How to Schedule an Appointment With Social Security

Three ways to schedule a Social Security appointment

You can schedule an in-person appointment at your local Social Security office by phone, online, or in person. The phone line is the fastest route for most people — you call Social Security directly, tell them what you need, and they give you a date and time. The online method takes longer but works any time of day. Walking in without an appointment is possible but means a longer wait.

Which method works best depends on whether you have internet access, how soon you need to be seen, and whether you prefer talking to someone on the phone. All three routes lead to the same appointment system, so there is no advantage to one over another except speed and convenience.

Key Takeaways

• Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule by phone; the line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.
• Schedule online at ssa.gov/appt by signing into your my Social Security account or creating one if you do not have one yet.
• Walk into your local Social Security office without an appointment, though you will likely wait longer than if you had scheduled ahead.
• Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a description of what you need the appointment for ready before you call or go in person.
• Social Security offices are closed on federal holidays and may have reduced hours, so check before you travel.

Scheduling by phone

Call 1-800-772-1213 to reach Social Security's main appointment line. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your local time zone. It is closed on weekends and federal holidays.

When you call, have your Social Security number ready and be prepared to say what you need the appointment for — whether it is to explore for benefits, replace a lost card, update your information, or something else. The representative will ask for your date of birth and phone number, then offer you available dates and times at your nearest office. You can ask for a specific office location if you have a preference.

Wait times on the phone vary by time of day and season. Early morning calls and calls made on Tuesday through Thursday tend to have shorter waits than calls made on Monday or Friday afternoon.

Scheduling online through my Social Security

Go to ssa.gov/appt to schedule online. You will need to sign into a my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create it on the same page by entering your email address, creating a password, and verifying your identity through a series of questions about your credit history or financial accounts.

Once you are signed in, the system will show available appointment times at offices near the address on file with Social Security. You select a date and time, and the appointment is confirmed when ready. You will receive a confirmation email and can view your appointment details in your my Social Security account at any time.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, but the appointment times it shows depend on what your local office has open. If you do not see times that work for you, try again the next day — offices release new appointment slots regularly.

Walking in without scheduling ahead

You can go to your local Social Security office during business hours without an appointment. Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as your Social Security card, birth certificate, or driver's license. Tell the receptionist what you need when you arrive.

Walk-in appointments are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, so you will wait longer than if you had scheduled. Wait times vary widely depending on the office, the time of day, and how busy the office is that day. Some offices have a wait of 30 minutes; others may be an hour or more.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you do not have your card, bring your birth certificate, passport, or state-issued ID instead. Social Security will accept a photo of these documents if you are scheduling online.

Bring any other documents related to why you are going. If you are explore for retirement benefits, bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your most recent tax return or W-2. If you are replacing a lost card, you may not need anything beyond your ID. If you are unsure what to bring, ask when you schedule your appointment or call 1-800-772-1213.

Finding your local Social Security office

Use the office locator at ssa.gov/locator to find the address, phone number, and hours of your nearest Social Security office. Enter your city and state or your ZIP code. The locator shows all offices in your area, their hours, and whether they are currently open.

Some offices have reduced hours or are closed on certain days. Check the locator before you travel, especially if you are planning to walk in. If your nearest office is far away or has hours that do not work for you, you can ask when you schedule whether another office in your area can see you instead.

What happens if you miss your appointment

If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, call 1-800-772-1213 to cancel or reschedule. Canceling ahead means the time slot opens up for someone else and you avoid a no-show on your record. If you miss an appointment without canceling, Social Security may delay processing your request.

If you need to reschedule, you can do so by phone or online through your my Social Security account. You can reschedule up to the day of your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment for someone else?

You can schedule an appointment for a family member or someone you represent if you have power of attorney or guardianship. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your relationship to the person. You will need their Social Security number and date of birth. Bring proof of your authority when you go to the appointment.

How long does a Social Security appointment usually take?

Most appointments last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on what you need. straightforward requests like replacing a card take less time. explore for benefits or handling a complex issue may take longer. Ask when you schedule if you want an estimate for your specific situation.

Can I do this over the phone instead of going in person?

Some matters can be handled by phone without an in-person visit. Call 1-800-772-1213 and describe what you need. The representative can tell you whether you need to come in or whether they can help you over the phone. Many benefit applications and updates can now be started online or by phone.

What if I do not have internet access to schedule online?

Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule by phone. This is the main way to schedule if you cannot use the online system. You can also ask a family member or friend to schedule for you online if you give them your information, or visit your local office in person.

Are video appointments available?

Social Security offers video appointments in some locations. When you schedule by phone or online, ask whether a video appointment is available for your office. Video appointments work the same way as in-person appointments but happen over a find video call from your home or another location.