone number and hours of the Social Security office closest to you. You can also use this tool to see a map and get directions; if you’re on your mobile device, it will even give you turn-by-turn directions.
Since you are already online, you could skip the traffic and lines by taking advantage of our other online features, too. Check out What You Can Do Online, where you’ll find that many of our services are just a click away!
For example, you use the Retirement Estimator to estimate future benefits, apply for Social Security benefits online and sign up for a personal my Social Security account. Setting up a personal my Social Security account is convenient and secure. You’ll have access to your Social Security Statement, and if you already receive benefits, you can view and print your verification letter and manage your benefits.
Some people prefer doing business in person, though, and that’s why our offices are there! Our employees are passionate about providing you with the best service possible, and we’re proud of our long history of doing so. When you visit us, whether in person or online, we’re always ready to help!
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account, online services, retirement, Social Security benefits, Social Security statement, SSA
See CommentsAbout the Author
Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
Comments
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K. S.
In regards to bill H. R. 1314 House Budget Act sec 831, what if anything can we do to keep from being part of the reduction in benefits. What is the eligibility needed to apply for any exclusion of this lowering of benefits prior to May 1, 2016?
Ray F.
Thank you for your question. Section 831 of the Bipartisan Budget Act (BBA) of 2015 eliminates aggressive claiming loopholes related to “deemed” filing and voluntary suspension of benefits. The new law will be implemented on a prospective basis only. Our legislative and policy staffs are diligently working with Congress to analyze the intent of the legislation and update our instructions. Please check back for updates.
Kritika k.
I am 66 years old, received a SSA benefits since June 2015. I am still working and want to know, will I have an increase on SSA benefits this year.
Josh
Maybe! SSA uses your highest 35 years of earnings to calculate your monthly pension. If this year’s earnings are higher than the 35 we’re already using, you get a raise. If it’s not, benefit stays the same. SSA calculates this automatically every year once your wage information gets sent to IRS by your employer.
Josh
if you want to find out quicker, you can visit SSA with your W2 when you get it and ask for a re-calculation
Liz
I have a TBI TRAMADIC BRAIN INJURY and I am on ssdi…. is there anyone that can help.me file for SNAP benifits
Josh
depends on what state you live in. Click the link below, then select your state. http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply
Ray F.
Hi Liz, for information about the food stamps program, also called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you will need to contact your local SNAP office. You will also find a list of States that allow you to apply online. We hope this information helps!
John O.
I’d recommend you contact your local county public assistance office.
Margaret
I have 30 years of social security credit and I am a teacher in Connecticut. When I retire with 15 years of teaching service, how much of my social security will I lose? I thought it was 10% since I have 30 years of ss credit. Am I correct?
Josh
does CT teacher job take out SS taxes? If yes, there’s no offset. If no, that’s called non-covered employment and if you get a pension from that non-covered employment, SSA is offset. Technically, benefits are calculated differently under the Windfall Elimination Provision and the different comp results in a lower SSA benefit. Click the link below if you need more details on WEP: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/wep.html
John O.
It depends upon substantial work activity over 30 years.
Ray F.
Hi Margaret. The Windfall Elimination Provision doesn’t apply if you have 30 or more years of substantial earnings under Social Security. See our Retirement Planner: How the Windfall Elimination Provision Can Affect Your Social Security Benefit and see how your Social Security benefit can be reduced because of WEP if you have fewer than 30 years of substantial earnings.
Isidoro G.
Can one recieve both SS checks & Non-service connected VA pension?
Josh
yes, definitely. VA has no effect on SS checks. VA pension (and any other income/resources) WILL have an effect on SSI, which is a needs-based benefit.
John O.
Your answer is incomplete. See below.
John O.
Maybe not. The SS check (not SSI) does not effect the VA pension, but the VA pension is needs based just like the SSI. So you could have your VA reduced or eliminated upon receipt of any other type of income. You must report changes in income to VA.
Ray F.
Thank you for your question, Isidoro. Your Social Security benefits are paid based on your previous work and you paying into the Social Security program. Other income will not affect your monthly benefit amount. However, other income can affect benefits paid under the Supplemental Security Insurance Income (SSI) program, which are benefits paid to disabled individuals with limited income and resources.
john
This blog is pure BS. It is not easy to speak with a knowledgeable person at SSA. The online guide with field office locations often includes only the national 800 number rather than the local field office number. Calling the local field office, if you’re lucky enough to find their number, usually means being on hold for up to an hour, or worse, being cut off with a recording that says sorry but we can’t serve you now. In person visits involve meeting with front line staff with little program knowledge. SSA does not provide world class service – not even close!
Josh
you have no clue what you’re talking about. All SSA field offices have a toll free number, but IT IS the number to the local office identified by the ZIP you enter. And SSA does not put you on hold for an hour. Sounds like you like to make things up, and are “Mr. Negative”. It is true that you can call and get “politely disconnected” if the call volume at that time is too high. There’s only so many employees in an office.
Josh
I stand corrected and my apologies to John – just found a field office in NY that does not have it’s own local phone number but is using the SSA national toll free number (1-800-772-1213). Most other SSA offices have their own local number and employees from that office answer the phone.
Dee
I also have encountered a field office with a “disconnected” local phone number. Also have spent hours trying to get a “mistake in my benefits” corrected and additional money added to my monthly amount. This has been going on since July 31, 2015 when I received the letter telling me that THEY found THEIR mistake. I will try to go to the local office to see if this can finally get straightened out!
Aloha G.
Really? If that is the way you talk to the community, they are not perceiving you to be friendly and knowledgeable.
Cathy
John knows Exactly what he is talking about. I’ve currently been on hold for 87 minutes! Once you get a person on the phone it is a crap shoot as to whether the person will be helpful or even polite. 6 out of 10 times, they are not! Interestingly enough, you Josh, just proved my point in rudely stating that John is clueless. Typical arrogance of SSA employees. Customer Service means little or nothing to this Agency.
Sandra B.
Sorry, but I totally disagree with you. Prior to visiting one of our local offices in SLC, I contacted the 800 number where all of my questions were answered, an appointment made for an office visit, and I was advised to apply on-line before my actual visit. They explained the paperwork I would need to provide for the particular benefit I was seeking, which enabled me to be prepared when I had my face-to-face with the SS representative. On my first visit, Cathy was very helpful in verifying all of my information, explaining what I had entered incorrectly, and correcting my error. My questions were answered completely, I was set up for Direct Deposit, and she went above board in making sure all of my paperwork was in order. Because one of my documents was not a certified copy, I had to contact an out-of-state agency to get one. Cathy made sure I knew just what to ask for. Once I received that document, I went back to the same office, and spoke with Mrs. Drake, who was equally as helpful. She made sure everything was in order, and answered some further questions for me.
Because of these two ladies, my benefit application was streamlined, and I’m happy to say, I received my first checking account deposit yesterday, as promised.
I can’t say enough good things about the service I received from beginning to end.
Josh
Sandra – nice of you to take the time for the positive feedback. Most people just like to complain. Have a great day
Don
Amen Josh. The old saying is (You draw more flies with honey than vinegar.) God knows we have enough negativity in this world. Nice to hear some positive and a person take the time to note it! Kudos to Sandy!
barbara
what is all this hoopla regarding a bill that was passed and will become effective may 1st 2016…anybody know about it
Ray F.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Sandra! Your thoughts are important to us and we’re pleased when feedback is positive. Our employees take great pride in offering the best service possible. It’s wonderful to know our efforts are paying off. Your comment helps us to know we have made a difference to those we serve every day.
Yuliana
Breakfast with Santa! Saturday, December 1st from 9-11AMOssian United Methodist Church201 W. Mill Street in Ossian, In 46777Come have pancakes, deiolcius egg casseroles, smoky links, cereal, donuts, dutch crunch dessert, Coffee, milk and juice something for everyoneHave your children’s picture taken with Santa and then they can shop in the Elf Store for their family members. Elves will be available to help them shop so they can keep it a surprise! All gifts are $2 and gift wrapping is included. This is a fun, holiday event sponsored by the Norwell High School Show ChoirSee you there!
oerganix
John, you are right but I’m sure you’ll get a lot flack for telling the truth. I had to go to a SS office (for sure I would do anything I could not to have to go to one but after all the BS about what you can do online, I still had to go to an office). I found the address online and used my GPS to find the office in North Platte, NE. After finding the general location I drove around for another 30 minutes trying to spot the address given on the website. It DIDN’T EXIST!
So I called SS and did the 15 minutes on hold while being assaulted with their stupid recordings, especially those telling me to not bother them and do my business online. I finally got to talk to someone in that office and found out that the building used to be a post office so I should look for a post office.
I found that post office building and it had NO ADDRESS ON IT, and not a clue that a Social Security office was inside.
Adding insult to injury, SSA tells us we don’t get a COLA this year and IN FACT, REDUCED MY CHECK BY $1!!! What planet are those people living on? SS recipients don’t spend much on gas, the only thing that got cheaper. But my utilities and food cost more than 20% more over last year. Then there’s the hospital bills that are driving me toward bankruptcy. Whatever Medicare decides not to pay, the patient has to pay 20% of what’s left, even after paying deductibles and copays. Nobody seems to be doing anything about the outrageous overbilling bill-padding the hospitals do. My hospital bill is full of overbilling, and meds and procedures that never happened. When I tried to get justice, I was told if I admit I was in the friggin’ hospital, I’d need to get a lawyer to fight any of the fraud and bill-padding done by Swedish Medical in Inglewood, CO.
C.Smith-Esworthy
John – You are speaking the truth. I have tried numerous days and different hours of day to speak with someone in the SSA office calling the national toll free contact number. It is impossible ! My suggestion is to go to your local SSA and wait hours in line to ask your questions. If you know they are giving you incorrect information then at least you can ask for verification of the information in person. You have a better chance of getting a correct answer.
John O.
Getting through on the phone varies from office to office depending upon staffing. Having a phone # published other than the national # also varies and is too difficult to explain here. This article is only saying that if you have a smart phone they can direct you to the local office. The staff at the local offices are well trained and I find your remark to be disingenuous. What is true though is the SSA is emphasizing applications by phone, hence reduced staffing levels. They have the last few years reduced the hours they are open to the public so that the reduced staffs can process claims. File by phone.
CTP
I will be 67 in April and am considering retiring end of March 2016 or April 2016. I will need to enroll for full SS benefits and in Medicare. When should I start the process? Is it too early now? I ‘m just not sure of a date yet.
Josh
visit now! you’re already eligible for 100% of your retirement pension. You could lose $$ if you wait. SSA can go over what you’d get at difference months and then you chose.
CTP
Thank you.
John O.
File now, you can be placed in work suspense if appropriate and you’ll need Medicare coverage.
Ray F.
Our system is set up to take applications three months in advance. At age 67, you can apply for your benefits online at any time now. Remember that benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of April, you will receive your first benefit payment in May. Please visit our Social Security Retirement Planner for more information.
MARY
I AM 63 YEARS OLD AND MY BIRTHDAY IS IN JULY WHEN SHOULD I GO TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE. EITHER WHEN I TURN 64 OR WAIT UNTIL A FEW MONTHS BEFORE I TURN 65?
Josh
it’s usually best to go in Jan of the year you’re interested in filing. That way, SSA has all 12 months to work with, and if you’re working ands SSA needs to offset some of your checks, you’ll get paid more months. There’s no distinct advantage to waiting until your exact birthday month. Benefits and age reductions are calculated month by month by SSA.
John O.
You should inquire now because there may be no retroactivity. Everyone’s situation is different but if you inquire now your date of filing is protected.
Bunny
Pareceu-me um pouco de folclore a mais mas sim, sou mais um spstgintuiora entusiasmado. Vamos embora dar a volta a isto!E concordo a 100% contigo relativamente à tua opinião sobre as claques, a juveleo neste caso particular.
Manuel S.
Thank you for this on line service
Manuel S.
If a client is drawing social security, employed full time; who will be un-able to continue employment for multiple health issues, would this person be eligible for a raise on his social security benefits ?
Josh
you would only get a raise if you were still under “full retirement age”, and filed for disability and get approved for it.
lisa f.
I have heard that soc sec is being ‘cancelled’ due to no money left in our system, to go into effect this May. any one heard this? or what this is actually referring to?
jan
Just read they may cut social security disability benefits 19% later this year. However, they may offset that by contributing to the disability fund from the retirement fund. See: http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2015/10/22/what-no-social-security-cola-could-mean-for-you
Ray F.
Hi Jan, the Social Security Disability Insurance trust fund will now be able to pay full benefits until at least mid-2022.
Elinor F.
That is 5 years from now. I will be 66 in March. I have tried many times to call when I got a live person, they said there were no appointments available and they would call me back within a week which they did not. I am tempted to just go to the local office and sit and wait to talk with someone since I can’t seem to reach anyone now and I want to get this taken care of. I’m told I must talk to someone to get my benefits. Shall I just sit and wait?
Ray F.
We are sorry that you are having these difficult experiences, Elinor. However, you can -right now- complete the online application for your Social Security retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. Please do not delay applying for benefits. If you cannot apply online or you decide not to finish applying online, for whatever reason, you can apply in person at any Social Security office. Call our toll free number 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting, and it establishes a protective filing date that protects your future benefits. Representatives at our toll-free number are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, it’s best if you call later in the day or later in the week. We hope you try again!