The Rome Social Security office location and hours

The Social Security Administration office in Rome, Georgia is located at 11 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA 30161. This is a full-service office where you can handle most Social Security matters in person, including applying for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits; replacing a Social Security card; or updating your account information.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on federal holidays. Phone lines are typically less busy between 10 a.m. and noon. You can reach this office at (706) 291-5500. If you call the national Social Security number at 1-800-772-1213, you can request to be routed to the Rome office specifically.

Parking is available on-site. The building is accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you need an interpreter, call ahead to arrange one.

Key Takeaways

  • The Rome Social Security office is at 11 Shorter Avenue and is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the shortest wait times between 10 a.m. and noon.
  • You can call (706) 291-5500 to reach the Rome office directly, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to be transferred there.
  • Walk-in visits are accepted, but you can also make an appointment online through ssa.gov or by phone to reduce wait time.
  • Bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and any documents related to your specific request before you visit.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can handle many tasks online through your personal my Social Security account or by mail.

What to bring and how to prepare

Before you visit the Rome office, gather the documents you will need. For any visit, bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of citizenship or legal residency. A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers all work for this.

If you are applying for benefits, bring your Social Security card (or a record of your number), proof of age, and proof of income if you are still working. For disability claims, bring medical records and a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited. If you are applying for survivor benefits, bring the death certificate of the person whose record you are using.

For a replacement Social Security card, you need only your ID and proof of citizenship. For address changes or other account updates, your ID is usually enough. Call ahead if you are unsure what to bring for your specific situation.

Making an appointment versus walking in

You do not have to make an appointment to visit the Rome office, but doing so usually means a shorter wait. You can schedule an appointment online at ssa.gov by selecting "Schedule an Appointment" and choosing the Rome location, or you can call (706) 291-5500 to book by phone.

Walk-in visits are accepted during business hours, but wait times vary. On busy days, you may wait an hour or more. If you have a simple task like replacing a card or updating an address, walk-in service is often faster than scheduling. If you need to discuss a complex issue or file a new claim, an appointment reduces frustration.

If you book an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all documents with you even if you scheduled ahead, because staff may ask for additional paperwork depending on your request.

Handling Social Security matters without visiting in person

Many tasks can be completed online or by phone without a trip to Rome. If you have a my Social Security account, you can check your earnings record, request a replacement card, change your address, report a change in income, and view your benefit statement. Create an account at ssa.gov using your email and a password.

For phone service, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). You can report changes, ask questions about your benefits, and in some cases file a claim by phone. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are shortest early in the morning or late in the week.

If you need to mail documents, the Rome office address is 11 Shorter Avenue, Rome, GA 30161. Include a cover letter explaining what you are submitting and what you need. Mail takes longer than in-person or phone service, so use this method only if you cannot visit or call.

What the Rome office handles and what requires a different location

The Rome Social Security office handles retirement, disability, survivor, and supplemental security income (SSI) claims. You can replace your card, update your personal information, report work or income changes, and appeal a decision about your benefits there. Most people can complete their business at this single location.

If you are appealing a denied claim and need a hearing before an administrative law judge, that hearing may take place at a different location or by video. The Social Security office will tell you where your hearing will be held when they schedule it. Some specialized services, like international benefit payments or complex representative payee matters, may require contact with a regional office, but staff at the Rome location can direct you to the right place.

Common reasons people visit and what to expect

The most common reasons to visit are applying for retirement benefits (usually at age 62 or later), applying for disability benefits if you cannot work, replacing a lost or damaged Social Security card, and updating your address or name after a life change. Each of these takes a different amount of time and requires different documents.

A card replacement usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. An address change takes about the same. Filing a new benefit claim can take 30 minutes to an hour because staff will ask detailed questions about your work history, family, and medical situation. If you are appealing a previous decision, expect a longer conversation. Staff will explain what happens next and when you can expect a decision.

If you are filing a claim, know that the office does not make the decision that day. After you file, Social Security sends your case to a processing center, which reviews your documents and contacts you if they need more information. Decisions on retirement claims usually come within a few weeks. Disability claims take longer, often two to three months or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement Social Security card the same day I visit?

No. You apply for a replacement at the office, but the card is mailed to you. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Expedited delivery is available in some cases if you have an urgent need; ask the staff member helping you whether you may have access to.

What if I cannot visit during business hours?

Call 1-800-772-1213 to handle many tasks by phone, or create a my Social Security account online to manage your information anytime. For matters that require an in-person visit, you can request an appointment outside normal hours in rare cases; call the Rome office directly to ask.

Do I need to bring original documents or can I bring copies?

Bring originals or certified copies. Staff will review them to confirm they are genuine. Photocopies from home are usually not accepted. If you do not have an original, ask what alternatives the office will accept before you visit.

How long does it take to get a decision on a disability claim?

Initial decisions typically take 3 to 6 months. The time varies based on how much medical evidence you have and how quickly doctors respond to requests for your records. You can check the status of your claim online through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What if I need an interpreter?

Call (706) 291-5500 at least a few days before your visit to arrange an interpreter. Social Security provides interpreters at no cost for many languages. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, video relay service is available.