Where the Knoxville Social Security Office Is Located

The Social Security Administration operates a field office in Knoxville at 2630 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37820. This is the main office where you can walk in, call, or schedule an appointment to handle Social Security matters in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours may vary by day. It is closed on federal holidays. If you are planning to visit, calling ahead to confirm current hours is a good idea, since staffing and schedules can change.

Key Takeaways

  • The Knoxville Social Security office is located at 2630 Sutherland Avenue and is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • You can reach the office by phone at 1-865-545-4160 or use the national Social Security phone line at 1-800-772-1213 for most routine questions.
  • Walk-in visits are possible but often involve long waits; scheduling an appointment in advance usually gets you seen faster.
  • You can handle many Social Security tasks online through your personal my Social Security account without visiting the office.
  • Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card (or a record of your number) when you visit in person.

How to Call the Knoxville Office

The direct phone number for the Knoxville Social Security office is 1-865-545-4160. You can call to ask questions, schedule an appointment, or report a change in your circumstances. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and how busy the office is.

If you cannot reach the local office or prefer a general line, you can also call the national Social Security customer service number at 1-800-772-1213. This line handles questions about benefits, retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Representatives there can often answer your question without you needing to visit the Knoxville office.

Both phone lines operate Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. The national line also has a TTY number (1-800-325-0778) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Scheduling an Appointment Instead of Walking In

If you need to meet with someone in person, scheduling an appointment is faster than walking in without one. You can schedule an appointment by calling the Knoxville office at 1-865-545-4160 or by calling the national line at 1-800-772-1213.

When you call, have your Social Security number ready and be clear about what you need help with — for example, replacing a lost card, reporting a change of address, or discussing your benefits. The staff member will tell you what documents to bring and when you can come in.

Appointments are usually available within a few days to a week, depending on how busy the office is. If you show up without an appointment, you may wait several hours, and the office may not be able to see you the same day.

What to Bring When You Visit

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, write down your number if you know it.

Depending on what you are there to do, you may also need to bring other documents. For example, if you are reporting a name change, bring a marriage certificate or court order. If you are explore for benefits, bring recent tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements. When you schedule your appointment, ask what specific documents you should bring.

Handling Social Security Tasks Online

You do not have to visit the office in person for many common tasks. You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and use it to check your earnings record, view your benefit statement, change your address, report a change in your work status, or request a replacement Social Security card.

Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. Once you are logged in, you can handle these tasks from home at any time, day or night. This is often faster than calling or visiting the office.

If you run into trouble creating an account or need help using the website, you can call the national Social Security line at 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can walk you through it.

What the Knoxville Office Handles

The Knoxville Social Security office helps with retirement benefits, disability benefits, survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare enrollment. Staff there can answer questions about your benefits, help you report changes in your life, replace a lost card, and process new claims.

If you are explore for benefits for the first time, you can start the process online, by phone, or in person. Many people find it easier to start online or by phone and then visit the office only if the staff member asks you to come in with documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement Social Security card at the Knoxville office?

Yes. Bring your photo ID and proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). The office will issue a replacement card on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks. You can also request a replacement card online through your my Social Security account.

What if I need to report that I lost my Social Security card?

You do not have to report it to Social Security itself. Instead, monitor your credit report and watch for suspicious activity. If someone uses your number fraudulently, contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. You can get a replacement card from the Knoxville office or online.

How long does it take to get a decision on a disability claim?

Initial decisions typically take three to six months, though it varies. If you are denied and want to appeal, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. The Knoxville office can explain your options and help you file an appeal if needed.

Can I do a video appointment instead of going in person?

Social Security sometimes offers video appointments, especially for routine tasks. When you call to schedule, ask if a video appointment is available for what you need. Not all services can be handled by video, so the staff member will let you know.

What if I cannot get to the office during business hours?

Call 1-800-772-1213 to handle most tasks by phone. You can also create a my Social Security account and manage many things online. If you absolutely need an in-person appointment outside normal hours, call the office and explain your situation — they may be able to work something out.