Where the Los Angeles Social Security offices are located
Los Angeles County has multiple Social Security offices spread across the region. The main office is located downtown at 611 West 6th Street, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90017. There are also branch offices in Long Beach, Pasadena, Van Nuys, Torrance, and Santa Clarita, each serving different parts of the county.
The downtown office handles the widest range of services and is the busiest. If you live in the San Fernando Valley, the Van Nuys office at 6925 Canby Avenue, Suite 200 may be closer. The Long Beach office at 501 Long Beach Boulevard serves residents south of downtown. You can find the complete list of office addresses and hours on the Social Security Administration website by searching "Social Security office near me" or calling 1-800-772-1213.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles County has six Social Security offices; the downtown location at 611 West 6th Street is the main office, but branch offices in Van Nuys, Long Beach, Pasadena, Torrance, and Santa Clarita may be closer to where you live.
- You can handle most Social Security business online through your personal my Social Security account or by phone at 1-800-772-1213 without visiting an office in person.
- If you must visit in person, arrive early because wait times are often two to three hours, especially at the downtown location.
- Bring a photo ID, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and any paperwork related to your specific request.
- The office is closed on weekends and federal holidays, and hours vary by location, so call ahead or check the website before you go.
What you can do online or by phone instead of visiting
Most people do not need to visit a Social Security office in person. You can create a my Social Security account on ssa.gov to view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, change your address, request a replacement Social Security card, and manage direct deposit information. This takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home at any time.
For questions or to handle business that is not available online, call 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time. Wait times are typically shorter on the phone than in person, though you may still hold for 20 to 45 minutes during peak hours. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.
When you need to visit in person
You must visit an office in person for a few specific situations: if you need to sign documents that require a witness, if you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and have not yet been interviewed, or if a Social Security representative has asked you to come in for a follow-up appointment.
You may also choose to visit if you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face about a complex situation, such as a benefits dispute or a question about how your work history affects your benefit amount. However, you can usually handle these matters by phone or through your online account first.
How to prepare before you visit
Bring a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or any document that shows your Social Security number. If you are applying for benefits or reporting a change, bring the relevant paperwork: a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or proof of citizenship or legal residency if this is your first time applying.
Write down the specific reason you are visiting and any questions you have. This helps the representative understand what you need and speeds up the appointment. If you have already started a case online or by phone, note the case number or reference number so the office can pull up your file quickly.
What to expect when you arrive
Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Take a number from the dispenser near the entrance and wait for your number to be called. Wait times vary widely depending on the day and time. Early morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually faster than late afternoon or Friday. The downtown Los Angeles office is the busiest and may have waits of two to three hours during peak times.
The representative will ask you questions about your situation and may need to verify information in the Social Security database. If your case is straightforward, you may finish in 20 to 30 minutes. If your situation is complex or requires follow-up, the representative may schedule a callback or ask you to return with additional documents.
Office hours and how to find the nearest location
Most Los Angeles Social Security offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time, though some open at 8 a.m. and a few stay open until 5 p.m. All offices are closed on weekends and federal holidays. Hours vary by location, so call ahead or check the office locator on ssa.gov before you go.
To find the office nearest you, visit ssa.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the address and hours of your local office. If you are in a rural area or have transportation challenges, ask the representative on the phone whether your business can be handled by mail or phone instead.
What documents you may need
| Reason for Visit | Documents to Bring |
|---|---|
| Applying for retirement benefits | Birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, marriage certificate (if applicable), divorce decree (if applicable) |
| Applying for disability or survivor benefits | Birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records or doctor's statement (for disability), death certificate (for survivor benefits) |
| Requesting a replacement Social Security card | Photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of current address (utility bill or lease) |
| Reporting a name change or address change | Photo ID, marriage certificate or court order (for name change), proof of new address (for address change) |
| Reporting a lost or stolen Social Security card | Photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit a Social Security office in Los Angeles?
No appointment is required. You can walk in during office hours and take a number. However, some offices now offer the option to schedule an appointment online or by phone to reduce wait time. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your local office offers appointments.
How long does it usually take to be seen at the Los Angeles Social Security office?
Wait times range from 30 minutes to three hours depending on the office, time of day, and day of the week. The downtown office is busiest. Early morning on a weekday is typically faster than afternoon or Friday. Once you are called, the appointment itself usually takes 20 to 45 minutes.
Can I bring someone with me to help translate or assist?
Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or interpreter. If you need an official interpreter, call ahead to ask whether the office can provide one in your language, or bring your own. The office cannot may provide an interpreter will be available, so it is safer to arrange one yourself.
What if I cannot visit in person because of disability or transportation?
Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation. Social Security can often handle your business by phone or mail. In some cases, a representative may be able to visit you at home or conduct a video appointment. Ask the representative what options are available for your specific need.
Can I get a replacement Social Security card at the Los Angeles office?
Yes, but you can also request one online through your my Social Security account if you have a photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Online requests are faster and you do not have to visit an office. If you prefer to apply in person, bring your photo ID and proof of citizenship or residency.