Where the Philadelphia Social Security office is located and what it handles
The main Social Security office in Philadelphia is at 1601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, on the second floor. This office processes applications for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits; issues Social Security cards; and handles account changes for people who live in or have a case file in the Philadelphia area. It is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a federal agency.
Philadelphia also has a card center at the same address that handles Social Security card replacements and corrections. If you need a new card because yours was lost, stolen, or has an error on it, you can go there instead of waiting for a full office appointment.
The office serves parts of Philadelphia and surrounding counties. If you live outside the Philadelphia area, you may have a different local office; you can find it by entering your zip code at ssa.gov/locator.
Key Takeaways
- The Philadelphia Social Security office is at 1601 Market Street, second floor, and you can reach it by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (the national SSA number) or visit in person during business hours.
- You do not need an appointment to visit, but wait times are often long; calling ahead or using the online "my Social Security" account can reduce the time you spend in the office.
- The office handles Social Security card applications and replacements, retirement and disability benefit claims, and changes to your account.
- If you cannot visit in person, you can complete many tasks by phone, mail, or through your online my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
- Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card (or a birth certificate if you need a new card) when you visit.
How to reach the office by phone or online
The fastest way to reach the Philadelphia office is to call the national Social Security number: 1-800-772-1213. This line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. When you call, you will hear a menu; select the option for your reason (retirement, disability, card replacement, or general questions), and you will be routed to an agent or given information about your case.
Wait times on the phone are often 20 to 45 minutes, especially early in the week and early in the month. If you call late in the day or on Thursday or Friday, you may wait less. You can also call the Philadelphia office directly at 215-597-5353, though the national number is usually faster.
For many tasks, you do not need to call. You can create or log into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, check the status of a claim, change your address, request a replacement card, or start a retirement benefit application. This account is available 24 hours a day and requires a username and password or a sign-in through Login.gov.
Visiting the office in person: hours, what to bring, and what to expect
The Philadelphia office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. It is closed on federal holidays. You do not need an appointment, but you should arrive early because wait times are often 1 to 3 hours, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and early in the month.
Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card. If you are applying for a new card, bring your birth certificate or a certified copy, and proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization papers, or a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory). If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are applying for benefits, bring recent pay stubs or tax returns and the names and birth dates of any family members who may be may have access to to benefits on your record.
When you arrive, take a number from the kiosk near the entrance. The office will call your number when an agent is ready. Bring documents in originals or certified copies; the office will not accept photocopies for most applications. If you do not have all required documents, ask the agent what you can submit by mail or online instead.
What you can and cannot do at the Philadelphia office
The Philadelphia office can issue or replace your Social Security card, take your application for retirement or disability benefits, process changes to your name or address, issue a benefit verification letter, and answer questions about your account. You can also request a replacement Medicare card there if you are already receiving Social Security benefits.
The office cannot approve or deny your benefits on the spot. If you apply for disability benefits, your case will be reviewed by the state Disability information Service, which takes 3 to 6 months. The office will tell you what to expect and when to check back.
If you need a hearing before an administrative law judge (because your claim was denied), you cannot request that at the office. Instead, you file a written appeal through the mail or online, and the SSA will schedule a hearing date later.
Alternatives if you cannot visit the office
You can handle most Social Security tasks without going to the office. To request a replacement Social Security card, you can mail an application (Form SS-5) to the Philadelphia office or submit it through your my Social Security account. To apply for retirement benefits, you can complete the application online at ssa.gov or by phone with an agent. To report a change of address or name, you can call 1-800-772-1213 or update it in your my Social Security account.
If you need to submit documents (such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate), you can mail them to the Philadelphia office at Social Security Administration, 1601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and the reason you are sending the documents. Keep a copy for your records.
If you have a disability and cannot visit the office, you can request a telephone hearing or a video hearing instead of appearing in person. Tell the office when you file your appeal.
What to do if you have a problem or complaint
If you believe the office made an error on your account, denied you a benefit you think you deserve, or treated you unfairly, you have the right to appeal. For benefit denials, you must file a written appeal within 60 days of the denial letter. You can appeal online, by mail, or by phone.
If you have a complaint about the service you received at the office (for example, a long wait, rude treatment, or a mistake), you can file a complaint with the SSA's Office of the Inspector General. Call 1-800-269-0271 or visit oig.ssa.gov to file a report online.
If you believe you are a victim of Social Security fraud or identity theft, call 1-800-269-0271 immediately and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Philadelphia office?
No. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your turn. However, wait times are often long. If you want to reduce your wait, call ahead at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about current wait times or to schedule a callback from an agent instead of visiting in person.
How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?
If you apply in person at the office, you will receive your card by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. If you apply online through my Social Security, it takes 7 to 10 business days. If you mail your application, it takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the office receives it.
Can I apply for disability benefits at the Philadelphia office?
Yes, you can file your application there, but the office does not decide whether you are approved. Your case goes to the Pennsylvania Disability information Service, which reviews your medical records and decides within 3 to 6 months. You will receive a letter in the mail with the decision.
What if I do not have a birth certificate to apply for a Social Security card?
You can bring other proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or a state-issued ID. If you do not have any of these, ask the agent what documents the office will accept. You may be able to get a certified birth certificate from the Philadelphia Department of Records or the state vital records office.
Can I bring someone else to the office to handle my Social Security business?
Yes. The person can represent you if they bring a signed letter from you authorizing them to act on your behalf, or if they have a power of attorney document. They will also need to bring their own photo ID. If they are a lawyer or accredited representative, they can bring their credentials instead.