How to Schedule a Social Security Appointment

The fastest way to book a Social Security appointment

You can schedule a Social Security appointment three ways: online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is fastest — you can book an appointment in minutes without waiting on hold. If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you will need to create one first, which takes about 10 minutes.

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you call, have your Social Security number ready. You can also walk into your local office without an appointment, but you may wait several hours, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Social Security offices are closed on federal holidays and weekends. If you need to reschedule or cancel, you can do that through your my Social Security account or by calling the same number.

Key Takeaways

• The my Social Security website lets you book an appointment online in minutes without calling, and you can see available times at your local office before you choose one.
• The phone number 1-800-772-1213 works Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, and you will need your Social Security number when you call.
• You can walk into any Social Security office without an appointment, but you may wait several hours depending on the day and time.
• Bring documents that prove your identity and citizenship, such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate, because Social Security will ask for them.

Creating a my Social Security account to book online

Go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" under the my Social Security section. You will need a valid email address and a phone number where Social Security can reach you. Social Security will send you a verification code to that phone number — this is how they confirm you are who you say you are.

You will also answer security questions based on your credit history or other personal information. This step usually takes a few minutes. Once you finish, you can log in and see the "Schedule an Appointment" option on your dashboard. Click it, choose your local office from the dropdown, and pick a date and time that works for you.

If you already have a my Social Security account but have not used it in a while, you may need to update your phone number or email address before you can schedule. Log in and check your account settings first.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring one document that proves who you are, such as a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have any of those, bring two documents that together prove your identity — a birth certificate and a utility bill, for example, or a school ID and a bank statement.

You will also need proof of citizenship or legal residency. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers all work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your green card or visa along with your birth certificate.

If you are explore for benefits, bring your most recent tax return or W-2 form, and the names and dates of birth for any family members who may be on your case. If you are reporting a change — a new address, a marriage, or a name change — bring documents that prove the change, such as a marriage certificate or lease agreement.

Scheduling by phone

Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number ready. The automated system will ask what you need — say "schedule an appointment" or press the number for appointments if given the option.

If the system transfers you to a representative, tell them which office you want to visit and what days and times work best for you. They will give you a date, time, and confirmation number. Write down the confirmation number — you will need it if you have to reschedule.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security can arrange an interpreter at your appointment — tell the representative when you call.

Walking in without an appointment

You can visit any Social Security office during business hours without scheduling ahead. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have different hours. Check ssa.gov/locator to find your nearest office and its hours before you go.

Arrive early if you can — offices are usually less crowded in the morning. Take a number when you arrive, and the office will call you when it is your turn. Wait times vary widely depending on the day, time, and how busy the office is. On Mondays and Tuesdays, you may wait two to three hours or longer.

Bring the same documents you would bring to a scheduled appointment. If you do not have everything you need, the office may not be able to help you that day, so it is worth checking what you need before you go.

Rescheduling or canceling an appointment

If you have a my Social Security account, log in and click "Manage Your Appointment" to reschedule or cancel. You can change your appointment to a different date or time at the same office, or move it to a different office entirely. The system will show you available times right away.

If you do not have an online account, call 1-800-772-1213 with your confirmation number. Have it ready when you call — it makes the process faster. You can reschedule up to the day before your appointment. If you need to cancel, you can do that anytime.

If you miss an appointment without canceling, Social Security may close your case or delay processing your request. If that happens, call or go online to schedule a new appointment as soon as you can.

What happens at your appointment

The representative will review your documents and ask questions about why you are there. If you are explore for retirement benefits, they will ask about your work history and when you want benefits to start. If you are reporting a change of address or updating your information, that usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

The representative may not be able to finish everything in one visit. If they need more documents or information, they will tell you what to send and where to send it. You can mail documents to the office, upload them through your my Social Security account, or bring them to a follow-up appointment.

Ask for a receipt or confirmation number before you leave. Keep it in case you need to follow up or if there are questions about your case later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment for someone else?

You can schedule an appointment for a family member if you have their Social Security number and permission, but they will need to be present at the appointment. Social Security will not discuss their case with you unless they sign a form giving you power of attorney or representative payee status.

How far in advance can I schedule?

You can usually schedule an appointment up to two weeks ahead through the online system. If you need an appointment sooner, call 1-800-772-1213 — the representative may be able to fit you in within a few days depending on how busy the office is.

What if I cannot make my appointment?

Cancel or reschedule as soon as you know you cannot go. If you miss an appointment without canceling, Social Security may close your case. Call 1-800-772-1213 right away to reschedule if that happens.

Do I need an appointment to get a replacement Social Security card?

No. You can explore for a replacement card by mail or online through your my Social Security account. You only need an in-person appointment if you are explore for benefits, reporting a change, or if Social Security asks you to come in.

What if my local office is closed?

Check ssa.gov/locator for other offices near you. You can schedule an appointment at any Social Security office, not just the one closest to your home. Some offices have limited hours or may be temporarily closed for staffing or maintenance — the website will tell you which ones are open.