Where the Boston Social Security office is located and how to reach it
The main Social Security office serving the Boston area is located at 10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114. You can reach it by phone at 1-800-772-1213, which is the national Social Security number. This same phone line handles calls for all Social Security offices across the country, so you do not need a local number.
If you prefer to visit in person, the office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office is closed on federal holidays. You can also visit the Social Security website at ssa.gov to find current hours, as office schedules can change seasonally.
Parking near the Causeway Street location can be limited, so plan extra time if you drive. The office is accessible by the MBTA — the Green Line (Haymarket stop) and the Orange Line (Haymarket stop) both serve the area.
Key Takeaways
- The Boston Social Security office is at 10 Causeway Street and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on federal holidays.
- You can call 1-800-772-1213 from anywhere to reach Social Security staff who handle Boston-area cases.
- Many common tasks — checking your earnings record, requesting a replacement card, or reporting a change — can be done online at ssa.gov without visiting an office.
- If you visit in person, bring a photo ID and any documents related to your reason for visiting, such as a birth certificate or proof of address.
- The office can get busy during mid-morning and mid-afternoon, so arriving early or calling ahead to ask about wait times may save you time.
What you can do at the Boston office
The Boston Social Security office handles the same services as any other office: replacing a lost or damaged Social Security card, updating your name or address, reporting a death, starting or changing retirement or disability benefits, and answering questions about your earnings record.
You can also explore for a replacement Social Security card in person, though this can also be done by mail or online through a My Social Security account. If you need your card quickly and do not have time to wait for mail delivery, visiting the office may be faster — replacement cards typically arrive within 1 to 2 weeks by mail, but the office can sometimes issue a temporary document on the spot.
If you are unsure whether you need to visit in person or can handle your task by phone or online, calling 1-800-772-1213 first is usually the fastest way to find out. The staff can tell you what documents you need and whether an in-person visit is necessary for your specific situation.
How to prepare before you visit
Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — to any in-person visit. You will also need to bring documents related to what you are there to do. If you are explore for a replacement card, bring your current card if you have it, or a birth certificate if your card is lost. If you are updating your address, bring a recent utility bill or lease showing your new address.
If you are explore for retirement or disability benefits, bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, W-2 forms or tax returns from the past two years, and proof of any non-work income. The office staff can tell you the full list when you call ahead.
Writing down your questions before you go helps you remember everything you want to ask, especially if you are dealing with a complex situation like a name change or a correction to your earnings record.
Using My Social Security online instead of visiting
Many people can handle their Social Security needs without visiting an office at all. If you create a My Social Security account at ssa.gov, you can check your earnings record, request a replacement card, change your address, start or change direct deposit for benefits, and view your benefit statement — all from home.
To create an account, you need a valid email address and a phone number. Social Security will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by sending a code to your phone. Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to manage your information.
If you are not comfortable using a computer or do not have internet access, you can still call 1-800-772-1213 and speak to someone who can help you over the phone. You do not have to visit the office in person for most routine tasks.
What to expect when you arrive
When you arrive at the Boston office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will then wait until your number is called. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and how busy the office is — mornings tend to be busier than afternoons, and Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier than mid-week days.
Once you are called, a staff member will help you with your task. If you need to explore for benefits, this may take longer than a straightforward card replacement, and the staff member may ask you to come back for a follow-up appointment or may tell you they will contact you by phone or mail with next steps.
Bring all your documents with you, even if you are not sure you will need them. It is better to have them and not use them than to discover halfway through that you are missing something and have to return another day.
Other Social Security offices near Boston
If the main Boston office is too far away or too busy, there are other offices in the surrounding area. Social Security has offices in Cambridge, Brookline, Quincy, and other nearby towns. You can find the address and phone number of any office near you by visiting ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking for the office closest to your home or workplace.
All Social Security offices provide the same services, so you can visit whichever one is most convenient for you. There is no requirement to use the Boston office if another location is closer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Boston Social Security office?
No appointment is required. You can walk in during office hours and check in at the front desk. However, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about current wait times before you go, which may help you choose the best time to visit.
What if I cannot visit during regular business hours?
Social Security offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours only. If you cannot visit during these times, you can handle most tasks online through My Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213 during the same hours. Some questions can be answered by automated phone menu without speaking to a person.
Can I bring someone with me to help?
Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or representative to help you. If you bring a representative who is not a family member, you may need to sign a form giving them permission to discuss your case with Social Security staff.
How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?
By mail, a replacement card typically arrives within 1 to 2 weeks. If you request it in person at the office, staff can sometimes issue a temporary document right away, though the official card still comes by mail. Online requests through My Social Security also take 1 to 2 weeks.
What if I need to report a death or change my benefits?
You can report a death or request a change to your benefits by calling 1-800-772-1213. You do not have to visit the office in person for these tasks. The staff member on the phone can guide you through what documents you need and what happens next.