The Lakewood Social Security office location and hours

The Social Security Administration office serving Lakewood is located at 7975 West 14th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80215. This office handles Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefit matters for residents in the Lakewood area and surrounding parts of Jefferson County.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on federal holidays. You do not need an appointment to walk in, but wait times can be long during peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon. If you want to reduce your wait, arriving before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. usually means shorter lines.

Parking is available on-site. The building is accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you have questions before you go, you can call the office at 1-877-772-1213, which is the national Social Security phone line; it will route you to the Lakewood office if you specify your location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lakewood Social Security office is at 7975 West 14th Avenue and is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with no appointment required.
  • Walk-in wait times are typically shorter before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m., and the office closes on federal holidays.
  • You can call 1-877-772-1213 to reach the Lakewood office by phone or to ask questions before visiting in person.
  • Bring a photo ID and any documents related to your case — such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or previous Social Security correspondence.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can handle many Social Security matters online through your personal account at ssa.gov or by phone.

What to bring when you visit

Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and a utility bill.

Bring any documents related to what you are there to do. If you are claiming retirement benefits, bring your birth certificate and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you are reporting a death, bring the death certificate. If you are updating your address or name, bring proof of the change — a lease, utility bill, or court order. If you are there about a disability or survivor claim, bring medical records, work history, or any previous correspondence from Social Security.

Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though Social Security staff can look up your number if you do not. If you are applying for a replacement card, you will need to fill out Form SS-5 at the office.

When to call instead of visiting in person

Many matters can be handled by phone without a trip to the office. Call 1-877-772-1213 if you need to report a change of address, update your direct deposit information, request a replacement Social Security card (though you will still need to visit to pick it up), or ask about the status of a pending claim.

Phone lines are open the same hours as the office — Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mountain Time. Wait times on the phone are often shorter than in person, especially if you call early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also use the automated system to check your benefit amount or get general information without speaking to a representative.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number 1-877-889-2488. If you speak a language other than English, interpreters are available at the office and by phone.

Using Social Security online instead

You can create a personal account at ssa.gov and handle many matters without visiting or calling. Once you set up an account, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, change your address, update your direct deposit, and request a replacement Social Security card (which will be mailed to you).

Creating an account requires you to verify your identity online using information from your credit history or other records. The process takes about 10 minutes. Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to check on your case or make changes.

Some matters still require a visit or phone call — such as applying for benefits for the first time, reporting a death in your family, or handling complex disability claims. The website will tell you which option is available for what you need to do.

What to expect if you are applying for benefits

If you are applying for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, the office staff will take your application and explain what documents you need to provide. You do not have to complete everything in one visit. Social Security will send you a list of what they need, and you can mail it in or bring it back to the office.

Processing times vary. Retirement benefit claims typically take two to four weeks. Disability claims take much longer — usually three to six months or more — because Social Security must review medical evidence. Survivor benefit claims take two to four weeks once all documents are received.

You will receive a notice in the mail telling you whether your claim was approved or denied, and if denied, what you can do next. You can also check the status of your application online through your personal account or by calling the office.

If you need help with a problem or appeal

If Social Security denied your claim or you disagree with a decision, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of receiving the denial notice. You can request an appeal by mail, by phone, or in person at the Lakewood office.

If you need help understanding your options or preparing an appeal, you can contact a legal aid organization in Colorado. Colorado Legal Services provides free help to people with low income. You can also hire a Social Security representative — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — to help you with your case. Representatives are paid only if you win, and the fee is set by Social Security (currently a maximum of 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Lakewood Social Security office?

No. The office accepts walk-ins during business hours — Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or more depending on how busy the office is. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means a shorter wait.

Can I handle my Social Security matter by mail?

Some matters can be handled by mail. You can mail documents to the Lakewood office to support a pending claim or appeal. Ask the office for the mailing address for your specific situation, as different types of cases go to different addresses. For most new claims, you will need to apply in person or online first.

What if I cannot visit during office hours?

You can call 1-877-772-1213 during business hours, use your online account at ssa.gov anytime, or mail documents to the office. If you need to speak with someone outside regular hours, you can leave a message and a representative will call you back the next business day.

Is the Lakewood office the only one I can use?

No. You can visit any Social Security office in Colorado or anywhere in the United States. However, the Lakewood office is the local one for the area. If you are closer to another office, you can visit there instead — your case will be handled the same way.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can request a replacement card online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-877-772-1213, or in person at the Lakewood office. You will need to show a photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The replacement card is free and will be mailed to you within two weeks.