The Scranton Social Security office location and hours

The Social Security Administration office serving Scranton is located at 300 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. This is a full-service office where you can handle most Social Security matters in person, including applying for retirement benefits, reporting changes to your account, replacing a Social Security card, and discussing Medicare enrollment.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on federal holidays. You do not need an appointment for most routine questions, but wait times can run 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times, especially early in the month and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you want to reduce your wait, arriving after 2 p.m. or on Thursday and Friday mornings typically means shorter lines.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The building is accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you cannot visit in person, you can call the office directly at 1-866-401-0357 to ask questions or schedule a phone appointment with a representative.

Key Takeaways

  • The Scranton Social Security office is at 300 Lackawanna Avenue and is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no appointment needed for most visits.
  • You can handle retirement applications, Medicare questions, card replacements, and account changes in person at this location.
  • Afternoon visits and Thursday or Friday mornings typically have shorter wait times than mornings earlier in the week.
  • If you cannot visit in person, call 1-866-401-0357 to speak with someone by phone or arrange a phone appointment.
  • You can also handle many Social Security tasks online through your my Social Security account without visiting an office.

What you can do at the Scranton office

The Scranton location handles the full range of Social Security services. If you are nearing retirement age, you can apply for retirement benefits in person, bring documents to verify your identity and work history, and ask questions about how your benefit amount is calculated. A representative can also explain how working past your full retirement age affects your benefit, or how spousal and survivor benefits work if that applies to your situation.

If you already receive benefits and need to report a life change — a marriage, divorce, death in the family, change of address, or change in income — you can do that at the office. You can also apply for a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. The office can answer questions about Medicare enrollment deadlines and help you understand which parts of Medicare you need and when.

For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) questions, disability benefit matters, or if you need to appeal a decision on a previous application, the office can direct you to the right department or help you understand next steps.

Going online instead of visiting in person

You can handle many tasks without leaving home through my Social Security, the official online account portal. If you create an account at ssa.gov, you can check your earnings record, print a benefit verification letter, change your address, report a change in your direct deposit information, and see an estimate of your retirement benefit before you apply. You can also start a retirement application online and finish it by phone or in person if you prefer.

Online options are fastest if you know what you need and have your documents ready. The wait is zero, and you can work at your own pace. However, if your situation is complicated — if you have questions about how different benefit types interact, or if you need to discuss options — talking to a person at the office or by phone often saves time and confusion.

Bringing documents to your visit

What you need depends on what you are doing. For a retirement application, bring your Social Security card, a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your date of birth if your ID does not show it clearly. You will also need to show proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work.

If you are applying based on your spouse's work record, bring their Social Security number and date of birth. If you are applying for survivor benefits after someone's death, bring a death certificate. For a replacement card, you need a photo ID and proof of citizenship or residency, but not much else. If you are unsure what to bring for your specific situation, call ahead at 1-866-401-0357 and ask — it takes two minutes and saves a wasted trip.

Phone and video appointments as an alternative

If you prefer not to visit the office, you can schedule a phone appointment with a representative who can handle most matters over the phone. Call 1-866-401-0357 and tell them you want to schedule an appointment. They will find a time that works for you, usually within a few days. You will receive a confirmation letter with the date and time.

Video appointments are also available in some cases. Ask when you call whether video is an option for what you need to do. Video appointments work well if you need to show documents or if you prefer face-to-face conversation but cannot get to the office. The representative will send you a link to join the video call a few minutes before your appointment time.

What to expect when you arrive

When you walk in, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait in the lobby until your number is called. Bring something to read or work on — waits can be long, especially if you arrive mid-morning. The office is climate-controlled and has seating, but it can be crowded.

When you reach a representative, they will ask what you need and may ask you to sit at their desk to go through your application or request. The whole process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how complex your situation is. If the representative needs more information, they may ask you to come back or may call you later. If you are applying for benefits, you will not know your approval status that day — that takes weeks as the office reviews your earnings record and processes your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment to visit the Scranton office?

No, you can walk in without an appointment for most routine matters. However, if you want to avoid a long wait, you can call 1-866-401-0357 to schedule a phone or video appointment instead, or ask the office when the quietest times are to visit in person.

Can I apply for Social Security benefits by mail from the Scranton office?

You can start an application online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-866-401-0357, or in person at the office. Mail is not the fastest route, but you can request forms by phone and mail them back if that is your preference. Online or phone is usually faster.

What if I need to appeal a decision on a previous application?

The Scranton office can explain your appeal options and direct you to the right department. Appeals are handled through a separate process, and the office will tell you whether to file by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.

How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?

If you apply in person at the Scranton office, you will receive your card by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases. You can also apply online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account and a state-issued ID.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes, you can bring a family member, friend, or representative. If you bring a representative who is not a family member, they may need to show a power of attorney or representative payee agreement. Call ahead if you have questions about who can represent you.