What the Clematis Street Social Security Office handles

The Social Security Administration office at 124 Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, Florida serves residents in Palm Beach County who need to handle matters in person. This office processes applications for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits; issues replacement Social Security cards; updates your records; and answers questions about your account. You can walk in during business hours, but calling ahead to schedule an appointment usually means shorter wait times.

Not all Social Security business requires a visit to an office. You can explore for retirement benefits, check your earnings record, and request a replacement card online through ssa.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. An in-person visit is most useful when you need to submit original documents, discuss a complex situation with a representative, or handle a matter that the online system cannot process.

Key Takeaways

  • The Clematis Street office is located at 124 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
  • Calling 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment before you visit will reduce your wait time and may support a representative is available for your specific need.
  • You can complete many Social Security tasks online at ssa.gov or by phone without visiting an office in person.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies if you are explore for benefits, requesting a card replacement, or updating your record.
  • The office serves residents throughout Palm Beach County who need face-to-face information with Social Security matters.

Office location and hours

The office is located at 124 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. It is open Monday through Friday. Specific hours vary by season and staffing, so confirm the current schedule by calling 1-800-772-1213 before you go. The office is closed on federal holidays.

Street parking is available in the downtown West Palm Beach area, though availability varies by time of day. Public transportation serves the Clematis Street corridor; check the Palm Tran website for current routes and schedules. The office is not accessible by appointment-only — you can walk in — but wait times are typically shorter if you call ahead to schedule a time.

What to bring when you visit

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. If you are explore for benefits for the first time, bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or visa), and proof of income for the past two years (tax returns or W-2 forms). If you are requesting a replacement Social Security card, bring your birth certificate and a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.

For any visit, bring your current Social Security card if you have one. If you are updating your record — for example, after a name change or to correct earnings information — bring the document that supports the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or corrected tax forms). Original documents are preferred, but certified copies are also accepted. The office staff can tell you which documents are required for your specific situation if you call ahead.

How to schedule an appointment

Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment at the Clematis Street office. You can also visit ssa.gov, select "Find a Social Security Office," enter the West Palm Beach location, and book an appointment online. When you call or book online, tell the representative what you need to do so they can set aside enough time and may support the right staff member is available.

Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait one to three hours depending on how busy the office is that day. Scheduling ahead is the faster route. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online or by phone so the time slot opens for someone else.

What you can do online or by phone instead

Many Social Security tasks do not require a visit. You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and request a replacement card. You can also explore for retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or disability benefits online through the same site, though some applications may require follow-up by phone or mail.

To reach a representative by phone, call 1-800-772-1213. The 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. For questions about a specific case, have your Social Security number ready when you call.

What happens after your visit

If you applied for benefits in person, the office will tell you what happens next and how long processing usually takes. Retirement benefit applications typically take three to five weeks. Disability applications take longer — usually two to three months — because they require medical review. You will receive a decision by mail.

If you submitted documents to update your record or applied for a replacement card, ask the representative for a timeline before you leave. Keep any receipt or confirmation number they give you. If you do not hear back within the timeframe they stated, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for Social Security benefits online instead of visiting the office?

Yes. You can explore for retirement, disability, or Supplemental Security Income benefits through ssa.gov without visiting an office. Some applications may require follow-up by phone or mail, but the initial step is online. Visit the office only if the online system asks you to, or if you prefer to explore in person.

How long will I wait if I walk in without an appointment?

Wait times vary widely depending on how busy the office is that day and what time you arrive. Morning visits typically have shorter waits than afternoon visits. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time is the most reliable way to know when you will be seen.

What if I need to submit documents but cannot visit in person?

You can mail original documents or certified copies to the office, or upload them through your my Social Security account if you have created one. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask which method is fastest for your situation.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to explore for benefits?

No, but bring it if you have one. The office can look up your account using your name, date of birth, and other identifying information. If you do not have your card, bring a photo ID instead.

Can I get a replacement card the same day I visit?

No. Replacement cards are mailed to you after you explore. Processing usually takes one to two weeks. You can request a replacement online at ssa.gov or in person at the office.