Social Security Offices
in California
Looking for a Social Security office in California? You're in the right place. There are 118 SSA locations across 1241 cities — browse the list below or search by city name to find yours.
Browse by City
Find your local office from the full directory below.
What to Know Before Visiting an SSA Office in California
With 118 Social Security offices serving 1241 cities across California, finding help is easy — but a little preparation goes a long way.
Pick the Right Time
Monday mornings are the busiest. Try visiting on Thursday or Friday afternoon for shorter waits.
Bring Photo ID
A driver's license, state ID, or passport. You'll need it for just about every service.
Make an Appointment
Walk-ins work, but an appointment saves time. Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule.
Check Online First
Card replacements, benefit checks, and more can be done at ssa.gov without a trip.
Services at California Social Security Offices
Here's what you can take care of at any SSA location in California.
Replace Social Security Card
Lost or damaged card? Get a replacement in person or online.
Apply for Retirement Benefits
Ready to retire? Start your application at the office or online.
Apply for Disability Benefits
File for SSDI or SSI disability benefits with staff assistance.
Enroll in Medicare
Sign up for Medicare Parts A and B when you're eligible.
Change Name on SS Card
Update your Social Security card after marriage, divorce, or legal name change.
Update Your Address
Keep your SSA records current when you move.
Online Alternatives — Skip the Wait
Handle these tasks from home without visiting an office in California.
What Visitors Are Saying
Recent reviews from people who visited Social Security offices in California.
Went to the Alleghany office to apply for a social security number. Staff was friendly and the whole thing took about 30 minutes.
Brought my elderly mother to the Albion Social Security office to file for disability benefits. Staff was patient with her and made sure she understood everything.
The social security office in Alderpoint really improved since my last visit. Wait times were short and the staff to enroll in Medicare was knowledgeable.
If you need to apply for retirement benefits, the Alhambra Social Security office is a good choice. Clean facility, polite staff, and reasonable wait times.
Came to the Aliso Viejo office to apply for retirement benefits. The process itself was straightforward but I waited an hour and a half. They really need to add more windows.
Went to the Alpine office to update my name on my social security records. Staff was friendly and the whole thing took about 30 minutes.
Helpful Articles for California
Guides and tips for visiting Social Security offices in California.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions
California has 118 Social Security offices across 1241 cities. Just scroll through the city list above or search by name to find the one closest to you.
Pretty much anything Social Security related — apply for or replace your card, sign up for retirement or disability benefits, enroll in Medicare, update your name or address, and get help with SSI. Most offices in California handle the full range of services.
Walk-ins are welcome, but honestly, you'll save a lot of time by scheduling ahead. Call your local office or dial 1-800-772-1213 to set one up.
No. All SSA offices in California are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. They're closed weekends and federal holidays.
Yes, every Social Security office in California takes walk-ins. But expect a wait — anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the day. Appointments are the way to go if you want to save time.
It depends, but plan on 30 to 90 minutes for walk-ins. Monday mornings and the first week of the month are the worst. Thursday and Friday afternoons are usually much quieter.
Yes! If you're a U.S. citizen age 18+ with a California mailing address, you can request a replacement through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. No office visit needed.
At minimum, bring a valid photo ID — driver's license, state ID, or passport. Depending on what you need, you might also need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, or medical records.
The national Social Security helpline is 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), available Mon–Fri 8AM–7PM. Or call your local California office directly — find the number on its detail page.
Yes, you can start your disability application at ssa.gov. You can also visit any SSA office in California for in-person help.
Update your address online through your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting any office in California.
Wednesday through Friday afternoons, and later in the month (after the first week). Avoid Monday mornings and days right after holidays.