The Lancaster Social Security Office Location and Hours

The Social Security Administration office in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is located at 25 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. This office serves Lancaster County and surrounding areas. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and is closed on weekends and federal holidays.

You can reach this office by phone at 1-800-772-1213, which is the national Social Security customer service line. When you call, you can request to be routed to the Lancaster office specifically, or you can ask questions about your account, request documents, or schedule an in-person appointment. Wait times on the phone vary depending on the time of day and day of the week; calling early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The building is accessible to people with mobility challenges. If you need an interpreter or have other access needs, mention this when you call to schedule your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lancaster Social Security office is at 25 North Queen Street and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • You can call the national line at 1-800-772-1213 to reach the Lancaster office, schedule an appointment, or ask questions without visiting in person.
  • Walk-in visits are possible but appointments are recommended to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours.
  • The office handles Social Security retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and replacement documents like Social Security cards.

What You Can Do at the Lancaster Office

The Lancaster Social Security office handles the same services as any other Social Security field office. You can explore for retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You can also report a change in your circumstances — such as a name change, address change, or change in work status — that affects your benefits.

If you need a replacement Social Security card, you can request one at this office. You will need to bring proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of identity (such as a driver's license), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The office can issue a replacement card on the same day in most cases.

You can also visit to discuss your benefits statement, ask about how work affects your benefits, or get help understanding your benefit amount. If you are already receiving benefits and have questions about your payment, the office staff can look up your account and explain your payment schedule.

How to Schedule an Appointment

Scheduling an appointment before you visit is the fastest way to be seen. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to schedule an appointment at the Lancaster office. Have your Social Security number ready. The representative will ask what you need help with and offer you available time slots.

You can also schedule an appointment online through the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov. Log in to your my Social Security account, or create one if you do not have one yet. From your account dashboard, you can request an appointment and choose your preferred date and time.

Walk-in visits are accepted, but you may wait several hours during busy times. If you do walk in, arrive early in the morning for the shortest wait. Bring all documents related to your request — such as your Social Security card, birth certificate, or proof of address — so the staff can help you completely without asking you to return.

Documents to Bring

What you need to bring depends on why you are visiting. For almost any visit, bring your Social Security card or the number written down, and a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two other documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and a utility bill.

If you are explore for benefits, bring proof of your date of birth (birth certificate), proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you are reporting a change, bring documents that prove the change — for example, a marriage certificate if you changed your name, or a new lease if you moved.

If you are visiting about a replacement card, bring proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. If you are visiting about benefits you already receive, bring your Social Security card and any recent benefit statements or payment notices you have.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give your name and appointment time if you have one. You will receive a number and be called when a representative is ready. The wait time varies; with an appointment, you typically wait 15 to 30 minutes. Without an appointment, waits can be one to three hours depending on how busy the office is.

When you meet with a representative, explain what you need. They will ask questions, review your documents, and either help you on the spot or explain what happens next. If you are explore for benefits, they will take your process and tell you how long the decision will take. If you are requesting a replacement card, they will process it when ready in most cases and give you a receipt.

If the office cannot help you completely during your visit — for example, if they need to verify information with another agency — they will explain what they are doing and when you can expect to hear back. Ask for a phone number or email address so you can follow up if you do not hear from them by the date they gave you.

Alternatives to Visiting in Person

You do not have to visit the office to handle many Social Security tasks. You can create or log into your my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov to view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, change your address, report a change in work status, or request a replacement Social Security card. The online process for a replacement card takes about two weeks.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to ask questions, report changes, or request documents by mail. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you call outside those hours, you can leave a message and a representative will call you back the next business day.

For some requests, you can mail documents directly to the Social Security office. Call the Lancaster office or visit www.ssa.gov to find the mailing address for your specific request. Mailing typically takes longer than visiting or calling, but it can be useful if you cannot visit during office hours.

If You Have Trouble Reaching the Office

If you call 1-800-772-1213 and have trouble reaching the Lancaster office, try calling again at a different time — early morning or mid-week calls often connect faster. You can also visit www.ssa.gov and use the office locator tool to confirm the address and phone number, or to find another nearby office if needed.

If you have a complaint about the service you received or cannot reach the office after multiple attempts, you can file a complaint with the Social Security Administration. Visit www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to learn how to file a formal complaint. You can also contact your U.S. Representative's office; many have staff who help constituents with Social Security issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do everything online instead of visiting the office?

Many tasks can be done online through my Social Security, including checking your benefits, reporting changes, and requesting a replacement card. However, some tasks — such as explore for benefits for the first time or handling complex situations — may require a visit or phone call to discuss your specific circumstances with a representative.

How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?

If you request a replacement card in person at the Lancaster office, you typically receive it within one to two weeks. If you request it online, it takes about two weeks. If you request it by mail, allow three to four weeks. The office will give you a receipt showing you applied.

What if I cannot visit during office hours?

You can call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or use your my Social Security account online at any time. For many routine questions and requests, the phone line and online account are faster than visiting in person.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Lancaster office?

Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. With an appointment, you typically wait 15 to 30 minutes. Without one, waits can be one to three hours. You can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213 or through your my Social Security account online.

What if I do not have all my documents?

Call the office before you visit and ask which documents are required for your specific request. In some cases, the office can help you obtain documents or accept alternatives. Bringing what you have is better than not visiting, because the representative can tell you exactly what else you need.