Atticus offers free, high-quality disability advice for Americans who can't work. Our team of Stanford and Harvard trained lawyers has a combined 15+ years of legal experience, and have helped over 10,000 Americans apply for disability benefits.
When you have a question for the SSA, they often suggest calling their national number, or visiting their website.
But sometimes, your local field office is better positioned to help. Whether you're checking on the status of your disability application, hoping to apply for benefits by phone, or trying to schedule an appointment — we recommend calling your local office first.
We've created a complete directory of every SSA office in California — plus their hours, phone number, and fax number.
If you're applying for disability benefits, have a question for the SSA, and can't get ahold of anyone — our client advocates can help. Our team advises 300+ people with SSDI and SSI daily, and there's no wait to talk with someone during our working hours.
Take our 2-minute quiz to get connected.
900 S Garfield Ave
Alhambra, CA 91801
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 227-6561
Fax Number: (833) 902-2602
900 S Harbor Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 657-3133
Fax Number: (833) 950-2748
2508 Verne Roberts Cir
Antioch, CA 94509
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-2324
Fax Number: (833) 950-3669
11855 Edgewood Rd
Auburn, CA 95603
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 931-6087
Fax Number: (833) 571-0640
2575 Haley St
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 366-9558
Fax Number: (833) 950-3383
5300 Office Park Dr
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 476-1489
Fax Number: (833) 940-2147
2045 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 531-4696
Fax Number: (833) 950-2448
3230 E Imperial Hwy Ste 150 1St Fl
Brea, CA 92821
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 593-2757
Fax Number: (833) 902-2594
1420 W Olive Ave
Burbank, CA 91506
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 748-7699
Fax Number: (833) 950-3369
770 W Hamilton Ave
Campbell, CA 95008
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 348-5832
Fax Number: (833) 571-0644
20439 Nordhoff St
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (855) 727-3598
Fax Number: (833) 950-2438
1370 E Lassen Ave Ste 150
Chico, CA 95973
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-7585
Fax Number: (833) 950-2452
626 L St Ste 1
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 487-9907
Fax Number: (833) 950-3055
171 E Compton Blvd
Compton, CA 90220
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 472-6117
Fax Number: (833) 950-3051
560 E Hoover Ave
Crescent City, CA 95531
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (855) 727-3600
Fax Number: (833) 950-3359
355 Gellert Blvd Ste 201
Daly City, CA 94015
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 748-7702
Fax Number: (833) 950-3657
2234 Girard St Building C
Delano, CA 93215
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 635-0287
Fax Number: (833) 571-2609
846 Arnele Ave
El Cajon, CA 92020
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-0012
Fax Number: (833) 950-2750
3007 N Imperial Ave
El Centro, CA 92243
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 593-5680
Fax Number: (833) 950-2754
9351 Telstar Ave
El Monte, CA 91731
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 931-0340
Fax Number: (833) 950-3045
3144 Brdway
Eureka, CA 95501
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 828-1991
Fax Number: (833) 902-2622
10668 Sierra Ave
Fontana, CA 92337
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 726-7865
Fax Number: (833) 571-0628
17075 Newhope St Ste B
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 304-1566
Fax Number: (833) 950-3365
3100 Mowry Ave Ste 100
Fremont, CA 94538
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 632-7073
Fax Number: (833) 950-3665
5140 E Olive Ave
Fresno, CA 93727
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 366-4918
Fax Number: (833) 902-2612
640 W Locust Ave
Fresno, CA 93650
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 931-9041
Fax Number: (833) 580-0155
865 Fulton St
Fresno, CA 93721
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 311-2640
Fax Number: (833) 950-3049
11900 Gilbert St
Garden Grove, CA 92841
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 669-3115
Fax Number: (833) 571-0642
1059 First St
Gilroy, CA 95020
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 452-4198
Fax Number: (833) 950-3378
225 W Brdway Ste 600
Glendale, CA 91204
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (855) 886-9633
Fax Number: (833) 940-2151
1165 E Route 66
Glendora, CA 91740
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-6045
Fax Number: (833) 940-1987
330 North Harris St Ste 101
Hanford, CA 93230
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (855) 207-4866
Fax Number: (833) 950-3671
24301 Southland Dr Ste 500
Hayward, CA 94545
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-5054
Fax Number: (833) 950-2734
3095 W Devonshire Ave
Hemet, CA 92545
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (855) 207-7083
Fax Number: (833) 950-3391
1122 N Vine St
Hollywood, CA 90038
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 613-2861
Fax Number: (833) 950-2110
6303 Rugby Ave
Huntington Park, CA 90255
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 931-9941
Fax Number: (833) 940-2153
46845 Monroe St
Indio, CA 92201
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 319-5758
Fax Number: (833) 940-1989
230 East Spruce Ave
Inglewood, CA 90301
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-7694
Fax Number: (833) 950-2116
7961 University Ave
La Mesa, CA 91942
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 405-1445
Fax Number: (833) 571-0636
991 Parallel Dr Ste A
Lakeport, CA 95453
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 676-2666
Fax Number: (833) 950-3361
4957 Paramount Blvd
Lakewood, CA 90712
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-6484
Fax Number: (833) 950-3663
42225 10Th St W
Lancaster, CA 93534
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-1725
Fax Number: (833) 950-2432
1110 W Kettleman Lane Ste 3
Lodi, CA 95240
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 257-2641
Fax Number: (833) 571-0632
2005 Long Beach Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90806
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 256-2631
Fax Number: (833) 902-2626
1122 W Washington Blvd Ste 200
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-7401
Fax Number: (833) 950-3041
12429 Avalon Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90061
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 836-1558
Fax Number: (833) 950-2732
215 N Soto St
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-2035
Fax Number: (833) 950-3389
3840 Crenshaw Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90008
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 531-4693
Fax Number: (833) 950-2426
4000 Wilshire Blvd Wilshire Center
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-7592
Fax Number: (833) 902-2600
888 S Figueroa St Suite 1070
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 803-6308
Fax Number: (833) 571-2683
11500 W Olympic Blvd Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-4779
Fax Number: (833) 950-2114
348 E Yosemite Ave
Madera, CA 93638
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 405-1453
Fax Number: (833) 571-2677
510 Commerce Ct
Manteca, CA 95336
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 320-2587
Fax Number: (833) 950-3377
600 West Olive Ave
Merced, CA 95348
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 632-7069
Fax Number: (833) 950-2434
26051 Acero Rd
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 306-9878
Fax Number: (833) 950-3661
1521 N Carpenter Rd Ste E1
Modesto, CA 95351
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 748-7698
Fax Number: (833) 950-2450
2216 W Beverly Blvd
Montebello, CA 90640
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-7435
Fax Number: (833) 950-2440
De Los Lagos 22815 Calle San Juan
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 590-2705
Fax Number: (833) 571-0630
701 N Shoreline Blvd 1St Floor
Mountain View, CA 94043
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 319-0161
Fax Number: (833) 950-3371
1850 Soscol Ave Ste 102
Napa, CA 94559
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 836-1559
Fax Number: (833) 950-3367
700 E 24Th St Ground Fl
National City, CA 91950
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-2203
Fax Number: (833) 950-3053
1502 Bailey Ave
Needles, CA 92363
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 596-7946
Fax Number: (833) 950-3357
12440 E Imperial Hwy Ste 170
Norwalk, CA 90650
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-3281
Fax Number: (833) 950-3381
360 22nd St Ste 400
Oakland, CA 94612
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-7420
Fax Number: (833) 902-2616
7200 Bancroft Ave Eastmont Town Center
Oakland, CA 94605
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 527-9329
Fax Number: (833) 950-2430
2160 S El Camino Real
Oceanside, CA 92054
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (855) 287-4793
Fax Number: (833) 950-2758
1100 E Holt Blvd
Ontario, CA 91761
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-2216
Fax Number: (833) 950-3373
115 Table Mountain Bl
Oroville, CA 95965
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-7130
Fax Number: (833) 902-2614
2000 Outlet Center Dr Suite 250
Oxnard, CA 93036
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 931-8352
Fax Number: (833) 519-3215
4201 E Ramon Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 873-9105
Fax Number: (833) 950-2738
14500 Roscoe Blvd Suite 207
Panorama City, CA 91402
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 341-0785
Fax Number: (833) 950-2446
104 N Mentor Ave
Pasadena, CA 91106
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 255-1508
Fax Number: (833) 902-2624
3916 Missouri Flat Rd Ste A
Placerville, CA 95667
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 545-5497
Fax Number: (833) 940-2007
2130 N Garey Ave
Pomona, CA 91767
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 808-5486
Fax Number: (833) 950-2456
890 W Morton Ave
Porterville, CA 93257
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 388-8903
Fax Number: (833) 571-2613
2660 Park Marina Dr Ste A
Redding, CA 96001
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-1236
Fax Number: (833) 950-2112
601 Allerton St 2nd Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 860-5582
Fax Number: (833) 571-0638
3164 Garrity Way
Richmond, CA 94806
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 877-3116
Fax Number: (833) 950-3043
10000 Magnolia Ave
Riverside, CA 92503
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 931-4495
Fax Number: (833) 950-3037
910 Cirby Way
Roseville, CA 95661
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 348-7830
Fax Number: (833) 940-2005
2424 Arden Way Ste 200
Sacramento, CA 95825
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (855) 782-9153
Fax Number: (833) 940-1983
40 Massie Circle
Sacramento, CA 95823
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 708-3208
Fax Number: (833) 940-2009
8581 Folsom Blvd Ste A
Sacramento, CA 95826
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 274-5419
Fax Number: (833) 902-2620
928 East Blanco Rd Ste 155
Salinas, CA 93901
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 600-2857
Fax Number: (833) 950-2752
605 N Arrowhead Ave Ste 101
San Bernardino, CA 92401
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-7132
Fax Number: (833) 902-2628
1333 Front St
San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (855) 820-0097
Fax Number: (833) 902-2618
8505 Aero Dr
San Diego, CA 92123
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-6397
Fax Number: (833) 902-2596
456 S F Mission Blvd
San Fernando, CA 91340
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 383-1599
Fax Number: (833) 950-2428
1098 Valencia St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 755-6323
Fax Number: (833) 950-3385
560 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 319-3070
Fax Number: (833) 950-3039
90 7Th St Annex 1St Fl
San Francisco, CA 94103
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-5051
Fax Number: (833) 571-2681
2500 Fontaine Rd
San Jose, CA 95121
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 931-4496
Fax Number: (833) 950-3047
280 S First St Rm 244 2Nd Fl
San Jose, CA 95113
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-2235
Fax Number: (833) 902-2630
6140 Cottle Rd
San Jose, CA 95123
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 383-1180
Fax Number: (833) 940-1991
320 Davis St
San Leandro, CA 94577
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-2181
Fax Number: (833) 902-2606
3240 S Higuera St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (855) 207-4865
Fax Number: (833) 950-2756
367 Via Vera Cruz
San Marcos, CA 92078
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 614-4769
Fax Number: (833) 950-3691
800 South Claremont St Ste 101
San Mateo, CA 94402
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 726-8193
Fax Number: (833) 950-2108
99 Smith Ranch Rd Ste 200
San Rafael, CA 94903
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-7761
Fax Number: (833) 950-2760
1851 East First St Fifth Fl
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 366-6146
Fax Number: (833) 950-2118
122 W Figueroa St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 695-6285
Fax Number: (833) 902-2632
169 Walnut Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (800) 593-8523
Fax Number: (833) 950-2436
2436 Professional Parkway
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-2316
Fax Number: (833) 950-2736
Building A 2099 Range Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 870-6384
Fax Number: (833) 940-2149
745 Morning Star Dr
Sonora, CA 95370
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 397-4125
Fax Number: (833) 950-3375
4747 Feather River Dr
Stockton, CA 95219
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 803-6314
Fax Number: (833) 902-2634
700 Main St Ste 220
Suisun City, CA 94585
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-5021
Fax Number: (833) 902-2604
2603 Riverside Dr
Susanville, CA 96130
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (855) 420-8563
Fax Number: (833) 950-3027
322 E Thousand Oaks Bl Ste 110
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 397-4807
Fax Number: (833) 950-3033
20000 Mariner Ave 150
Torrance, CA 90503
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 319-0732
Fax Number: (833) 950-2460
521 S Orchard Ave
Ukiah, CA 95482
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 590-2706
Fax Number: (833) 950-3653
27200 Tourney Rd Ste 320
Valencia, CA 91355
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 632-7072
Fax Number: (833) 950-3035
106 Plz Dr Ste A
Vallejo, CA 94591
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 808-5487
Fax Number: (833) 950-2442
6477 Telephone Rd Ste 1
Ventura, CA 93003
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 651-7118
Fax Number: (833) 950-2444
13955 Park Ave
Victorville, CA 92392
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 405-1435
Fax Number: (833) 950-3655
1901 E Noble Ave
Visalia, CA 93292
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 344-8475
Fax Number: (833) 950-2454
1111 Civic Dr Ste 180
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 319-6042
Fax Number: (833) 950-2746
180 Westgate Dr Ste 301
Watsonville, CA 95076
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (800) 521-3385
Fax Number: (833) 571-2679
501 S Vincent Ave Ste 201
West Covina, CA 91790
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 964-0162
Fax Number: (833) 571-2611
825 Riverside Parkway Ste 1000
West Sacramento, CA 95605
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 726-8136
Fax Number: (833) 940-1985
7200 Greenleaf Ste 200
Whittier, CA 90602
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 336-2187
Fax Number: (833) 950-2458
1960 S Oregon St
Yreka, CA 96097
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (888) 366-6145
Fax Number: (833) 950-3031
355 Percy Ave
Yuba City, CA 95991
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (866) 331-5449
Fax Number: (833) 950-2762
56492 29 Palms Hwy
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Phone Number: (877) 325-7417
Fax Number: (833) 950-3363
If you’re applying for SSI or SSDI, and don’t have a lawyer, it’s helpful to apply in-person at an SSA office. While SSA agent’s won’t be able to give you legal advice, they will be able to answer basic questions on the application paperwork and process.
We wrote a complete guide to applying for disability on your own here, which goes in-depth on what to expect. To sum it up, you’ll want to prepare by making an appointment, reading over the application, and taking some notes on your medical situation.
You’ll also want to bring in the following on your appointment date:
A copy of your Social Security card: Or a record of your Social Security number (SSN)
Proof of age: Birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID
Information about where you live: Your mortgage or lease and landlord’s name
Proof of income: Pay stubs, bank statements, insurance policies, and other information about your income and the things that you own
Proof of resources: Bank statements for all checking and savings accounts, a deed or tax appraisal for all property you own except the house you live in, etc.
Medical information: Any medical reports you have access to, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of your doctors
Info on your work history: A recent resume, or a summary of your most recent job titles, employers, and dates worked
Almost all SSA field offices open at 9:00AM. To avoid long waits, the SSA recommends against visiting first thing in the morning.
While wait times may vary, offices are often busiest first thing in the morning, early in the week, and during the early part of the month. We’d recommend scheduling an appointment, or avoiding these peak hours, when visiting your local field office.
The SSA reopened for walk-ins in 2022. They do advise that those without appointments may encounter delays and longer waits, so we’d recommend scheduling your visit in advance.
If you’re not applying with a lawyer, we recommend applying for benefits at your local SSA office. While the representatives there won’t be able to give you legal advice, they can explain parts of the application that may be confusing, and answer basic questions about the disability benefit process.
Go to whichever office location is closest to you. If you’re having a hard time getting ahold of your closest office, and are willing to travel, setting up an appointment at another nearby office is a good bet. Regardless of which office you visit, it’s a good idea to take note of who you interacted with. At a minimum, keep a record of which office you visited, which representative you spoke with, and your date of contact.
Some SSA offices do have drop boxes. When SSA offices closed, or restricted their hours, due to COVID-19, drop boxes were put in place for non-contact document delivery. Not all offices have, or still operate, drop boxes — so it’s best to call your specific office before you drop off any paperwork.
How long has your condition made it hard to work?
Jackie Jakab
Lead Attorney
At the bottom of many websites, you'll find a small disclaimer: "We are not a law firm and are not qualified to give legal advice." If you see this, run the other way. These people can't help you: they're prohibited by law from giving meaningful advice, recommending specific lawyers, or even telling you whether you need a lawyer at all.
There’s no disclaimer here: Atticus is a law firm, and we are qualified to give legal advice. We can answer your most pressing questions, make clear recommendations, and search far and wide to find the right lawyer for you.
Two important things to note: If we give you legal advice, it will be through a lawyer on our staff communicating with you directly. (Don't make important decisions about your case based solely on this or any other website.) And if we take you on as a client, it will be through a document you sign. (No attorney-client relationship arises from using this site or calling us.)
Terms | Privacy | Disclaimer