Where the Crenshaw and Torrance Social Security offices are located

The Social Security Administration operates two offices serving the Crenshaw and Torrance areas of Los Angeles County. The Crenshaw office is located at 3725 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90305. The Torrance office is located at 2961 Artesia Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90504. Both offices handle the same range of services — retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and replacement documents — so you can visit whichever is more convenient.

These are walk-in offices, meaning you do not need an appointment to visit, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. The offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. If you prefer to schedule a specific time, you can call ahead to request an appointment, which may reduce your wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The Crenshaw office is in Inglewood at 3725 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and the Torrance office is at 2961 Artesia Boulevard; both handle the same services.
  • You can walk in without an appointment, but calling ahead to schedule one may shorten your wait time.
  • Bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and any documents related to your specific request — such as a birth certificate for a name change or medical records for disability.
  • You can also handle many tasks by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or online at ssa.gov without visiting an office in person.
  • Hours and services may change, so call the office directly before you go to confirm it is open and to ask about current wait times.

What documents to bring to your visit

What you need to bring depends on what you are there to do. For almost any transaction, bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers). The Social Security Administration will not process your request without these.

If you are explore for retirement benefits, bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and your most recent tax return or W-2 form. If you are reporting a death to claim survivor benefits, bring the death certificate and your relationship to the deceased. If you need a replacement Social Security card, bring your birth certificate and photo ID. For disability claims, bring medical records, a list of your doctors and hospitals, and dates of any treatment.

If you are unsure what documents you need for your specific situation, call the office at the Crenshaw location (310-412-5400) or Torrance location (310-618-4900) before you visit. Staff can tell you exactly what to bring so you do not make a wasted trip.

Hours and how to confirm before you go

Both offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours may vary by season and staffing. Some offices close for lunch or reduce hours on certain days. The Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov lists current hours for each location, or you can call directly: Crenshaw (310-412-5400) or Torrance (310-618-4900).

Federal holidays close all Social Security offices. If you plan to visit on a Monday or Friday, or during the first week of the month when offices are busier, call ahead to ask about current wait times. This takes two minutes and can save you an hour in the office.

Alternatives to visiting an office in person

You can handle many Social Security tasks without going to an office. The national phone line is 1-800-772-1213, available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can report a death, request a replacement card, ask about your benefits, or start a retirement or disability claim by phone. Wait times on the phone are often shorter than in person, especially in the afternoon.

You can also create an account at ssa.gov and handle some tasks online: view your earnings record, request a replacement Social Security card, change your address, or report a change in your situation. Online services are available 24 hours a day. For complex claims or situations where the Social Security Administration needs to see original documents, an in-person visit may be necessary, but the office staff can tell you whether your situation requires it.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait in a seating area until your number is called. Bring something to read or do, as wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is. The staff member who calls your number will direct you to a window or office where you will discuss your request.

Be prepared to answer questions about your situation and to provide or sign documents. If the Social Security Administration needs information they do not have, they will tell you what to send or bring back. Some requests are completed the same day; others require follow-up by mail or phone. Ask the staff member before you leave what to expect next and how long it typically takes.

Parking and accessibility

Both the Crenshaw and Torrance offices have parking available. The Crenshaw office in Inglewood has street parking and a small lot; the Torrance office has dedicated parking. Both offices are wheelchair accessible and have accessible restrooms. If you have mobility concerns or need other accommodations, call ahead to let the office know so staff can information you when you arrive.

The Crenshaw office can be reached at 310-412-5400 and the Torrance office at 310-618-4900. Letting staff know about your needs in advance means they can have the right person or equipment ready when you walk in, reducing the time you spend waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

You can walk in without an appointment, but you will wait in line. If you call ahead to schedule an appointment, you may have a shorter wait. The phone numbers are 310-412-5400 for Crenshaw and 310-618-4900 for Torrance.

What if I do not have all my documents?

Call the office before you visit and tell them what you are trying to do. They will tell you which documents are required and which are optional. If you are missing something, they can often tell you where to get it or whether you can proceed without it.

Can I handle my Social Security business without visiting an office?

Many tasks can be done by phone (1-800-772-1213) or online at ssa.gov. Reporting a death, requesting a replacement card, and starting some benefit claims can all be handled remotely. Call or visit the website to see if your specific need can be handled without an office visit.

How long does it usually take to be seen?

Wait times vary. Early morning on weekdays is typically faster. Call the office to ask about current wait times before you go, or schedule an appointment to reduce your wait.

What if the office is closed when I need to go?

All Social Security offices close on federal holidays and weekends. If you need to report something urgent, call 1-800-772-1213 to see if it can be handled by phone, or visit ssa.gov to check if you can handle it online.