Social Security Appointment: How to Schedule One
The Social Security Administration now asks you to book before you visit a field office. You can schedule online with SSA's appointment questionnaire, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by calling your local office directly. Many tasks never need an appointment at all; the chart below shows which.
Do you need an appointment? Follow the chart
Green boxes are tasks SSA lets you finish online with no appointment. Blue boxes book a phone or in-person time through SSA. Amber boxes need an in-person visit with original documents.
Which tasks need an appointment
Based on the services SSA offers online at ssa.gov. "Optional" means you can apply online on your own or book an appointment if you prefer a representative's help.
| Task | Online at ssa.gov? | Appointment needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Replace a lost or stolen Social Security card (no name change) | Yes, in most states, via my Social Security | Only if you are not eligible online |
| Change the name on your Social Security card | No | Yes, in person with original documents |
| First-ever Social Security number (adult or non-citizen) | Start online; office visit to finish | Yes, in person |
| Apply for retirement or spousal benefits | Yes | Optional (phone or in person) |
| Apply for disability (SSDI) | Yes | Optional (phone or in person) |
| Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Start online; SSA calls you back | Phone appointment scheduled by SSA |
| Apply for Medicare only | Yes | Not required |
| Benefit verification letter, 1099, direct deposit, address change | Yes, in my Social Security | Not required |
| Appeal a decision | Yes | Not required |
| Report a death, or a problem you cannot solve online | No | Phone or in-person appointment |
Three ways to schedule
1. Online: the SSA appointment questionnaire
- Open ssa.gov/manage-benefits/make-an-appointment and press Get started.
- Answer the questions: do you need a card or a personal-record change; do you want to check eligibility or apply for benefits (retirement, disability, survivors, family, SSI); what else do you need.
- SSA either shows you how to finish the task online or offers a phone or in-person appointment time.
- Keep the confirmation email or text. Its link is how you change or cancel later.
2. By phone: 1-800-772-1213
Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in most U.S. time zones, in English, Spanish and other languages. Say you want to schedule a phone or in-person appointment. Deaf or hard of hearing: TTY 1-800-325-0778. SSA's own guidance is that the line is least busy later in the week and later in the month; anyone who needs a representative can take a callback instead of holding. See the phone number guide for the menu shortcuts.
3. Locally: call the field office you will visit
Every SSA field office has a direct line. Calling it books you with the location you will actually go to and lets you confirm that office's hours. Open your state below, pick the office, and use the number on its page. Office hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Friday at nearly every location; the hours page lists the exceptions.
Changing or cancelling
Use the link in the confirmation email or text SSA sent when you booked. If a representative scheduled it for you, you also need the code they gave you. Missing either? Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to change or cancel.
Card appointments in New York City, Philadelphia, Orlando and Minneapolis
In these metros SSA sends card-only visits (new or replacement card, personal-record updates) to a dedicated Social Security Card Center. The neighborhood field offices there do not take routine card work, so book your card appointment with the Card Center that covers your borough or county.
Find your office's direct number
Choose a state to see every Social Security office with its address, direct phone and fax, and hours. Or use the ZIP code locator.
Social Security appointment questions
Answers based on SSA's appointment, replacement-card and contact pages.
Do I need an appointment to go to the Social Security office?
SSA asks you to schedule before visiting. The official office locator says "Skip the line—make an appointment before visiting an office." Appointments can be by phone or in person, and SSA will tell you during scheduling if your task can be finished online without a visit.
How do I make a Social Security appointment online?
Go to ssa.gov/manage-benefits/make-an-appointment and press "Get started". The questionnaire asks whether you need a card or record change, whether you want to apply for benefits, and what else you need, then offers a phone or in-person time. You receive a confirmation by email or text.
What is the phone number to schedule a Social Security appointment?
Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM in most U.S. time zones, and tell the representative you want to schedule a phone or in-person appointment. You can also call your local field office directly; every office page on this site lists its direct number.
How do I change or cancel a Social Security appointment?
Use the link in the confirmation email or text message you received when you scheduled. If a representative booked it for you, you also need the code they gave you. If you do not have either, call 1-800-772-1213.
Can I get a replacement Social Security card without an appointment?
Usually yes. SSA says the fastest way is to start the replacement online; if you qualify, no office visit is needed and the card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days. Your local office cannot print a card for you. Name changes and first-time numbers still need an in-person appointment.
Where do I go for a card appointment in New York City, Philadelphia, Orlando or Minneapolis?
In those metros SSA routes card-only work to dedicated Social Security Card Centers; neighborhood field offices there do not handle routine card requests. This site lists all 7 Card Centers with hours and phone numbers.
What happens if I walk in without an appointment?
Offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at nearly every location, and SSA says appointment holders are served first. Without an appointment you may wait a long time or be asked to schedule and return. For a same-week visit, calling the local office directly is often the quickest route.