SSA Los Angeles Office: Tips and Advice Needed for First-Time Visit
Hey everyone, I need some help with the Social Security Administration in Los Angeles. I'm not really sure where to start or what exactly I need to do. Has anyone dealt with them recently? What should I expect? Any tips or advice would be really appreciated!
38 comments


Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve SSA office wait times, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8OvcQ_T59E
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Hannah White
Pro tip: Check if you can do whatever you need online first. SSA has been trying to move more stuff to their website to cut down on office traffic. Might save you a trip!
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Michael Green
•Absolutely agree! I was able to apply for benefits online and track my application status. Saved me a ton of time at the office.
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Lauren Johnson
Navigating the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be challenging, especially in a city as busy as Los Angeles. It's crucial to be well-prepared to ensure a smoother experience. Start by verifying what specific service you need—be it applying for benefits, updating personal details, or any other request. This will help in gathering the necessary documents beforehand, such as your identification and proof of address. Consider leveraging the online services offered by the SSA to potentially avoid an in-person visit. The SSA has been enhancing its online capabilities, allowing for many transactions and updates to be completed from the comfort of your home. However, if you need to visit an office, aim to arrive early or schedule an appointment to minimize wait times. For those considering Claimyr as a service to navigate SSA's phone system, while it has been praised for its efficiency in bypassing long wait times, weigh the cost against your personal needs. Ultimately, patience and preparation are key when dealing with any governmental office.
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Jessica Nguyen
Here's what you need to know about dealing with SSA in Los Angeles: 1. Location: The main office is at 611 W 6th St #650, Los Angeles, CA 90017. There are also several other offices in the LA area, so check which one is closest to you. 2. Hours: They're typically open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. But always check their website for current hours and any COVID-related changes. 3. What to bring: • Government-issued ID • Social Security card • Any relevant documents (birth certificate, marriage license, etc.) • Proof of address 4. Tips: • Arrive early! Lines can get crazy long. • Be patient. The staff is usually overwhelmed. • Double-check that you have all necessary documents before you go. • Consider making an appointment if possible to avoid long waits. 5. Alternatives: • Check if you can do what you need online at ssa.gov • Try calling their national number: 1-800-772-1213 Hope this helps! Good luck dealing with the bureaucracy 😅
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Natalie Chen
•Wow, thank you so much for this detailed info! This is exactly what I needed. You're a lifesaver! 🙏
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Isaiah Thompson
•This is great advice. I'd add: bring snacks and water. You might be there a while!
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Ella Knight
PSA: If you're going to the SSA office, DO NOT FORGET TO BRING A PEN! They never have enough and you'll end up waiting even longer to fill out forms.
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William Schwarz
•Good tip! Also, bring a notebook to jot down any information or instructions they give you. It can be pretty overwhelming.
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Evelyn Martinez
Has anyone had any luck with the SSA phone system lately? Last time I tried, I was on hold for 2 hours and then got disconnected. I'm about ready to give up and just go to the office in person.
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Benjamin Carter
•Bruh, I feel you. Their phone system is a joke. I've had better luck calling right when they open, but it's still a crapshoot.
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Maya Lewis
•Try calling on Wednesday or Thursday. For some reason, those days seem to have shorter wait times. At least in my experience.
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Isaac Wright
•Also, try calling later in the afternoon. I've found the wait times tend to drop after lunch.
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Noah Irving
Hot take: the SSA system is deliberately complicated to discourage people from claiming benefits. Change my mind. 🤔
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Vanessa Chang
•Tin foil hat much? 🤣 Nah, I think it's just good old-fashioned government inefficiency.
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Madison King
•You might be onto something there. It does seem suspiciously difficult sometimes...
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Julian Paolo
•While it's easy to think that, I believe the complexity is more due to the need to prevent fraud and misuse of the system.
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Amelia Dietrich
I'm in the same boat as you, OP. Been trying to sort out my benefits for weeks now. This whole system is so frustrating. Why can't they make it easier for us? 😤
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Kaiya Rivera
•Preach! 🙌 It's like they purposely make it difficult so people will give up.
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Natalie Chen
•Ugh, sorry you're dealing with this too. Hopefully we both get our issues sorted out soon!
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Katherine Ziminski
•I think it's a combination of outdated systems and understaffed offices. It's not that they want it to be hard, but resources are limited.
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Samantha Johnson
Ugh, dealing with SSA is such a pain in the ass. I had to go there last month to update my address and it took FOREVER. Bring a book or download some games on your phone, you're gonna be there a while.
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Nick Kravitz
•For real tho. I waited 3 hours just to be told I was missing a document. FML 🤦♂️
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Natalie Chen
•Damn, that sounds rough. How early should I get there to avoid the worst of the crowds?
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Samantha Johnson
•I got there right when they opened and there was already a line. Maybe try like 30 mins before opening? Good luck!
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Santiago Martinez
First things first, you need to figure out what exactly you need from SSA. Are you applying for benefits, updating your information, or something else? Once you know that, you can check their website for the specific office location in LA that handles your issue. Be prepared for a long wait time tho, SSA is notorious for being slow af 🐌
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Ruby Garcia
lmao good luck. SSA is where dreams go to die and patience goes to be tested. May the odds be ever in your favor 😂
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Alexander Evans
•I hear you! I once had to go back three times because each time I was told I needed a different document. It's a test of willpower for sure.
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Mateo Silva
I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/g7EAnpuazcI
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Victoria Jones
•Wait, what? You paid money to make a phone call? That sounds sketchy af
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Mateo Silva
•I know it sounds weird, but it actually worked for me. Saved me hours of waiting on hold. Worth every penny imo
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Cameron Black
•Idk man, seems like a scam. Why should we have to pay extra just to talk to someone at a government agency?
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Mateo Silva
•I get the skepticism, but it's legit. They're not affiliated with SSA, just a service that does the waiting for you. Totally optional, but it saved me a ton of time and stress
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Michael Green
•I've heard mixed reviews about Claimyr. While it can be a lifesaver for those with urgent matters or those who can't physically wait on the phone, users should be cautious and evaluate if it's necessary for their situation.
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Lucy Taylor
Anyone know if the LA office is still requiring masks? I lost mine and don't wanna get turned away after waiting in line forever.
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Connor Murphy
•Better safe than sorry, just wear one. Even if they don't require it, you'll be in a crowded room with a bunch of strangers. 😷
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Natalie Chen
•Good question, I hadn't even thought about that. I'll make sure to bring one just in case.
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KhalilStar
•Most government offices still require masks due to the high volume of visitors, especially during flu season.
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