Where the Hattiesburg Social Security office is located and what it handles

The Social Security Administration maintains a field office in Hattiesburg, Mississippi that serves residents of Forrest County and surrounding areas. This office processes applications for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits; issues Social Security cards; and handles changes to your account. The office is located at 6500 U.S. Highway 49 South, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

If you live in or near Hattiesburg and need to handle Social Security business in person, this is your local office. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The office also accepts mail and phone inquiries for many routine matters.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hattiesburg Social Security office is located at 6500 U.S. Highway 49 South and handles retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and card replacements for the local area.
  • You can visit in person during posted business hours, call ahead to ask about current wait times, or handle many matters by phone or mail without visiting.
  • The office phone number is (601) 545-8104, and you can also reach Social Security's national line at 1-800-772-1213 for questions that do not require a local office visit.
  • Bringing a photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and any documents related to your specific request will speed up your visit.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can create an account at ssa.gov to handle many routine tasks online, including checking your earnings record and requesting a replacement card.

How to contact the Hattiesburg office by phone or mail

The Hattiesburg Social Security office phone number is (601) 545-8104. You can call during business hours to ask questions, request forms, or schedule an appointment. The national Social Security phone line, 1-800-772-1213, also serves Hattiesburg residents and may have shorter wait times for general questions.

If you prefer to mail documents or correspondence to the Hattiesburg office, address it to: Social Security Administration, 6500 U.S. Highway 49 South, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive and be processed. For time-sensitive matters, calling or visiting in person is faster.

The national line operates Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. The local Hattiesburg office hours may differ, so calling ahead is wise if you plan to visit in person.

What to bring when you visit the Hattiesburg office in person

Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — to any in-person visit. Social Security requires this to verify your identity before discussing your account or processing requests.

Bring proof of citizenship or legal residency if you are explore for a Social Security card for the first time or replacing one. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or a green card. If you are explore for a replacement card and already have an active Social Security number, you may not need citizenship proof, but calling ahead to confirm saves a wasted trip.

Bring any documents related to your specific request: a marriage certificate if you are changing your name, divorce papers if you are changing it back, medical records if you are explore for disability benefits, or pay stubs and tax returns if you are explore for retirement benefits. The more complete your paperwork, the faster the office can process your request.

Using ssa.gov to handle routine matters without visiting the office

You can create a free account at ssa.gov and handle many matters online without visiting the Hattiesburg office. You can view your earnings record, check the status of a pending process, request a replacement Social Security card, change your address, and report a change in income or work status.

Creating an account requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. Social Security will send you a verification code to confirm your identity. Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to check information or submit requests. Responses to online requests typically arrive within one to two weeks.

Not all matters can be handled online — for example, you cannot explore for retirement or disability benefits through ssa.gov, and you cannot discuss complex account issues. For those situations, you will need to call the Hattiesburg office or visit in person.

When to visit in person versus calling or using the website

Visit the Hattiesburg office in person if you are explore for retirement or disability benefits for the first time, if you need to sign documents, or if you have a complex account issue that requires discussion with a representative. You should also visit if you are explore for a Social Security card and do not have the required citizenship documents — the office can advise you on what documents are acceptable.

Call the Hattiesburg office or the national line if you have a straightforward question, need to report a change of address, want to know the status of a pending process, or need to request forms. Calling is faster than visiting if your matter is straightforward.

Use ssa.gov if you want to check your earnings record, request a replacement card (if you already have a number), or view the status of an process you submitted. The website is available 24 hours a day and requires no wait time.

What to expect during your visit to the Hattiesburg office

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary; you may be seen within 15 minutes or may wait an hour or more, depending on how busy the office is. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan your visit.

A representative will call your number and take you to a desk or interview room. Bring all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your Social Security history, work history, or the specific benefit you are requesting. The representative will explain what happens next and give you a timeline for when you can expect a decision or follow-up contact.

If the office needs additional documents from you, they will tell you what to send and where to send it. If your matter is straightforward, you may receive a decision the same day or within a few days. More complex cases, such as disability applications, can take weeks or months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the business hours for the Hattiesburg Social Security office?

The office is typically open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time, but hours can change seasonally or due to staffing. Call (601) 545-8104 to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you are planning a trip during a holiday week.

Can I schedule an appointment at the Hattiesburg office instead of walking in?

Yes. Call (601) 545-8104 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are often available within a few days and can reduce your wait time significantly. You can also schedule an appointment through ssa.gov if you have created an account.

How long does it take to get a Social Security card at the Hattiesburg office?

If you are explore for a replacement card and your information is current, the office can issue a temporary card the same day and mail the permanent card within one to two weeks. If you are explore for a card for the first time or your information needs updating, processing may take longer.

What if I cannot visit the Hattiesburg office in person?

You can call (601) 545-8104 or 1-800-772-1213 to handle many matters by phone. You can also create an account at ssa.gov to check your record, request a replacement card, or submit certain requests online. For disability or retirement applications, you may be able to complete the process by phone with a representative.

Is there a Social Security office closer to me than Hattiesburg?

Social Security maintains offices throughout Mississippi. You can search for the office nearest you by visiting ssa.gov and using the office locator tool, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking for the nearest office to your address.