How to Reach the Social Security Office in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Where the Hattiesburg Social Security office is located and how to visit

The Social Security Administration office in Hattiesburg is at 3 Bonita Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. This is a full-service office where you can handle most Social Security matters in person — retirement, disability, survivor benefits, replacement documents, and address changes.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It closes for federal holidays. There is no appointment system; you walk in and take a number. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings and early in the week are typically shorter. If you arrive near closing time, staff may not be able to start your case.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The building is accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you cannot visit in person, you can handle many matters by phone or online instead.

Key Takeaways

• The Hattiesburg office is at 3 Bonita Avenue and is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no appointment needed.
• You can reach the national Social Security phone line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to handle many matters without visiting in person.
• You can create a my Social Security account online to check your earnings record, request a replacement Social Security card, and view benefit statements.
• Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card (or a birth certificate if you need a replacement card) when you visit.
• If you are applying for disability benefits, bring medical records and documentation of your work history.

What to bring when you visit the Hattiesburg office

Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need your Social Security card or a birth certificate if you are requesting a replacement card. If you are there to report a change of address, update direct deposit, or check your earnings record, just your ID is usually enough.

If you are applying for retirement or disability benefits, bring documents that prove your work history: W-2 forms, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your dates of employment. For disability claims, bring medical records from your doctors, hospital discharge summaries, and a list of your medications and dosages. The more complete your file, the faster the office can process your case.

If someone else is handling your case, bring a signed power of attorney form or representative payee authorization. Social Security has specific forms for this; you can ask the office staff which one you need.

Alternatives to visiting in person

You can call the national Social Security phone line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing). This line handles most routine matters: checking your benefit amount, reporting a change of address, updating direct deposit information, and requesting a replacement Social Security card. Wait times on the phone can be long, especially early in the morning and on Mondays.

Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Once you set up your account, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, request a replacement Social Security card, and change your address without calling or visiting. You can also use the account to start an application for retirement or survivor benefits. Disability applications still require a phone call or in-person visit.

If you need an interpreter, call ahead to the Hattiesburg office at 601-545-8343 to arrange one. Social Security can provide interpreters for many languages, but they need advance notice.

What Social Security matters the Hattiesburg office handles

The Hattiesburg office processes applications for retirement benefits, disability benefits (SSDI), and survivor benefits. They issue and replace Social Security cards, update your address and direct deposit, verify your earnings record, and handle representative payee and power of attorney matters.

If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — a needs-based program separate from Social Security — the Hattiesburg office can help you start that application as well. SSI has different rules and income limits than regular Social Security benefits.

The office cannot resolve disputes about your benefit amount or may be able to access decisions that have already been made. Those matters go through a formal appeal process, which you can start by phone or mail.

How long applications take and what happens next

Retirement benefit applications usually take two to four weeks to process. Disability applications take much longer — typically three to six months for an initial decision, because Social Security must request your medical records and review them carefully.

After you apply, Social Security will contact you by phone or mail if they need more information. Check your mail regularly and answer calls from unknown numbers during business hours, because Social Security may try to reach you. If you miss a call, they will leave a message with a phone number to call back.

You can check the status of your application online through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need your Social Security number and date of birth to check online.

Disability applications and the Hattiesburg office

If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI based on disability, the Hattiesburg office can take your application, but the actual decision is made by the Disability information Services office in Jackson, Mississippi. That office reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

Bring complete medical documentation: doctor's notes, test results, hospital records, and a list of all your medications. If your medical file is incomplete, the decision will take longer. You can also submit medical records by mail after you apply.

If Social Security denies your application, you have the right to appeal. The first step is a reconsideration, which is a second review of your case. You can request a reconsideration by phone, mail, or in person at the Hattiesburg office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Hattiesburg office?

No. The office operates on a walk-in basis. You arrive, take a number, and wait for your turn. There is no way to schedule an appointment in advance. If you want to avoid long waits, visit early in the morning or mid-week.

Can I handle my Social Security matter over the phone instead of visiting?

Yes, for most matters. Call 1-800-772-1213 to check your benefit amount, report a change of address, update direct deposit, or request a replacement card. Disability applications require a phone call or in-person visit to start, but you can call instead of visiting the office.

What if I need to appeal a Social Security decision?

You can request an appeal (called a reconsideration for the first step) by phone at 1-800-772-1213, by mail, or in person at the Hattiesburg office. You have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to appeal. If you miss that deadline, you may still be able to appeal, but you will need to explain the delay.

How do I check the status of my application?

Log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov and look for your application status. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 with your Social Security number and date of birth. Status updates are usually available within a few days of submitting your application.

What if I cannot visit during office hours?

Use my Social Security online to handle many matters, or call 1-800-772-1213 during their hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday). If you need to apply for disability benefits and cannot visit or call during those times, you can mail a completed application form to the Hattiesburg office, though processing will take longer.