Where the Riverside Social Security Office Is Located
The Social Security Administration operates a field office in Riverside, California at 3737 University Avenue, Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92501. This office handles Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefit matters for people in the Riverside area. You can reach them by phone at 1-800-772-1213, which is the national Social Security line — they will route you to the local office if needed.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours can change. Before you visit in person, call ahead to confirm current hours and to ask whether you need an appointment. Many Social Security offices now require appointments for in-person visits, and calling first saves you a trip.
If you cannot visit during business hours or prefer not to go in person, you can handle many matters online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, by mail, or by phone. The phone line is often faster than waiting for an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- The Riverside Social Security office is at 3737 University Avenue, Suite 200, and is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but you should call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm hours before visiting.
- Many matters — including explore for retirement benefits, checking your earnings record, and requesting a replacement card — can be handled online through my Social Security or by phone without visiting the office.
- If you do need to visit in person, call ahead to ask whether an appointment is required, because many offices now operate by appointment only.
- The national phone line 1-800-772-1213 can handle most questions and will connect you to the Riverside office if you need local help.
What You Can Do Without Visiting the Office
Before you make the trip to Riverside, check whether you can handle your matter online or by phone. Social Security has expanded remote options significantly, and many people can complete what they need without stepping into an office.
You can create or log into a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, request a replacement Social Security card, change your address, report a death, and start the process for retirement or disability benefits. You can also check the status of an process you have already started. The account takes about 10 minutes to set up and requires a valid email address.
For questions about your benefits, your earnings record, or whether you are due a payment, call 1-800-772-1213. The phone line is staffed during business hours and can often resolve issues faster than an in-person visit. Have your Social Security number and any relevant documents nearby when you call.
When You Need to Visit in Person
Some situations do require a visit to the office. You will need to go in person if you are explore for a replacement Social Security card and cannot use the online request (which is available in California), if you need to provide original documents that Social Security must see and copy, or if you are explore for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which has stricter documentation rules.
You may also need to visit if Social Security asks you to come in for a work history interview, a medical review for disability benefits, or to sign documents in person. If you receive a notice asking you to visit the office, follow the instructions in that notice — it will tell you what to bring and whether you need an appointment.
Bring your Social Security number, a photo ID, and any documents the office told you to bring. If you are explore for benefits, bring proof of age, citizenship or legal residency, and work history. The office staff can tell you exactly what you need when you call to schedule.
How to Make an Appointment
Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment at the Riverside office. Have your Social Security number ready and be prepared to explain what you need help with — this helps the office set aside enough time and make sure the right staff member is available.
You can also schedule an appointment online through your my Social Security account if you have one set up. Log in, go to the appointments section, and select the Riverside office location and the type of service you need.
If you cannot make your appointment, call to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours ahead. This frees up the slot for someone else and keeps the office running smoothly.
What to Bring and How Long It Takes
Bring your Social Security number, a photo ID, and your original documents or certified copies. Do not bring originals unless the office specifically asked for them — bring copies instead, because Social Security will not return originals the same day.
If you are explore for benefits, bring proof of age (birth certificate), proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or naturalization papers), and work history (W-2s or tax returns for the past two years). If you are explore for disability, bring medical records from your doctors and hospitals.
Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office, depending on what you need. If your case is complex or requires a supervisor review, it may take longer. Ask the staff member when you arrive how long your matter typically takes.
If You Cannot Reach the Riverside Office
If you call the main line and cannot reach the Riverside office, or if you need help in a language other than English, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for an interpreter. Social Security provides free interpretation in most languages.
You can also visit ssa.gov and use the office locator to find other Social Security offices near you, or to see whether another office can handle your matter by phone or mail. Some issues can be resolved through any office, not just the one in your area.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778. If you are outside the United States, call 1-410-965-7307.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for Social Security benefits online instead of visiting the office?
Yes. You can start an process for retirement or disability benefits through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You will answer questions about your work history, family, and medical situation (if explore for disability). The office will contact you if they need more information or documents.
How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?
If you request it online through ssa.gov, it typically arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you explore in person at the Riverside office, you may be able to pick it up the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload. Call ahead to ask.
What if I need to report a death or change my address?
You can change your address online through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213. To report a death, call the same number or visit the office in person. You will need the deceased person's Social Security number and a death certificate.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Riverside office?
Most Social Security offices now require appointments. Call 1-800-772-1213 or check your my Social Security account to schedule one. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but you may have a long wait, so calling ahead is strongly recommended.
What if I do not have all my documents when I visit?
Tell the staff member what you are missing. They can often tell you whether you can submit documents later by mail or whether you must have them at the appointment. Do not delay your visit if you are missing one document — ask first.