Where Social Security Offices Are Located in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County has multiple Social Security Administration (SSA) offices spread across the region. The main office is downtown at 611 West 6th Street, Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90017. There are also field offices in Long Beach, Pasadena, Van Nuys, Santa Monica, and other neighborhoods. Which office serves you depends on where you live or work, though you can visit any office in the state to conduct business.

The SSA does not publish a single master list of all Los Angeles offices on their main website. Instead, you can find your local office by going to ssa.gov/locator, entering your zip code, and selecting the office nearest to you. The locator tool shows hours, phone numbers, and whether the office requires an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Los Angeles has multiple Social Security offices; use ssa.gov/locator to find the one nearest your home or work.
  • Most offices now require an appointment, which you can schedule online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
  • Walk-in service is limited or unavailable at many locations, so calling ahead or scheduling online before you visit saves time.
  • Bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and any documents related to the service you need (birth certificate, marriage license, tax returns, medical records).
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can handle many tasks by phone, mail, or through your personal my Social Security account online.

How to Schedule an Appointment

Scheduling an appointment is the fastest way to be seen. You have three options: online, by phone, or in person. To schedule online, go to ssa.gov, log into or create your my Social Security account, and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will choose your local office, the reason for your visit, and your preferred date and time. The system shows available slots and confirms your appointment immediately.

If you prefer to call, dial 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Wait times can be long, especially early in the week and early in the month. Calling between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, gives you the best chance of reaching someone. You can also call your local office directly; the number appears in the ssa.gov/locator results for your area.

Walk-in service is not may provide at Los Angeles offices. Some locations accept walk-ins for limited hours or on a first-come, first-served basis, but many require appointments only. Call ahead or check the office listing before you go.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring a photo ID issued by a government agency (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You will also need proof of citizenship or legal residency — a birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card. If you do not have these documents, the office can tell you what alternatives they will accept.

Bring any documents related to the reason for your visit. If you are applying for retirement benefits, bring tax returns from the past two years and information about any pensions or other income. If you are reporting a change of address or name, bring proof of the change (lease, utility bill, marriage certificate, court order). If you are applying for disability or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), bring medical records, a list of medications, and names and addresses of doctors who have treated you.

If someone is representing you, bring a signed Form 561 (Appointment of Representative) or Form 1696 (Authorization, Certification, and Consent). The SSA website has these forms, or the office can provide them.

Services You Can Handle Without Visiting an Office

Many tasks do not require a trip to Los Angeles. You can create or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, print a benefit verification letter, change your address, report a change in your work status, or request a replacement Social Security card (in some states). You can also download and mail forms, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request forms by mail.

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 often do this by phone or online without visiting an office. The my Social Security account also lets you set up direct deposit, view your payment history, and change your phone number or email.

For complex matters (such as appealing a decision, applying for benefits for the first time, or resolving a problem with your account), an in-person visit or phone call with a representative is usually necessary. The office staff can tell you whether your situation requires an appointment.

What Happens During Your Visit

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. The wait time depends on how busy the office is and whether you have an appointment. With an appointment, you typically see someone within 15 to 30 minutes of your scheduled time. Without an appointment, wait times can be much longer.

When you are called, go to the representative's window. Bring all your documents. The representative will ask questions about your situation, review your documents, and either complete your request on the spot or tell you what happens next. For applications (such as for retirement or disability benefits), the representative will take your information and tell you when to expect a decision. For simple requests (such as a replacement card or address change), you may receive confirmation immediately.

If you do not understand something, ask. The SSA is required to explain decisions and next steps in plain language. If you need an interpreter, call ahead and request one when you schedule your appointment.

Contact Information for Los Angeles Social Security Offices

The main downtown Los Angeles office is at 611 West 6th Street, Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA 90017. The general phone line for all Los Angeles offices is 1-800-772-1213. To find a specific office near you, use ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code.

If you have a question about a specific case or benefit, have your Social Security number ready when you call. The representative can look up your account and give you information about your status. If you are calling about an application you submitted, have the date you applied and any confirmation number the office gave you.

The SSA also has a website at ssa.gov where you can find forms, read about programs, and access your my Social Security account. The website has information in multiple languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit a Los Angeles Social Security office?

Most offices require an appointment. Walk-in service is limited or unavailable at many locations. Schedule online at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local office to ask about walk-in hours. Calling ahead takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card in Los Angeles?

If you order online through your my Social Security account or by mail, the card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you visit an office in person, the representative can issue a temporary number on the spot, and the card arrives by mail within the same timeframe. You cannot pick up a card at the office.

What if I cannot visit an office because of a disability or transportation issue?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation. The SSA can conduct interviews by phone or video. For some services, you can also mail forms and documents to your local office. Ask the representative what options are available for your specific need.

Can someone else go to the Social Security office for me?

Yes, if you give them written permission. Bring a signed Form 561 (Appointment of Representative) or a simple letter stating that you authorize them to act on your behalf. The person must bring your Social Security number and their photo ID. Not all tasks can be handled by someone else; call ahead to confirm.

What is the best time to call or visit a Social Security office?

Call between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday for shorter wait times. Avoid Mondays and Fridays, and avoid the first and third weeks of the month when call volume is highest. If you have an appointment, arrive on time and expect to wait 15 to 30 minutes.