Where the Bakersfield Social Security Office Is Located

The Social Security Administration office serving Bakersfield is at 1500 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 150, Bakersfield, CA 93301. This is the main office where you can walk in, apply for benefits, report changes to your account, or replace a lost Social Security card.

The office is in central Bakersfield, near downtown. If you need directions or want to confirm the address before you go, you can call the office directly at (661) 325-1612. The phone line is also where you can ask whether you need an appointment or if walk-ins are being accepted on the day you plan to visit.

Hours and How to Make an Appointment

The Bakersfield office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except federal holidays. Hours can change, so call ahead to confirm. You do not have to make an appointment to visit, but Social Security strongly recommends calling first to schedule one, especially if you need to discuss a complex issue or if you are applying for benefits for the first time.

To schedule an appointment, call the office at (661) 325-1612 or use the national appointment line at 1-800-772-1213. You can also create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov and request an appointment through that portal. When you call or book online, tell them what you need — for example, a replacement card, a benefit application, or a change of address — so staff can set aside enough time.

Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer if you do not have an appointment. During busy periods, the office may stop accepting walk-ins before closing time.

What to Bring When You Visit

What you need depends on why you are going. For any visit, bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have your card, bring documents that prove your identity and age, such as a birth certificate.

If you are applying for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, bring proof of income for the past year (tax returns or pay stubs), your birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you are reporting a death in the family to claim survivor benefits, bring the death certificate. If you are replacing a lost or stolen card, just bring your ID and proof of citizenship — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work.

If you are unsure what documents to bring for your specific situation, call the office before you go. Staff can tell you exactly what to have ready so your visit goes faster.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bakersfield Social Security office is at 1500 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 150, and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • You can call (661) 325-1612 to schedule an appointment or confirm hours before you visit.
  • Appointments are not required but are recommended, especially if you are applying for benefits or handling a complex issue.
  • Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card; what else you need depends on whether you are applying for benefits, replacing a card, or reporting a change.
  • You can also handle many tasks online through my Social Security at ssa.gov without visiting the office in person.

What You Can Do at the Bakersfield Office

The office handles retirement, disability, and survivor benefit applications. You can apply in person, by phone, or online, but many people prefer to visit the office if they have questions or need help filling out forms. Staff can walk you through the process and answer questions about what documents you need.

You can also visit to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Social Security card; report a name change or address change; report a death; or ask about your benefit status. If you have already applied and want to check on your case, you can call or visit in person, though calling is usually faster for status updates.

The office does not handle Medicare or Medicaid — those are separate programs run by different agencies. If you need help with Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE. For Medicaid, contact Kern County Department of Human Services.

Alternatives to Visiting in Person

You can handle many tasks without going to the office. Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, check your benefit status, change your address, or report a change in income. You can also request a replacement Social Security card online through this account in most states, including California.

To apply for retirement or disability benefits, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers) or apply online at ssa.gov. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also apply online at any time. Many people complete the entire process without visiting an office.

If you prefer to speak with someone in person or have a complex situation, the Bakersfield office is there. But if you just need to replace a card, check your status, or report an address change, the online and phone options are often faster.

What to Know Before You Go

Bring all documents with you — do not mail originals to the office. Social Security will make copies and return your originals. If you are applying for benefits, the process takes time; approval is not immediate. Retirement and survivor benefits typically take two to four weeks to process after you apply. Disability claims take longer, often three to six months or more, because they require medical review.

If you are applying for disability, consider bringing medical records or a list of your doctors and hospitals. This speeds up the process. If you do not have all your documents on the day you visit, ask staff what you can mail or submit later.

The office can get very busy, especially early in the month and on Mondays. If you can visit mid-week or mid-month, you may wait less time. Having an appointment reduces wait time significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for benefits by phone instead of visiting the office?

Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or apply online at ssa.gov. You do not need to visit the Bakersfield office to apply for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. Many people complete the entire process over the phone or online.

How long does it take to replace a Social Security card?

If you apply online through my Social Security, a replacement card typically arrives in one to two weeks. If you apply in person at the office, staff can tell you the timeline that day. You can also request a replacement by mail or phone, though in-person applications are usually fastest.

What if I need to report a death to claim survivor benefits?

Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit the Bakersfield office in person with the death certificate. You can also report the death online if you have a my Social Security account. Staff will explain what survivor benefits may be available and what documents you need to provide.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended. If you call ahead to schedule, you will likely wait less time. During busy periods, the office may stop accepting walk-ins before 4 p.m., so calling first is the safest option.

What if I cannot visit during office hours?

You can handle most tasks online through my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you need to visit in person, you can request an appointment outside normal hours in some cases — ask when you call the office.