Where the Memphis Social Security Office is located and how to visit
The Social Security Administration operates a field office in Memphis at 1060 Madison Avenue, Suite 300, Memphis, TN 38104. This is a walk-in location where you can conduct business in person, though you will need to wait for your turn. The office serves Shelby County and surrounding areas.
You do not need an appointment to visit, but the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis during business hours. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits than mid-afternoon visits.
Before you go, bring documents that match what you plan to do — a birth certificate or passport for identity verification, your Social Security card if you have it, and any documents related to your specific request (such as a marriage certificate if you are changing your name, or medical records if you are reporting a change in condition).
Phone and online options instead of visiting in person
You can reach the Memphis office by phone at 1-800-772-1213, which is the national Social Security customer service line. When you call, you will reach an automated system that can route you to the Memphis office or handle some requests directly. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Many transactions do not require a visit or phone call. You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, request a replacement Social Security card, change your address, or report a change in your work status. An account takes about 10 minutes to set up and lets you handle routine matters without waiting.
If you need to speak to someone at the Memphis office specifically, ask the automated system to transfer you to a local representative. Wait times for callbacks can be long during peak hours, so calling early in the week or early in the day may reduce your wait.
Key Takeaways
- The Memphis Social Security office is at 1060 Madison Avenue, Suite 300, and operates on a walk-in basis without requiring an appointment.
- You can call the national line at 1-800-772-1213 to reach the Memphis office or handle many requests without visiting.
- Creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov lets you request a replacement card, change your address, or view your earnings record online.
- Bring documents that match your request — a birth certificate or passport for identity, and any supporting paperwork for your specific transaction.
- Arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits than visiting in the afternoon.
What you can do at the Memphis office
The Memphis field office handles the same range of transactions as any Social Security office. You can explore for retirement benefits, report a change in your income or living situation, request a replacement Social Security card, change your address, report the death of a family member, or discuss your benefits if you are already receiving them.
If you are explore for disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the office can take your process and answer questions about the process, though the actual decision is made by a state agency, not the field office. The process itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and you will receive a receipt showing what you submitted.
The office cannot resolve disputes about your benefits amount or make decisions about denied claims on the spot. Those requests are handled through a separate appeals process that begins with a written request.
Business hours and what to expect when you arrive
The Memphis office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. It is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Hours may change seasonally or for staff training, so calling ahead at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm is a good idea if you are making a special trip.
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You then wait in the lobby until your number is called. The wait can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is that day. Bring something to read or do while you wait.
The office has limited seating, so if you have mobility issues or cannot stand for long periods, mention this when you check in — staff may be able to accommodate you or schedule a callback instead.
Documents you will need for common requests
For a replacement Social Security card, bring your birth certificate or passport (for identity), and proof of citizenship if you were not born in the United States. You can also request a replacement card online through my Social Security without visiting the office.
For retirement benefits, bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization papers, or state ID), and your most recent tax return or W-2 to verify your work history. If you are married, bring your marriage certificate. If you have been divorced, bring the divorce decree.
For disability or SSI, bring medical records or a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited, your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and documentation of your income and assets (bank statements, pay stubs, or rent receipts). The office will tell you what else they need after you submit your initial process.
For reporting a death, bring the death certificate and your relationship to the deceased. If you are explore for survivor benefits, bring the same documents you would need for retirement benefits.
If you cannot visit the office in person
If you are homebound, ill, or unable to travel to the office, you can request a phone interview or home visit. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation. Social Security staff will determine whether they can conduct your business by phone or whether a home visit is necessary.
For some requests, such as explore for benefits or reporting a change in your situation, a phone interview works just as well as visiting in person. For others, such as providing a signature on certain forms, you may need to mail documents or have them notarized.
If you use a representative — a lawyer, advocate, or family member with power of attorney — they may be able to conduct business on your behalf without you being present. Bring documentation of their authority (a power of attorney form or representation agreement) when you or they visit the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Memphis Social Security office?
No. The office operates on a walk-in, first-come, first-served basis. You check in at the front desk when you arrive and receive a number. Wait times vary, so arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait than visiting in the afternoon.
Can I handle my Social Security business without visiting the office?
Yes, for many transactions. You can create a my Social Security account online to request a replacement card, change your address, or view your earnings record. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone by phone about your benefits or to ask questions about the process process.
What if I need to explore for disability benefits?
You can explore in person at the Memphis office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or online at ssa.gov. The office will take your process and answer questions, but the actual decision is made by a state disability agency, not the field office. Bring medical records or a list of your doctors and hospitals.
What documents do I need to bring to explore for retirement benefits?
Bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship (passport or state ID), and your most recent tax return or W-2. If you are married, bring your marriage certificate. If you have been divorced, bring the divorce decree. The office will tell you if they need anything else after you submit your process.
Can someone else conduct my Social Security business for me?
Yes, if you give them power of attorney or a representation agreement. Bring the signed document to the office when they visit on your behalf. If you are homebound or unable to travel, you can also request a phone interview or home visit by calling 1-800-772-1213.