What you'll find at the Exchange Street Social Security office

The Social Security Administration office at 111 Exchange Street in Buffalo, New York is a walk-in location where you can handle in-person business with Social Security staff. This office serves the Buffalo area and handles tasks like replacing a lost Social Security card, updating your name or address on file, reporting a death, or discussing your benefits in person.

The office is staffed during regular business hours, though wait times can be long during peak periods. If you need to visit, calling ahead or using the Social Security office locator on ssa.gov can help you understand current hours and whether you need an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • The Exchange Street office in Buffalo handles in-person Social Security matters like card replacement, address changes, and benefit questions.
  • You can reach this office by phone to ask about hours, wait times, and whether an appointment is available before you visit.
  • Many Social Security tasks can be completed online through your my Social Security account or by phone, which may be faster than visiting in person.
  • Bring a photo ID and any documents related to your specific request when you visit.

How to contact the Buffalo Exchange Street office

To reach the Social Security office at 111 Exchange Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, call the main Social Security customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. This number can direct you to the Buffalo office specifically or help you schedule an appointment if one is available.

You can also visit the Social Security office locator at ssa.gov/locator to confirm the address, current hours, and any service changes. The locator shows which services are available at each location and whether walk-ins are being accepted.

What to bring when you visit in person

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and any documents related to what you need to do. If you're replacing a card, bring your ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you're updating your name, bring your ID and the document that shows your legal name change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).

If you're reporting a death, bring the deceased person's Social Security card if you have it, a death certificate, and your own ID. For other matters, ask the office when you call what documents to bring so you don't make a wasted trip.

Tasks you can handle online or by phone instead

Many Social Security tasks don't require a visit to the office. You can create or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to check your earnings record, see your benefit statement, change your address, or report a change in your work status. You can also request a replacement Social Security card online in most states.

For questions about your benefits, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and speak with a representative without visiting the office. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

Wait times and appointment availability

Walk-in wait times at Social Security offices vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings early in the week tend to have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. If you call ahead, staff can tell you the current wait time and whether appointments are available.

During periods of high demand or staffing changes, the office may limit walk-ins or require appointments only. Calling 1-800-772-1213 before you visit ensures you know the current policy and can plan accordingly.

What to do if you can't visit in person

If you cannot visit the Buffalo office, you have other options. The my Social Security online account handles many routine requests. For matters that require speaking with someone, you can call 1-800-772-1213 from anywhere and reach a Social Security representative who can help over the phone.

Some tasks can also be handled by mail. You can mail documents to the Buffalo office or to the Social Security regional office that serves New York. When you call, ask whether your specific request can be handled by mail and what address to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Exchange Street office?

Appointment requirements change based on staffing and demand. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find out the current policy and whether an appointment is available. If appointments are required and none are available, ask when the next opening is or whether your task can be handled by phone or online instead.

Can I get a replacement Social Security card at this office?

Yes. Bring your photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency. You can also request a replacement card online through my Social Security if you live in a state where that option is available, which may be faster than visiting in person.

What if I need to report a death?

You can report a death by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting the office in person. Have the deceased person's Social Security number and a death certificate ready. The office will guide you through what happens next with any benefits the person was receiving.

How long does it take to get a replacement card?

A replacement card typically arrives by mail within one to two weeks after you request it. If you request it in person at the office, staff will give you a receipt showing your application date. You can check the status of your card through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Can I handle my Social Security business without visiting the office?

Many tasks can be done online through my Social Security or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. These include checking your earnings record, viewing your benefit statement, changing your address, requesting a replacement card in most states, and asking questions about your benefits. Only visit in person if your specific task requires it.