Where the Fort Collins Social Security office is located

The Social Security Administration office in Fort Collins is at 425 S. Howes Street, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80521. This is a full-service office where you can handle most Social Security matters in person, including explore for retirement benefits, reporting changes to your account, and replacing a lost Social Security card.

The office is located downtown, near the intersection of South Howes and West Magnolia. Street parking is available in the area, and there is a parking lot one block south on South College Avenue. The building is accessible to people with mobility limitations.

Hours and how to reach the office by phone

The Fort Collins office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on federal holidays. You can reach the office directly at (970) 221-5500. Wait times on the phone are typically shortest early in the morning or on Thursdays and Fridays.

If you call the national Social Security number at 1-800-772-1213, you can reach an agent who handles calls for the entire region, not just Fort Collins. This line is also open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mountain Time. You can request to speak with someone in Spanish by pressing 2 after the greeting.

The national line also has an automated system available 24 hours a day for straightforward tasks like checking your benefit amount, reporting a change of address, or requesting a replacement Social Security card by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fort Collins office is at 425 S. Howes Street, Suite 100, and is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • You can call the local office at (970) 221-5500 or the national line at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone or use automated services.
  • Walk-in visits are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is that day.
  • You can handle many tasks online through your my Social Security account without visiting the office or calling.
  • Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card (or a record of your number) to any in-person visit.

What you can do at the Fort Collins office

The Fort Collins office handles the full range of Social Security services. You can explore for retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You can also report a death, change your address or phone number, request a replacement Social Security card, report a lost or stolen card, and update your direct deposit information.

If you need to appeal a decision Social Security made about your case, you can file that appeal at the office as well. The staff can also answer questions about your benefit statement and explain how your benefit amount was calculated.

Whether you need an appointment or can walk in

Walk-in visits are allowed at the Fort Collins office, but you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is. If you want to reduce your wait time, you can request an appointment by calling (970) 221-5500 or by calling the national line at 1-800-772-1213. Appointments are typically scheduled within one to two weeks.

Some tasks, like requesting a replacement Social Security card or checking your benefit amount, are faster to handle by phone or online than in person. If your task is straightforward and you have time to wait, a walk-in visit works fine. If you have a complex question or need to discuss your case in detail, an appointment is usually better.

Using my Social Security to handle tasks online

You can create a free account at ssa.gov under "my Social Security" to handle many tasks without visiting the office or calling. You can view your benefit statement, check how much you will receive each month, report a change of address, request a replacement Social Security card by mail, and manage your direct deposit information.

To create an account, you will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a credit card, bank account, or mortgage statement. The verification step takes a few minutes and happens online. Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to check your information or make changes.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use an online account, you can still call or visit the office to handle these same tasks.

What to bring to an in-person visit

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and your Social Security card or a record of your nine-digit Social Security number. If you are explore for benefits, bring documents that prove your age, citizenship or legal residency status, and work history. The office staff can tell you exactly which documents you need when you call to schedule an appointment.

If you are reporting a change — like a new address, marriage, or death in your family — bring any documents that support that change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate. If you are unsure what to bring, call ahead and ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement Social Security card at the Fort Collins office?

Yes. Bring your photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers). You can also request a replacement card by mail through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The card usually arrives within one to two weeks.

What is the wait time if I walk in without an appointment?

Wait times vary by day and time of day. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less busy. On average, expect 30 minutes to two hours. If you want to avoid waiting, call ahead to schedule an appointment, which usually takes one to two weeks.

Can I handle my Social Security business by mail instead of visiting the office?

Many tasks can be handled by mail or online. You can request forms and instructions by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting ssa.gov. For complex matters like appeals or cases that require detailed discussion, visiting or calling the office is usually faster than mailing documents back and forth.

Do I need to speak English to visit the office?

No. The Fort Collins office has staff who speak Spanish, and interpreters can be arranged for other languages if you call ahead. When you call to schedule an appointment, let them know what language you speak, and they will make sure an interpreter is available.

What if I cannot visit during business hours?

You can use the automated phone system at 1-800-772-1213 anytime, day or night, for straightforward tasks. You can also create a my Social Security account online to check your benefits and make changes. For matters that require speaking with a person outside of business hours, you will need to call during the office's hours or schedule an appointment.