Where Social Security offices are located in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has multiple Social Security offices spread across the region. The main office is located downtown at 611 West 6th Street, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90017. Additional offices serve specific areas: Long Beach has an office at 2300 North Lake Avenue, Pasadena has one at 75 South Grand Avenue, and Van Nuys serves the San Fernando Valley at 6925 Canoga Avenue. Each office handles the same core services, so you can visit whichever is closest to you.

The Social Security Administration does not publish a complete, current list of all office locations on a single page. To confirm an office is open before you travel, call 1-800-772-1213 (the national Social Security phone line) or visit ssa.gov and use their office locator tool. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m.

Key Takeaways

  • Los Angeles County has Social Security offices downtown, in Long Beach, Pasadena, and Van Nuys, each serving the same services regardless of location.
  • You can call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm current hours and address before visiting, since office details change and some locations have limited schedules.
  • Most offices are open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but you should verify the specific office's hours because some close for lunch or have different schedules.
  • You do not need an appointment at most Los Angeles offices, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times.
  • Bring a photo ID, Social Security card if you have it, and any documents related to your reason for visiting (birth certificate, marriage license, pay stubs, etc.).

What to bring when you visit in person

Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — every time you visit. If you have your Social Security card, bring it. If you do not have it or it is lost, bring a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship or legal residency instead.

Beyond these basics, what else you need depends on why you are visiting. If you are explore for a Social Security number or replacing a lost card, bring your birth certificate and proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization papers, or visa). If you are reporting a change — a name change, address change, or work situation — bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, lease, employment letter). If you are discussing benefits, bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements if asked.

Do not assume you need to bring originals. Many offices will accept copies or can verify information through their own records. Call ahead at 1-800-772-1213 if you are unsure what documents to bring for your specific situation.

How to handle wait times and crowding

Los Angeles Social Security offices are frequently busy, especially downtown and in Long Beach. Wait times can range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the time of day, day of the week, and which office you visit. Arriving before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. typically means shorter waits than midday.

You do not need an appointment at most Los Angeles offices — you can walk in and take a number. However, some offices now offer appointment scheduling through ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Scheduling an appointment can reduce your wait time significantly, so check whether the office you plan to visit offers this option.

If you cannot visit in person, you can handle many Social Security tasks by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) or online at ssa.gov. Replacing a lost card, reporting an address change, and checking your earnings record can often be done without visiting an office.

Services you can get at a Los Angeles Social Security office

Social Security offices in Los Angeles handle applications and replacements for Social Security cards, including original cards for people who have never had one, replacement cards for lost or stolen cards, and corrected cards if your name has changed. They also process name changes, address changes, and updates to your work history or earnings record.

If you are already receiving benefits — retirement, disability, survivor benefits, or Supplemental Security Income — you can report changes that affect your benefits, such as a change in income, living situation, or marital status. You can also discuss your benefit amount, request a replacement benefit check, or ask about work incentives if you are on disability and considering employment.

For new applications to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you can start the process in person, though many people now begin online at ssa.gov or by phone. Starting online or by phone often moves faster than waiting in an office, and you can complete the process without visiting unless Social Security needs to verify documents in person.

Alternatives to visiting an office in person

The Social Security Administration has expanded phone and online services specifically to reduce the need for office visits. You can explore for a replacement Social Security card, report a change of address, check your earnings record, and start an process for retirement benefits entirely online at ssa.gov. Creating a my Social Security account on that site lets you manage many tasks from home.

For questions or to handle matters that require more discussion, call 1-800-772-1213. The wait time on the phone can be long during peak hours (9 a.m. to noon on weekdays), but calling early morning or late afternoon often connects you faster. You can also request a callback instead of waiting on hold.

If you need help navigating Social Security but do not want to visit an office or call, some community organizations in Los Angeles offer free information. The Area Agency on Aging, local legal aid offices, and some libraries have staff trained to help with Social Security questions. Search online for "Social Security information [your neighborhood]" to find local resources.

What to do if you cannot reach an office or get through by phone

If you have tried calling 1-800-772-1213 repeatedly without success, or if you have a time-sensitive issue, you can file a complaint with the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-269-0271. This is not a shortcut to service, but it documents a pattern of difficulty reaching Social Security.

For urgent matters — such as a benefit payment that did not arrive, a card that was stolen, or a change that affects your when ready income — explain the urgency when you call. Social Security has procedures to prioritize certain situations. You can also visit an office in person and explain the urgency to staff; they may be able to expedite your case or connect you to someone who can.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security offices in Los Angeles provide interpreters; call ahead to request one in your language so staff can arrange it before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit a Social Security office in Los Angeles?

Most Los Angeles offices accept walk-ins without an appointment, but some now offer appointment scheduling through ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Scheduling an appointment typically reduces your wait time. Call the specific office you plan to visit to ask whether appointments are available.

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

If you explore in person at a Los Angeles office, you can receive a replacement card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you explore online at ssa.gov, the timeline is similar. Expedited service is not available, but explore online often moves faster than waiting in an office.

Can I explore for Social Security retirement benefits at a Los Angeles office?

Yes, but you can also explore online at ssa.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. Many people find explore online or by phone faster because you do not have to wait in an office. You can start the process any way and finish it another way if needed.

What if I need an interpreter at my Social Security office visit?

Call 1-800-772-1213 at least a few days before your visit and tell them what language you speak. Social Security offices in Los Angeles can arrange interpreters for most languages, but they need advance notice. If you show up without requesting an interpreter, staff may not have one available.

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

Some matters can be handled by mail, but it is slower than visiting in person or using online services. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your specific task can be done by mail and to request the forms and instructions you need.