Where the Bakersfield Social Security office is located
The Social Security Administration office in Bakersfield is at 1111 H Street, Suite 100, Bakersfield, CA 93304. This is the main field office serving Kern County. You can reach it by phone at 1-800-772-1213, which is the national Social Security number, or by calling the local office directly at (661) 395-2704.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally. If you need to visit in person, bring a photo ID and any documents related to your case — a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or proof of income, depending on what you are there to handle. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long during peak hours, typically mid-morning and early afternoon.
If you live in a smaller town in Kern County, you may find it faster to handle your business by phone or online rather than travel to Bakersfield. Many routine tasks — checking your benefit status, updating your address, or requesting a replacement Social Security card — can be done without visiting an office.
Key Takeaways
- The Bakersfield Social Security office is at 1111 H Street, Suite 100, and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- You can call the national line at 1-800-772-1213 or the local office at (661) 395-2704 to ask questions or schedule an appointment.
- Many tasks — checking benefits, updating your address, or ordering a replacement card — can be done online at ssa.gov or by phone without visiting in person.
- If you do visit, bring a photo ID and any documents related to your case, and expect longer waits during mid-morning and early afternoon hours.
- The office serves all of Kern County, so residents of smaller towns may find phone or online options faster than traveling to Bakersfield.
What you can do by phone or online instead of visiting
Before you make the trip to Bakersfield, check whether your task can be handled remotely. You can create an account at ssa.gov to check your benefit status, view your earnings record, request a replacement Social Security card, update your address, or report a change in your circumstances. The website works on desktop and mobile browsers.
If you prefer to talk to someone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific time. Have your Social Security number ready. The wait time varies, but calling early in the week or early in the morning often means shorter holds. You can also request a callback instead of waiting on hold — the representative will call you back at a time you choose.
Video appointments are also available in some cases. Ask about this option when you call if you need to discuss something that requires seeing documents or signing forms but you cannot visit the office in person.
When you need to visit the office in person
Some situations require an in-person visit. You must go to the office if you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), if you need to sign documents in front of a witness, if you are applying for benefits for the first time and have not yet created an online account, or if a representative has asked you to come in to verify information.
If you are over 65 or have a disability that makes travel difficult, tell the office when you call. They may be able to send a representative to your home or arrange a video appointment instead. Bring someone with you if you need help — a family member, friend, or advocate can attend the appointment and help you understand what is being discussed.
Bring originals or certified copies of documents, not photocopies. If you are applying for retirement benefits, bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your most recent tax return or W-2. If you are applying for disability or survivor benefits, bring medical records, work history, and any documents showing your income.
How to prepare before you call or visit
Gather information before you contact the office. Write down your Social Security number, the names and Social Security numbers of any family members involved in your case, and the specific question or task you need help with. If you are reporting a change — a new address, a marriage, a death in the family — have the date and any relevant documents ready.
If you are calling about benefits you are already receiving, have your most recent benefit statement in front of you. If you are asking about a payment you did not receive, note the date you expected it and any error messages you saw. The more specific you are, the faster the representative can help you.
Write down the name and employee ID of anyone you speak with, along with the date and time of the call. If you are told to do something or if a decision is made, ask for written confirmation. This creates a record in case there is a problem later.
Understanding wait times and appointment options
Walk-in visits to the Bakersfield office can mean waits of 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the day and time. If you want to avoid this, call ahead to schedule an appointment. You can request a specific date and time, and the office will try to accommodate you. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks.
If you call and cannot reach anyone, try again later or use the callback option. The phone lines are busiest on Mondays and Tuesdays and during the first week of the month. Calling on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday afternoon often means a shorter wait.
If you are in a crisis — you have not received a payment you depend on, or you need urgent help — tell the representative this when you call. They may be able to prioritize your case or connect you with emergency resources.
What to know about Social Security card replacement in Bakersfield
You can order a replacement Social Security card online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account and you live in California. The card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. This is the fastest option and requires no visit to the office.
If you cannot use the online system, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit the Bakersfield office. You will need to show a photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy. The office can issue a replacement card on the spot in some cases, though you may be told to wait for it to arrive by mail.
If your card was lost or stolen, report it to the Social Security Administration as soon as you know. This does not prevent someone else from using your number, but it creates a record that you reported the loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule an appointment at the Bakersfield office online?
You can request an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213 or (661) 395-2704. The office does not currently offer online appointment scheduling, but representatives can book you for a specific date and time when you call. Appointments are usually available within one to two weeks.
What if I do not have all my documents when I visit?
Call the office before you go and ask what documents you specifically need for your situation. If you are missing something, ask whether you can submit it later by mail or in person. Do not assume you can come back — some decisions require all documents at once.
How long does it take to get a decision on a benefits claim?
Initial claims for retirement or disability benefits typically take two to four months. Survivor benefits may take longer if the office needs to verify family relationships. You can check the status of your claim by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling the office.
Can I bring someone to help me at my appointment?
Yes. A family member, friend, or authorized representative can attend your appointment and help you. If you want to appoint someone as your official representative for all future dealings with Social Security, you can do this at the office or online.
What if I disagree with a decision the Social Security Administration made?
You have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal in writing within 60 days of receiving the decision. The Bakersfield office can provide you with the appeal form and explain the process, or you can find it at ssa.gov. Consider working with a representative who specializes in Social Security appeals — many work on contingency and charge only if you win.