Where the Boston Social Security Office Is Located

The main Social Security office in Boston is at 10 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114. This is the office that handles Social Security matters for people living in the Boston area. The building is near Government Center, close to the MBTA Red and Green Line stops.

There is also a Social Security card application office at 15 New Chardon Street, Boston, MA 02114, which handles replacement cards and new card requests. Both offices are in downtown Boston within walking distance of each other.

If you live outside Boston but in the greater Boston area, you may have a local Social Security office closer to you. Towns like Brookline, Newton, Quincy, and Malden have their own offices. You can find the office nearest to you by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting the Social Security Administration website.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Boston Social Security office is at 10 Causeway Street and handles retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
  • The card application office at 15 New Chardon Street handles Social Security card replacements and new applications.
  • You can visit in person, call ahead to schedule an appointment, or handle many tasks online without visiting an office.
  • Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card or number to any in-person visit.
  • Wait times are often shorter if you call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment rather than walk in.

How to Make an Appointment Before You Go

You do not have to walk in without an appointment. Calling ahead to schedule a time slot usually means a shorter wait. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Tell the representative which office you want to visit and what you need help with.

When you call, have your Social Security number ready. The representative will ask you what you are there for — whether you are applying for retirement benefits, reporting a change, getting a replacement card, or something else. They will give you a specific date and time to come in.

You can also schedule an appointment online at ssa.gov by clicking "Schedule an Appointment" on the homepage. This option is available 24 hours a day. You will need to create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card or number. If you do not have your card, write down your number if you know it, or tell the office staff you do not have it.

What else you need depends on why you are visiting. If you are applying for retirement benefits, bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and recent tax returns or W-2 forms. If you are reporting a death, bring a death certificate. If you are applying for a replacement card, bring only your ID and Social Security number.

If you are applying for disability benefits, bring medical records from your doctors, a list of medications you take, and records of any work you have done in the past 15 years. The office staff can tell you exactly what you need when you call to schedule your appointment.

What You Can Do Online Instead of Visiting

Many Social Security tasks do not require an office visit. If you create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov, you can view your earnings record, check the status of an application you already submitted, change your address, and request a replacement Social Security card (in most states, including Massachusetts).

You can also report a change of address, request a benefit verification letter, or check how much you will receive in retirement benefits — all without calling or visiting. The online account is secure and available 24 hours a day.

If you need to apply for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits for the first time, you can start the application online and then finish it at the office, or complete it entirely online in many cases. The office staff can tell you which parts of your case must be done in person when you call.

Hours, Parking, and Getting There by Transit

The Boston Social Security offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. They are closed on weekends and federal holidays. Hours may change, so call 1-800-772-1213 before you go to confirm.

The Causeway Street office is near the Government Center MBTA station, served by the Red and Green Lines. There is paid parking in the area, but street parking is limited. If you drive, plan to arrive early or use a parking garage nearby.

The office is not wheelchair accessible from the street entrance, but there is an accessible entrance on the side of the building. If you need accessibility accommodations, call ahead and tell the staff when you schedule your appointment.

What Happens If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you cannot visit the office, you can handle many things by phone. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. You can report changes, ask questions about your benefits, and in some cases start an application over the phone.

If you need someone else to represent you at the office, you can authorize a representative (a family member, lawyer, or advocate) to go on your behalf. You will need to sign a form giving them permission. Call the office to ask how to do this.

If you are homebound or unable to travel, you can request a home visit in some cases. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation. The office will tell you whether a representative can come to you.

Common Reasons People Visit the Boston Office

People visit to apply for retirement benefits, usually starting at age 62 or later. Others come to apply for disability benefits if they cannot work due to a medical condition. Survivors of someone who received Social Security may visit to apply for survivor benefits.

Many people visit to replace a lost or stolen Social Security card, report a name change, or update their address. Some come to report a change in income, marital status, or living situation that affects their benefits. Others visit to ask questions about how their benefits are calculated or to request a benefit verification letter for a loan or housing application.

If you are not sure whether you need to visit in person or can handle your task by phone or online, call 1-800-772-1213 and describe what you need. The representative will tell you the fastest way to get it done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to visit the office in person, or can I do everything by phone?

Many tasks can be done by phone or online. Call 1-800-772-1213 to describe what you need, and the representative will tell you whether you must visit in person or can finish by phone. For most routine changes and questions, a phone call is enough.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

If you call to schedule, you can usually get an appointment within one to three weeks. Walk-ins are accepted but may have longer waits, sometimes two to four hours depending on how busy the office is that day. Scheduling ahead is faster.

What if I do not have a photo ID?

Bring whatever ID you have — a state ID, passport, military ID, or even a school ID. If you have no photo ID at all, call 1-800-772-1213 before you visit and ask what other documents you can bring instead. The office staff can work with you.

Can I apply for benefits online instead of visiting the office?

You can start an application for retirement or disability benefits online at ssa.gov. In many cases you can complete it entirely online. If the office needs more information or documents from you, they will contact you or ask you to visit. Check your application status online using your my Social Security account.

What if I need an interpreter?

Call 1-800-772-1213 when you schedule your appointment and tell the staff what language you need. The office can provide an interpreter at no cost to you. Let them know at least a few days before your appointment so they have time to arrange it.