Do You Need an Appointment?

Short answer: for most in-person services, yes — Social Security offices have moved toward appointment-based service. Walking in without one can mean a long wait or being asked to schedule and come back.

How to make one

• Call the national number: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. local time.
• Or call your local office directly — find its number on its page here.
• Best time to call: later in the week and later in the day usually means shorter hold times. The SSA itself says the busiest times are Mondays, the first week of the month, and the days right after holidays.

What usually needs a visit

• First-time Social Security card applications that can't be done online.
• Some identity proofs and original-document checks.
• Complex benefit problems that couldn't be solved by phone or online.

What usually doesn't

• Replacement cards (in most states) — free online at ssa.gov.
• Benefit verification letters, checking application status, changing your address or direct deposit — all online or by phone.