What the Boston Social Security office handles

The Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Boston serves people in Massachusetts who need to handle Social Security matters in person. This office processes applications for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits; issues replacement Social Security cards; and handles changes to your account like name or address updates. You can also go there to discuss your benefits, ask questions about your earnings record, or resolve problems with your account.

The Boston office is one of several in Massachusetts. Depending on where you live, you might be closer to a different local office — the SSA website has a locator tool that shows all offices by ZIP code. Some tasks can be done by phone or online without visiting an office at all, which often takes less time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Boston Social Security office is located at 10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114, and you can reach it by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (the national SSA number).
  • You can handle many Social Security tasks online through your my Social Security account or by phone without visiting in person.
  • If you do visit the office, bring a photo ID, your Social Security card, and any documents related to your specific request.
  • Wait times at the office vary; calling ahead or scheduling an appointment online can reduce the time you spend there.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and it is closed on federal holidays.

The Boston office address and phone number

The Boston Social Security office is located at 10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114. This is in downtown Boston near the Government Center MBTA station. Street parking is limited in the area, but there is a parking garage nearby.

You can reach the office by calling the national Social Security number, 1-800-772-1213. This line handles calls for all SSA offices, not just Boston. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. You can also use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.

Wait times on the phone can be long during peak hours, especially early in the week and early in the month. Calling in the afternoon or later in the week may result in shorter hold times.

Tasks you can do without visiting the office

Many Social Security tasks do not require a trip to the Boston office. You can create or sign into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to check your earnings record, view your benefit estimate, change your address, report a change in your work status, or request a replacement Social Security card (which will be mailed to you). This account is find and available 24 hours a day.

You can also handle many matters by phone using the 1-800-772-1213 number. A representative can answer questions about your benefits, help you report a change, or start an process. Some people find phone service faster than visiting in person, especially if you have a straightforward request.

If you need a replacement Social Security card and have not yet created a my Social Security account, you can request one by mail by filling out Form SS-5 and mailing it to the SSA with proof of identity and citizenship. This takes longer than requesting online but avoids a trip to the office.

What to bring if you visit in person

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security card if you have it. If you are explore for benefits or making a change to your account, bring documents that support your request. For a retirement process, bring your birth certificate and proof of citizenship or legal residency. For a disability process, bring medical records and a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited.

If you are reporting a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are updating your address, you may be able to do this over the phone or online instead. The SSA website lists what documents are needed for each type of request — checking before you go saves a trip if you are missing something.

Office hours and how to schedule an appointment

The Boston office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. It is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Hours may change, so call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm before you visit.

You can schedule an appointment online through the SSA website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Scheduling an appointment usually reduces your wait time at the office. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer, especially during busy times like early morning or mid-month.

If you cannot visit during regular hours, the phone line 1-800-772-1213 is open until 7 p.m. on weekdays, which may be more convenient for handling your request without a visit.

Other Social Security offices near Boston

If the Boston office is not convenient, there are other SSA offices in the Boston area and throughout Massachusetts. The SSA office locator at ssa.gov/locator lets you search by ZIP code or city to find the nearest office. Some smaller offices have shorter wait times than the main Boston location.

Offices in Cambridge, Brookline, Quincy, and other nearby towns may serve your area. The locator tool shows the address, phone number, and hours for each office. You can visit any SSA office in Massachusetts to handle your Social Security business — you do not have to use the one closest to where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do everything online instead of visiting the Boston office?

Many tasks can be done online through your my Social Security account or by phone. However, some complex requests — like certain disability applications or disputes about your earnings record — may require an in-person visit. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your specific request can be handled remotely.

How long does it take to be seen at the Boston office?

Wait times vary depending on how busy the office is and what time of day you visit. Scheduling an appointment usually reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins may wait an hour or longer during peak times. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan.

What if I need a document translated into another language?

The SSA can provide interpretation services at the Boston office if you call ahead. Call 1-800-772-1213 and let them know what language you need. Some documents may need to be officially translated by a certified translator before the SSA will accept them.

Can someone else go to the Social Security office for me?

Yes, a representative payee, family member, or attorney can handle some matters on your behalf. They will need a signed letter from you giving them permission, plus their own photo ID and your Social Security card or number. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what documents are needed for your specific request.

What if I disagree with a Social Security decision?

You have the right to appeal any SSA decision. The notice you receive will explain how to file an appeal and the important date for doing so. You can request an appeal by phone at 1-800-772-1213, by mail, or through your my Social Security account. An appeal does not require a visit to the Boston office.