Where the Alexandria Social Security Office is located and how to contact it
The Alexandria Social Security Office serves residents of Alexandria, Virginia and surrounding areas. The office is located at 5 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. You can reach them by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (the national Social Security number), which routes you to local staff during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally.
Before visiting in person, call ahead. Wait times at the office can be long, and many matters can be handled by phone or through the Social Security website without a trip. If you do need to visit, bring a photo ID and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots; the building is accessible by public transportation via DASH and WMATA bus routes.
You can also create an account on ssa.gov to manage many tasks online — checking your earnings record, requesting a replacement card, or reviewing your benefits statement. This often avoids a visit altogether.
Key Takeaways
- The Alexandria office is at 5 King Street and open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but calling 1-800-772-1213 first can save you a trip.
- Many Social Security matters — replacing a card, checking your record, or updating information — can be done online at ssa.gov without visiting the office.
- If you do visit, bring a photo ID and your Social Security card or a document with your number.
- The office handles retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the Alexandria area.
What you can do at the Alexandria office
The Alexandria office handles the full range of Social Security services. This includes filing for retirement benefits, applying for disability or survivor benefits, replacing a lost or damaged Social Security card, updating your name or address, reporting a death, and resolving issues with your account or payment.
If you are already receiving benefits and need to report a change — such as a new job, a move, or a change in your living situation — you can do this by phone or online. The office staff can also help if you have questions about your benefits statement, your earnings record, or how your benefit amount was calculated.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) questions, the Alexandria office also handles those matters. SSI is a needs-based program separate from Social Security retirement and disability, and the rules are different.
When to call instead of visiting in person
Call 1-800-772-1213 if you need to report a change to your account, ask about your benefit amount, request a replacement card, or check the status of an application you have already filed. You can also call to schedule an appointment at the office, which can reduce your wait time.
The phone line is open the same hours as the office — Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — and you may reach a representative faster by calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Interpreters are also available at the office if you request one when you call to schedule your visit.
How to replace a Social Security card online or by mail
You do not need to visit the Alexandria office to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Social Security card. You can order a replacement online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account and a valid state ID or passport. The card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot use the online process, you can mail an application to the Alexandria office. Fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card), include a copy of your ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency, and mail it to the office address. Processing by mail takes longer — usually two to three weeks — so plan ahead if you need the card for a specific deadline.
If your card was stolen and you suspect identity theft, call the office or the national number to report it. Social Security can flag your account and help you monitor for fraud.
What to bring if you visit the Alexandria office
Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have your card, bring a document showing your number, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement.
If you are applying for benefits, bring documents that prove your age, citizenship or legal residency, and work history. For retirement benefits, you will need your birth certificate. For disability benefits, bring medical records and a list of doctors and hospitals that have treated you. For survivor benefits, bring the death certificate of the person whose record you are using.
If you are reporting a change to your account — a new address, a name change, or a change in your work or living situation — bring proof of the change, such as a lease, a marriage certificate, or a letter from your employer.
How long it takes to file for benefits
If you file for retirement benefits in person at the Alexandria office, the staff can take your application the same day. Processing your application and issuing your first payment typically takes two to four weeks, though it can take longer if you need to provide additional documents or if there are issues with your work record.
Disability and survivor benefit applications take longer — usually two to three months — because Social Security must review your medical evidence or verify your relationship to the person whose record you are using. You can file online or by phone to start the process without visiting the office.
You can check the status of your application by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If you cannot visit during office hours
If you work during the day or cannot reach the office during business hours, you have several options. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to handle many matters by phone. You can create a my Social Security account and manage your benefits online at any time. You can also mail documents to the office or request an appointment for a specific time, which may reduce your wait.
Some Social Security services are also available through video appointments. Call the office or the national number to ask whether your matter can be handled this way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for Social Security benefits online instead of visiting the Alexandria office?
Yes. You can file for retirement benefits online at ssa.gov if you are at least 61 years old. You can also file for disability or survivor benefits online. Filing online is often faster than visiting the office, and you can do it at any time.
What if I lost my Social Security card and need it right away?
Order a replacement online at ssa.gov (7 to 10 business days) or visit the Alexandria office in person (same day, but you will wait). If you need proof of your number before the card arrives, you can print a benefit verification letter from your my Social Security account.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Alexandria office?
You can walk in, but calling ahead to schedule an appointment often means a shorter wait. Call 1-800-772-1213 to book a time slot. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if I cannot reach anyone by phone at the Alexandria office?
The national number 1-800-772-1213 connects you to local staff. If you cannot reach anyone, try calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon. You can also visit the office in person, create a my Social Security account to handle matters online, or mail documents to the office address.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or representative. If you want to appoint someone to handle your Social Security matters on your behalf, you will need to complete a power of attorney form, which the office can provide.