Where the Staten Island Social Security Office Is Located

The Social Security Administration runs one office serving Staten Island residents. It is located at 1150 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10301, in the Tompkinsville neighborhood. This is the main office where you can walk in for in-person service, though you will need to plan ahead because wait times are often long.

The office is accessible by the Staten Island Ferry and local bus routes. If you are using public transit, the S40 and S42 buses stop near the building. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots, though spaces fill up during morning hours.

Social Security also maintains a phone line for Staten Island residents: 1-866-401-0221. This number routes to the local office and is often faster than walking in, especially if you have a simple question or need to schedule an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • The Staten Island Social Security office is at 1150 Victory Boulevard and handles retirement, disability, and survivor benefit matters for the borough.
  • You can call 1-866-401-0221 to reach the office by phone, schedule an appointment, or ask questions without waiting in person.
  • Walk-in hours vary by day and season; calling ahead or checking online before you go prevents wasted trips.
  • Bring a photo ID, Social Security card if you have it, and any documents related to your reason for visiting — birth certificate, marriage license, or proof of income depending on your situation.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can handle many tasks online through my Social Security (www.ssa.gov/myaccount) or by mail.

What You Can Do at the Staten Island Office

The office handles the full range of Social Security services: filing for retirement benefits, applying for disability or survivor benefits, replacing a lost Social Security card, updating your name or address, and resolving payment problems. You can also go in person to report a change in your work status or income if you are already receiving benefits.

If you need a replacement Social Security card, you can get one at this office the same day in most cases. You will need a photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. The card is free.

The office also handles Medicare enrollment questions, though Medicare itself is run separately. If you are turning 65 or losing employer health coverage, staff can walk you through your options and help you understand deadlines.

Hours and How to Schedule an Appointment

The Staten Island office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but hours can shift seasonally and the office sometimes closes for federal holidays. Walk-in service is available, but you will often wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the day and time.

Scheduling an appointment ahead of time is faster. You can book one online at www.ssa.gov by selecting "Schedule an Appointment," or call 1-866-401-0221 and a representative will find an open slot for you. Appointments are usually available within one to three weeks. If you call, have your Social Security number ready.

If you arrive for a walk-in visit, take a number at the entrance. The office uses a ticket system, and you can see the current wait time on the display board. If the wait is very long, you can leave and come back later the same day or on a different day.

Documents to Bring

What you need depends on why you are visiting, but always bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you have your Social Security card, bring it too, though it is not required.

For specific tasks, bring these documents:

  • Applying for retirement benefits: Birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, tax returns or W-2s from the past two years, and marriage certificate if you have been married.
  • Applying for disability benefits: Medical records from your doctors, a list of medications, dates you stopped working, and names and addresses of all medical providers who have treated you.
  • Replacing a Social Security card: Photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers).
  • Reporting a name change: Photo ID and a certified copy of the document that changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
  • Updating your address or phone number: Photo ID only.

If you do not have all the documents, go anyway and ask what you can do without them. Social Security staff can sometimes file your request and collect missing documents later, or they can tell you exactly what you need to gather before your next visit.

Alternatives to Visiting in Person

You can handle many Social Security tasks without going to the office. My Social Security (www.ssa.gov/myaccount) is an online portal where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, change your address, request a replacement card, and report a change in your work status. You need to create an account with a username and password, which takes about 10 minutes.

You can also mail documents to Social Security. The address for Staten Island is the same as the office: 1150 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10301. Mail takes longer — usually two to four weeks — but it works if you cannot visit in person or prefer not to.

If you have questions before you visit, call 1-800-772-1213 (the national Social Security number) or the local number 1-866-401-0221. Representatives can answer questions about benefits, tell you what documents you need, and help you decide whether you need to visit in person or can handle your task by phone or online.

Common Reasons Staten Island Residents Visit

Retirement is the most common reason people visit. If you are 62 or older and want to start receiving benefits, you will need to file. You can start the process online or by phone, but many people come in person to make sure they understand how much they will receive and when payments will start.

Disability claims are another frequent reason. If you have not worked for a year or more due to illness or injury, you may be able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The application process is long — often three to six months — and the office staff can explain what to expect and what documents help your case.

Survivor benefits bring in family members of workers who have died. A spouse, child, or parent may be may have access to to a portion of the worker's benefit. The office helps families understand who qualifies and how much they will receive.

Card replacement and address changes are quick tasks that many people handle by phone or online, but some prefer to do them in person to confirm the change was recorded correctly.

What to Expect When You Arrive

When you walk in, you will see a sign-in area near the entrance. Take a number and wait for your number to be called on the display board. You will then be directed to a window or cubicle where a representative will help you.

The conversation is usually private or semi-private. If you are discussing sensitive information — income, medical details, family circumstances — you can ask to speak in a more private area. Staff will accommodate this if possible.

If your case is complex or requires documents you do not have, the representative may schedule a follow-up appointment or tell you to mail additional paperwork. Do not expect everything to be finished in one visit if you are applying for benefits or resolving a complicated issue.

The office does not take cash payments. If you owe a debt to Social Security, you will be told how to pay by check, money order, or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or representative. If you bring a representative — such as a lawyer or advocate — they may need to show a power of attorney or authorization form. Call ahead to ask what paperwork is needed.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can still visit the office and explain what you have. Social Security can sometimes work with other documents — a passport, naturalization papers, or even a baptism record. Staff will tell you what alternatives are acceptable and how to get a birth certificate if you need one.

How long does it take to get approved for disability benefits?

Initial decisions usually take three to six months. If you are denied, you can appeal, which adds another few months. The office cannot speed this up, but staff can explain the timeline and tell you what to do if your case is taking longer than expected.

Can I apply for benefits by phone instead of visiting?

Yes. You can start most applications by calling 1-800-772-1213 or 1-866-401-0221. A representative will ask questions and may mail you forms to sign and return. You do not have to visit in person unless Social Security asks you to come in for an interview or to provide documents in person.

What if I need an interpreter?

Call the office ahead of time at 1-866-401-0221 and tell them what language you speak. Social Security can arrange an interpreter for your appointment, usually at no cost to you. This works best if you schedule an appointment rather than walk in.