Social Security offices and services in Jamaica, Queens
Jamaica, Queens has a Social Security office located at 90-27 Queens Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11418. This office handles in-person visits for people who need to work with Social Security directly — whether that means replacing a lost card, updating personal information, or discussing benefits. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though hours can change seasonally.
You do not have to visit in person for most tasks. Social Security allows you to handle many matters online through your personal my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or by mail. The in-person office is most useful when you need to show original documents, when you have a complex situation, or when you prefer to speak face-to-face.
Wait times at the Jamaica office vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings and early in the week are typically less crowded. If you plan to visit, bring a photo ID and any documents related to what you need — a birth certificate for a replacement card, recent pay stubs if you are reporting earnings, or medical records if you are discussing disability.
Key Takeaways
- The Jamaica Social Security office is at 90-27 Queens Boulevard and is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but you can handle most tasks online or by phone instead.
- You can create a my Social Security account online to check your earnings record, see estimated benefits, and handle routine updates without visiting an office.
- Calling 1-800-772-1213 is often faster than visiting in person for straightforward questions or to report changes to your account.
- Bring original documents if you visit — a photo ID is required, and supporting documents speed up whatever you need to do.
- If you receive benefits and live in Queens, you can report changes (like a new address or work income) online, by phone, or in person.
When to visit the Jamaica office in person
Some situations require an in-person visit because Social Security needs to see original documents or verify your identity with photo ID. Replacing a lost or stolen Social Security card, applying for a new card after a legal name change, and proving citizenship or lawful residency status all typically need to happen at an office. You cannot mail original documents to Social Security — they will not accept them by post.
If you are applying for benefits for the first time (retirement, disability, or survivor benefits), you can start the process online or by phone, but Social Security may ask you to come in to finish it. The same is true if you are over 70 and want to claim benefits you delayed, or if you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or a green card, and recent tax returns or pay stubs.
People who receive benefits and need to report a major life change — marriage, divorce, a child turning 18, or a significant change in income — can usually do this by phone or online. However, if you are unsure whether a change affects your benefits, visiting the office lets you speak with someone who can explain the impact before you report it.
Using my Social Security online instead of visiting
Creating a my Social Security account takes about 10 minutes and lets you see your earnings record, get an estimate of your future benefits, and change your address or phone number without leaving home. You set up the account at ssa.gov using your email, a password, and answers to security questions. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity — usually by answering questions about your credit history or past addresses.
Once your account is active, you can view the same information a Social Security representative would show you in an office: how much you have earned each year, how many work credits you have toward retirement or disability, and what your estimated benefit amount would be at different ages. You can also report a change of address, update your phone number, or request a replacement Social Security card (which will be mailed to you within 1 to 2 weeks).
The my Social Security account does not let you apply for benefits online — you still need to do that by phone or in person — but it does let you check the status of an application you have already started. If you have trouble creating an account or verifying your identity, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to help you set it up.
Calling Social Security instead of visiting
The main Social Security phone line, 1-800-772-1213, connects you to representatives who can answer questions, help you apply for benefits, report changes to your account, or schedule an appointment at the Jamaica office if you need one. Call times are longest in the morning and on Mondays and Tuesdays. Calling in the afternoon or later in the week usually means shorter wait times. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.
When you call, have your Social Security number ready, along with any documents related to what you need — a birth certificate if you are applying for benefits, recent pay stubs if you are reporting earnings, or medical records if you are discussing disability. Representatives can often resolve your issue in one call, but complex situations may require a follow-up appointment or a visit to the office.
Social Security also has a Spanish-language line at 1-800-772-1213 — press 2 after the greeting. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and do not use TTY, you can use a relay service or video relay service to call Social Security; the representative will help you connect.
What to bring if you visit the Jamaica office
Always bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Social Security will not see you without it. Beyond that, what you need depends on what you are doing. If you are replacing a lost card, bring your ID and that is usually enough. If you are applying for benefits, bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or a green card, and recent tax returns or pay stubs showing your earnings.
If you are applying for disability benefits, bring medical records from your doctors, a list of medications you take, and dates of any hospitalizations or surgeries. If you are reporting a change — a new address, a marriage, a child's birth — bring the document that proves the change: a lease or utility bill for a new address, a marriage certificate, or a birth certificate for a child.
Do not bring original documents unless Social Security specifically asks you to. Bring copies instead, or be prepared to leave them with the office if they are needed. Social Security will not return original documents by mail, so if you need them for other purposes, make copies first.
Reporting changes to your Social Security benefits
If you receive Social Security benefits and something changes in your life — you move, get married, have a child, start or stop working, or your income changes significantly — you need to report it. Social Security uses this information to make sure you are receiving the correct benefit amount and that you remain may have access to to benefits.
You can report changes online through your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting the Jamaica office. Online and by phone are faster for routine changes like a new address or phone number. If the change is complex — for example, if you are starting a new job and are not sure how it affects your benefits — calling or visiting lets you ask questions before you report it.
Some changes must be reported right away: a death in your family (if you receive survivor benefits), a child leaving school or turning 19, or a significant increase in income if you are under full retirement age and still working. Other changes, like a move to a new address, can wait until the next time you contact Social Security, though reporting promptly prevents mail from being delayed.
Getting help if you have a problem with your benefits
If you believe Social Security made a mistake — your benefit amount is wrong, a payment did not arrive, or you were denied benefits unfairly — you have the right to challenge the decision. The process is called an appeal, and it has several stages. You must request an appeal within 60 days of receiving the decision letter from Social Security.
Start by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting the Jamaica office to ask about your options. Social Security will explain what stage of appeal you are at (reconsideration, hearing, or appeals council) and what documents you need to submit. For complex cases, you may want to speak with a lawyer or advocate who specializes in Social Security — many work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win.
You can also contact your U.S. representative or senator's office. They have staff members who work with Social Security on behalf of constituents and can sometimes speed up the process or get answers when you are stuck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Jamaica Social Security office?
No appointment is required, but you can schedule one by calling 1-800-772-1213 or online through my Social Security. Walk-ins are accepted, but having an appointment usually means a shorter wait. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day or later in the week for shorter lines.
How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?
If you request a replacement card online through my Social Security or in person at the office, it will be mailed to you within 1 to 2 weeks. If you request it by phone, the timeframe is similar. You cannot pick up a card at the office — it must be mailed to your address on file.
Can I apply for benefits over the phone or online?
You can start an application by phone or online, but Social Security may ask you to visit an office or provide additional documents to finish it. Calling 1-800-772-1213 is often the fastest way to begin. The office visit, if needed, usually happens after you have already started the process.
What if I cannot visit the office because of a disability or illness?
Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation. Social Security can sometimes conduct interviews by phone or send a representative to your home. You can also have someone else visit the office on your behalf if you give them written permission and they bring your ID and theirs.
Is there a Spanish-speaking representative available?
Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and press 2 for Spanish after the greeting. The Jamaica office also has Spanish-speaking staff available during regular hours. You can request a Spanish-speaking representative when you call or visit.