Social Security offices in Queens and how to reach them
Queens has three Social Security offices spread across the borough. The main office is located in Jamaica at 168-25 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432. There is also an office in Flushing at 136-20 38th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354. A third location serves the western part of Queens at 61-09 Queens Boulevard, Woodside, NY 11377. Each office handles the same services, so you can visit whichever is most convenient to your home or workplace.
You do not need an appointment to walk in, but wait times vary significantly by location and time of day. The Jamaica office typically has longer waits than the Flushing or Woodside locations, especially on Tuesdays through Thursdays. If you want to avoid a long wait, arriving before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. usually means shorter lines. All three offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on weekends and federal holidays.
You can also call the national Social Security phone line at 1-800-772-1213 to handle many tasks without visiting an office in person. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. If you reach an automated system, you can often complete your request through the phone menu without speaking to a representative.
Key Takeaways
- Queens has three Social Security offices: Jamaica, Flushing, and Woodside, each open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- You can walk in without an appointment, but arriving before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. typically means shorter wait times.
- Many tasks can be completed by calling 1-800-772-1213 instead of visiting an office in person.
- Bring your Social Security number and any documents related to your request, such as a birth certificate or proof of income.
- The national phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and can handle requests through automated menus or with a representative.
What documents to bring to a Queens Social Security office
The documents you need depend on what you are doing at the office. If you are applying for a Social Security number or replacing a lost card, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. A U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work for citizenship proof.
If you are reporting a change — such as a name change, address change, or change in work status — bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate proves a name change. A utility bill or lease proves an address change. If you are reporting that you have returned to work, bring recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer.
For any appointment related to benefits, bring proof of income and any medical records if you are applying for disability. Keep originals in your bag and hand over only copies unless the office specifically asks for the original. Ask the staff member to stamp your copies as received so you have proof you submitted them.
How to replace a lost or damaged Social Security card in Queens
You can replace a card by visiting any of the three Queens offices or by calling 1-800-772-1213. In person, the process takes about 15 minutes if the office is not busy. You will fill out Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card), show your ID and proof of citizenship, and receive a receipt. The new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
By phone, you can request a replacement card without visiting an office. Call 1-800-772-1213 and follow the automated menu to request a replacement. You will be asked to confirm your identity by answering questions about your Social Security record. Once approved, the card is mailed to the address on file. If your address has changed, update it first by visiting an office or calling ahead.
If your card was stolen or you suspect fraud, report it to Social Security immediately. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office in person. Social Security can place a fraud alert on your account and issue a replacement card with a new number if necessary. You should also report the theft to the police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Changing your address or name with Social Security in Queens
You can change your address by phone, online, or in person. The fastest method is calling 1-800-772-1213 and providing your new address to a representative. They will update your record immediately, and you do not need to visit an office. Have your Social Security number and new address ready.
To change your name, you must visit an office in person because Social Security requires proof of the name change. Bring your Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID in your current name, and the document that proves the name change — usually a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The staff will complete the change on the spot, and your updated card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you have changed your name and address at the same time, you can do both in one visit. Bring all required documents for the name change, and mention the address change to the staff member. They will process both updates together.
Getting a replacement Social Security statement or checking your earnings record
Your Social Security statement shows your lifetime earnings and estimates what you will receive in retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. You can view your statement online at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account. This is the fastest way and requires no office visit. You will need an email address and to answer security questions to set up the account.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to request a statement in person, visit any of the three Queens offices. Bring your Social Security number and photo ID. Staff will print your statement for you, which takes about 10 minutes. You can also request a statement by calling 1-800-772-1213, though the phone line may take longer to process your request.
Your earnings record shows how much you and your employers have paid into Social Security over your working life. Review it every few years to catch errors. If you find a mistake — such as earnings attributed to the wrong year or missing earnings — report it to Social Security immediately. Errors can lower your future benefits, so correcting them early matters.
Reporting changes that affect your benefits
If you receive Social Security benefits and your situation changes, you must report it. Changes that matter include returning to work, a significant increase or decrease in income, moving to a different state or country, marriage or divorce, and a change in your living situation. Reporting these changes keeps your benefits accurate and prevents overpayments that you would have to repay later.
You can report most changes by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting a Queens office. Some changes can be reported online through your my Social Security account. Have your Social Security number and the details of the change ready. For work-related changes, bring recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer. For living situation changes, bring proof of your new address.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to Social Security, reporting changes is even more important because SSI has strict income and resource limits. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments or loss of benefits. When in doubt, call or visit to ask whether a change needs to be reported.
Hours, locations, and transit options for Queens Social Security offices
| Office Location | Address | Transit Access | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamaica | 168-25 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432 | E, J, Z trains; Q5, Q6, Q7, Q8, Q9, Q10, Q11, Q24, Q25, Q27, Q28, Q29, Q30, Q31, Q32, Q34, Q35, Q36, Q37, Q38, Q39, Q40, Q41, Q42, Q43, Q44, Q45, Q46, Q47, Q48, Q50, Q52, Q54, Q56, Q60, Q64, Q65, Q66, Q67, Q69 buses | Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Flushing | 136-20 38th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354 | 7 train; Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q15, Q16, Q17, Q18, Q19, Q20, Q21, Q22, Q23, Q24, Q25, Q26, Q27, Q28, Q29, Q30, Q31, Q32, Q33, Q34, Q35, Q36, Q37, Q38, Q39, Q40, Q41, Q42, Q43, Q44, Q45, Q46, Q47, Q48, Q50, Q52, Q54, Q56, Q60, Q64, Q65, Q66, Q67, Q69 buses | Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Woodside | 61-09 Queens Boulevard, Woodside, NY 11377 | E, M, R trains; Q32, Q39, Q60, Q61, Q62, Q63, Q64, Q65, Q66, Q67, Q68, Q69 buses | Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. |
All three offices are wheelchair accessible and have staff who speak languages other than English. If you need an interpreter, call ahead at the Jamaica office (718-662-8900), Flushing office (718-886-1000), or Woodside office (718-899-4500) to request one. Interpreters are available for most languages but may require advance notice for less common languages.
Parking is available near all three locations, though street parking in Jamaica and Flushing can be difficult during peak hours. The Woodside office has easier parking access. If you use public transit, allow extra time for travel, especially during rush hours. All offices are located near major transit hubs, so you can reach any of them within 15 to 30 minutes from most parts of Queens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit a Social Security office in Queens?
No, all three offices accept walk-ins. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times. If you prefer to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can arrange one for you, though walk-ins are usually faster.
What is the best time to visit a Social Security office in Queens to avoid long waits?
Early morning (before 10 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 3 p.m.) typically have shorter lines. Avoid Tuesdays through Thursdays if possible, as these are the busiest days. Mondays and Fridays are usually less crowded.
Can I handle my Social Security business by phone instead of visiting an office?
Yes, many tasks can be completed by calling 1-800-772-1213, including reporting address changes, requesting a replacement card, and checking your earnings record. However, some tasks — such as changing your name or applying for a new Social Security number — require an in-person visit.
What if I do not speak English well?
All three Queens offices have staff who speak multiple languages. Call ahead to request an interpreter if you need one. The Jamaica office number is 718-662-8900, Flushing is 718-886-1000, and Woodside is 718-899-4500.
How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card after I apply?
A replacement card typically arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you apply in person or by phone. You will receive a receipt showing the date you applied. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check the status.