Where the Eau Claire Social Security Office Is Located
The Eau Claire Social Security office is at 516 West Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701. This is the physical location where you can walk in, meet with a representative in person, or conduct business that requires a face-to-face visit.
The office serves Eau Claire County and surrounding areas. If you live outside Eau Claire but closer to another Wisconsin Social Security office, you can visit either one — there is no requirement to use the office nearest your home, though doing so is usually faster.
Key Takeaways
- The Eau Claire office is at 516 West Clairemont Avenue and handles retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and Social Security card replacements in person.
- You can call the national Social Security line at 1-800-772-1213 to ask questions, schedule an appointment, or handle many tasks without visiting in person.
- Walk-ins are accepted but waits can be long; calling ahead to schedule an appointment usually means shorter wait times.
- Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card (or a document showing your number) to any in-person visit.
- Many Social Security tasks — checking your earnings record, requesting a replacement card, or reporting a change — can be done online at ssa.gov or by phone.
Hours and How to Contact the Office
The Eau Claire office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on federal holidays. Hours can change, so call ahead to confirm before making a trip.
To reach the office directly, call the national Social Security customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. This number connects you to representatives who can answer questions about the Eau Claire office, schedule appointments, or handle your request over the phone. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.
Many people find it faster to call than to visit in person. The phone line can handle requests for replacement cards, changes to your account, questions about your benefits, and more. You do not need to visit the office unless your situation requires a signature or document verification that cannot be done by phone or mail.
What You Can Do at the Eau Claire Office
The Eau Claire office handles the full range of Social Security business: filing for retirement benefits, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can also replace a lost or damaged Social Security card, report a name change, update your address, or discuss questions about your benefits or earnings record.
If you need to provide original documents — such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or proof of citizenship — the office can review them in person. Some tasks, like signing forms or certifying documents, may require an in-person visit. However, many of these can also be handled by mail or through an online account at ssa.gov.
Making an Appointment Versus Walking In
You can walk into the Eau Claire office without an appointment, but wait times vary. During busy periods — typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays — you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour.
Scheduling an appointment ahead of time usually reduces your wait. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative what you need. They will schedule you for a specific time or let you know if your task can be handled by phone or online instead. If you have a scheduled appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your documents ready.
Documents to Bring
Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are applying for benefits or reporting a life change, bring supporting documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or proof of citizenship.
If you are applying for disability benefits, bring medical records or the names and addresses of doctors who have treated you. If you are reporting a change in income or household status, bring recent pay stubs or tax documents. The representative will tell you exactly what you need when you call to schedule.
Alternatives to Visiting in Person
You can handle many Social Security tasks online at ssa.gov without visiting the office. You can create a my Social Security account to view your earnings record, request a replacement card, change your address, report a change in income, and more. Online accounts are available 24 hours a day.
You can also mail documents to Social Security or handle requests by phone. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your specific task can be done without a visit. Many people find that phone or online options are faster and more convenient than traveling to the office.
If You Cannot Reach the Eau Claire Office
If you call and cannot reach the Eau Claire office, use the national line 1-800-772-1213. Representatives there can answer most questions, schedule appointments at the Eau Claire location, or direct you to another office if needed. You can also visit ssa.gov to find other Wisconsin Social Security offices or to handle your task online.
If you have a disability or mobility issue that makes visiting the office difficult, tell the representative when you call. Social Security can sometimes arrange a phone appointment or send a representative to your home in certain situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do everything I need to do by phone instead of visiting the office?
Most tasks can be handled by phone or online. Call 1-800-772-1213 and describe what you need. The representative will tell you whether you must visit in person or whether your request can be completed over the phone, by mail, or through your online account at ssa.gov.
What if I do not have all my documents when I visit?
Tell the representative what you are missing when you arrive or call to schedule. Social Security can sometimes accept documents by mail after your visit, or they may tell you what documents are required before you come in. Calling ahead saves a wasted trip.
How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?
A replacement card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you request it. You can request a card by phone, online at ssa.gov, or in person at the Eau Claire office. You do not need to visit in person for a replacement unless you need it the same day.
Is there a different office I should use if I live outside Eau Claire?
No. You can use any Social Security office in Wisconsin. If another office is closer to you, you can visit there instead. However, you can also handle most tasks by phone or online without visiting any office.
What should I do if I have a scheduled appointment but need to cancel?
Call 1-800-772-1213 as soon as you know you cannot make it. This allows Social Security to offer your time slot to someone else and helps reduce office wait times.