Berkeley Social Security Administration Office

2045 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA - 94704

Phone

(877) 531-4696

Fax

(833) 950-2448

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Web address

http://www.ssa.gov/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/socialsecurity

Twitter

https://twitter.com/socialsecurity

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57 Comments

  1. Dec 19, 2023

    Do I have to make appointment to update my status?

  2. Aug 3, 2023

    How to change auto-deposit of my SS to a new bank account.

  3. Jun 7, 2023

    I had turned in paperwork for an appeal within the 10 days to continue getting payments and handed it to lady at window 1 who apparently never submitted it because I stopped getting payments and now I am getting no income. I need to speak to a supervisor.

  4. May 4, 2023

    I went to the Berkeley social security administration, for an elderly earning records information. The lady / clerk who assisted us on window 1 was rude, unfriendly, and unwilling to assist as if she didn’t understand what i was asking for, even said that she never heard of that request before. But at the same time she finished the paperwork with a wrong last name of the applicant, tho I gave her the ID. She made the first name with the applicants name and put the last name with my name (assistant). For this reason we had to wait for another call. This was not her first time, this happened; last week when I came to the same person for a different reason. You can easily notice hatred on her face. I am writing this short later while waiting on line for another call. I tried to call the 1800, but unable to reach them.

  5. Apr 1, 2023

    March 31- I waited twice on hold listening to the 'please wait' loop; then someone answered the phone but didn't speak. I tried again and after another 15 minute wait the same thing happened, though I could hear computer inputting and indistinct voices. So there was no way to get through since somebody didn't even know they were 'answering' the phone. I'm trying to become a Representative Payee for my very ill brother

  6. Jan 18, 2023

    I tried to call to make an appointment. Had to listen to the long message then was supposed to be directed to someone. Was supposedly transferred to speak to someone but 30 minutes later I'm still waiting, without any message about being on hold.

  7. Sep 28, 2022

    I need to make an appointment at the Downtown Berkeley Office, Your phone message encourages that but I don't see HOW to make an appt online, and trying by phone means endless waiting on the phone.

  8. Jul 20, 2022

    I need to meet with a worker about changes to my mothers income.

  9. Jul 15, 2022

    I called to your office 6 weeks ago to get a SSN no. but I was told there was a problem and it would take 4 weeks. I called back yesterday and was told to phone a number which when I finally got through to someone they told me I have to go onto the office. I returned to the office where I was told my application has not even been looked at and I probably won't even have it before I am due to go back home.

  10. Oct 16, 2021

    I've been trying to get documents processed in the Berkeley Social Security Office since 2020 but the phone number listed here to make an appointment either gets dropped or no one answers the phone. I mailed them my original passport as proof of citizenship but it was never mailed back to me. Seeing everyone's comments here now makes me afraid they've lost my passport too. It makes me so angry that our government office is inefficient and inept.

  11. Jul 12, 2021

    Called and got abused by a woman who insisted she didn't understand me when I told her why I need to apply for a SSN in person. As an immigrant, I have to show my documents, I cannot apply any other way. She was aggressive and rude, and refused to accept what I was saying. In the end I just hung up. Totally baffling, I haven't had anyone scream at me like that since I dealt with a debt collector on behalf of a family member. Since my call, I can't get anyone to answer the phone. How am I meant to get my SSN? It's totally absurd.

  12. May 25, 2021

    Service isn't just lousy, it's non-existent. I cannot access the national website (identification feature is broken) and cannot get anyone on the phone - the line simply drops me after I've been waiting for long stretches, again, and again, and again. So I cannot even make an appointment. I need to enroll in Medicare but it's proving to be impossible. This is completely unacceptable.

  13. May 6, 2021

    I just found out today that the social security # replacement I had requested for my adoptive daughter a month ago has not been processed and the office does not have any record of it - despite me having received a receipt from the office! When I asked to speak to a supervisor the call magically dropped. We need this done urgently and have no idea how to proceed.

  14. Apr 20, 2021

    Hello, I gave birth at home last November and need to get a SSN for my baby. Can you please tell me what I need to do and which forms I need to fill out? Thank you.

  15. Apr 15, 2021

    Good morning, I have tried to communicate with you many times and you cannot give me an answer or solution.

  16. Apr 8, 2021

    I would like to make an appt. at the SS Office in Berkeley so that I can file for SS benefits. How do I make an appt?

  17. Apr 7, 2021

    I dropped off an application a month ago for a replacement Social security card. I just phoned the main office to get status and they said the application has not been received? It's been a month, is the local office just sitting on it? I did receive back my identification 2 day's later. I need it for new employment. Dismayed

  18. Mar 23, 2021

    I requested information from SSN worker , he respond as he cannot answer my questions. Then hang up. I didn’t get any clearly information yet, how come he just hang up without any suggestions. At least I should get appointments with SSN Berkeley office before hanging up.

  19. Mar 23, 2021

    This is awful, i have been calling following all the directions, placed on hold for 15mins then the call automatically disconnects. Why do you not have an online appointment scheduler if you cannot accomodate via the phone!

  20. Mar 18, 2021

    I want to apply for an SSN because I have participated in volunteer work at UC Berkeley. I am wondering when I could send the required materials to you in person. I have called you several times but did not receive your feedback. Thank you very much!

  21. Mar 8, 2021

    I could not get through. Dial 0 to speak to agent. The phone disconnects. I dial back and the same thing happens. I am very disappointed.

  22. Mar 8, 2021

    I have been calling for 20 times. It took me hours and I never reach a person. It does not even allow me to wait. It automatically hanged up for me. This is the worst ever.

  23. Mar 3, 2021

    I called but got cut off twice before reaching a person.

  24. Mar 1, 2021

    45 minutes on hold to speak to someone, switch me to a office in Philadelphia. He tells me the number on the website is not the number to the Berkeley office. it’s the national number. I call the number 30 minutes later it cuts me off. i did not speak to anyone on my problem . everything that tell you not true. no help with anything! the new Normal! Good luck your going to need it. -000 Stars, fall big time.

  25. Feb 25, 2021

    I received a notice to come to an appointment, but the guard at the office this morning said that I was not on the list of scheduled appointments?

  26. Feb 2, 2021

    You guys are just the worst. I have an urgent need to get a social security card, and I call and I call. And your system either hangs up on me right away after I select it is not about covid 19 and I need to speak to someone, or, worse, it puts me on hold for 25 minutes, and THEN hangs up on me. There must be a programmer who actually set this up in their call system intentionally; otherwise, they have the flakiest phone system in existence. I bet they have it do this intentionally, because most people would give up. I have been calling over a 2 weeks period, and only once did I reach someone, and they told me I had to mail my paperwork. I doubt you read this or if you do, you probably laugh. I don't think it is funny to work at a government agency where you can affect people's ability to make a living. I work at a government agency, and I try to actually help people.

  27. Dec 30, 2020

    I spoke to a representative from your office about suspected fraud claims made using my name. I was told I would receive a call about an in person meeting as follow up. I am waiting for this call and meeting.

  28. Dec 2, 2020

    I've been calling for three days no answer.

  29. Dec 1, 2020

    I tried to resolve a billing problem and was immediately rudely dismissed. I suspect that you have incorrect information about me and therefore are dismissing me. I have received social security since 1974. I would like an opportunity to speak in person with a representative.

  30. Nov 4, 2020

    I need help applying for permanent disability, I would like to get an appointment with your staff, to get me on the right path to apply.

  31. Nov 3, 2020

    Good Morning. Hope your morning is going well. I would like to check on the status on my medicare. The last person I spoke with Mr. Johnson. That was a few weeks ago. Its been hard to get through over the phone. Not much luck on getting through on the phone to speak with someone. Thank you

  32. Oct 16, 2020

    SS during COVID is the definition of RED TAPE and complete frustration. I cannot log in online as I get an error msg every time saying 'you have misentered your login three times and have been locked out of your account'. I have NOT changed my pass info and I suspect a problem with the system or with identity fraud. BUT, in trying daily to call (my only option now)...and sitting on hold for hours, I can never get a real person. So, I am in red tape hell and have no alternative to get the important info and help that I need! This gives me little confidence in the SS Administration, nor my funds that I have every right to access and soon to begin drawing on IF I can ever get a real person on the phone to help me.

  33. Oct 9, 2020

    Hello I am new immigrant in USA a need information about how to apply for receiving a social security number please thank you.

  34. Sep 21, 2020

    I would like to get a 3 month print out of my income verification of called into the office last week I didn't realize I was going to need it like tomorrow hopefully I receive it in the mail today but in the meantime Is It Anyway I can go online print that out

  35. Sep 18, 2020

    Can I make an appointment in person to verify my age for Medicare. I can't mail my passport to your office since I need it for travel in about 1 month besides I don't want to risk to chance of losing it in the mail.

  36. Sep 10, 2020

    I need to replace my social security card because I can't find it.

  37. Sep 5, 2020

    My name is Anna Lee. I would like to apply for a social security number. Therefore, I would like to make an appointment.

  38. Aug 10, 2020

    i was trying to apply online for benfits an were unable to go

  39. Jun 15, 2020

    Where is my replacement social security card?

  40. Jun 1, 2020

    I want to make an appointment for my new social security card..im new immigrant and have got my green card but not ss#..so, do you have any appointment on Tuesday and Thursday?

  41. Mar 11, 2020

    I will be 65 this June 2020. I am currently in Thailand. I had planned to fly back this June, but what with the coronavirus situation, I am hoping to be able to apply on-line from over here.

  42. Dec 30, 2019

    I want to make an appointment to sign up for Medicare. I called above number. Do you have any appoitments this Thursday or Friday?

  43. Sep 11, 2019

    If I have lost my social security card and I also just got married, am I able to replace it with my new name without the old one if I have a passport and name change documents ?

  44. Sep 1, 2019

    Dear ms/sir, ESTABLISH CONTACT WHILE ABROAD: URGENT Due to the FACTA law all dual citizens of the US and other countries have to get a Social Security Number. I am URGENTLY trying to find out whether I have a SSN. It may be the case that I applied for one during my stay in Berkeley, but I am not sure. The problem is that I cannot come in person to your office. I tried to call but the waiting times are too long for me, and waiting for only 20 minutes already costs an enormous amount of money, which I don't have. The calling back service unfortunately does not work for me. Best wishes

  45. Aug 30, 2019

    Am I able to get a copy of my birth certificate from Berkeley if I was born in San Francisco

  46. Aug 2, 2019

    Not happy

  47. Jun 24, 2019

    I would like to set an appointment for my son David Terry to file disability for him.

  48. Jun 4, 2019

    When I call social security, I know the wait will be forever, so I use their call-me-back feature. Then I can go about my business and when I'm at the front of the queue, they call me. Waiting on hold is my idea of hell: you can't leave, you can't do anything, and you have to listen to their myoozik. As far as the Berkeley office is concerned, I've been there multiple times and in the past few years, never had a problem. In fact the employees I've come in contact with have been uniformly helpful and well informed. There are a few 'Oh-please-don't-let-that-one-be-for-me' people, but the luck of the draw has smiled upon me. Recently, my son and I went in to get replacement Social Security cards (burned up in a fire). We were in and out in 20 minutes. I do recall that well in the past, it was a different story -- long waits, rude ill-informed officials, but in the last few years, it's really changed.

  49. Apr 22, 2019

    DO NOT BOTHER CALLING to make an appointment for a name change!!!! I stayed on hold for 40 minutes waiting to make an appointment over the phone and after ALL THAT, the person who answered told me they don't even accept appointments for SS name changes - you just need to come in person (or mail in) all the proper paperwork. Please update this website to clearly explain what you CAN vs. CANNOT make appointments for!

  50. Apr 8, 2019

    I file doubt the paper to replace my social security card but the guy behind the counter insisted that he fill out the information on his computer and that I give him the paper to shred. Thought that was fine at the time, but now that it's been nearly a year without any news I'm becoming quite annoyed. I want to go back and try again, but not if I'm going to be ghosted again.

  51. Mar 26, 2019

    Why don't you develop a system to sign up for appointments online instead of having people on hold unreasonable amounts of time? I have spent 2 hrs. already THIS week trying to get info.

  52. Oct 4, 2018

    Over an hour wait on the phone just to make an appointment? You have to be kidding.

  53. Jul 25, 2018

    Following the recommendation on this site, I called today to set up an appointment. The recording said no one was available and hung up on me. This is no way to run a business.

  54. Jun 18, 2018

    I have tried twice now to simply book an appointment, per the site instructions, to no avail. I waited almost two hours on hold with the number provided with no connection, despite the estimated time of half that. The second time was equally problematic. Why is this impossible to do? I need to meet with an administrator to review options and to sign up for medicare. How do I get help to set up an appointment if the phone number is not effective?

  55. May 30, 2018

    The instructions on the website say you can call the number after business hours and that someone will call you back, but that is not true, they just tell you to call back during business ours. So the information for that is erroneous.

  56. May 16, 2018

    Hello, I recently got married and would like to change my name. Do I need to schedule an appointment? If so how can I do that. Also, can you tell me what I will need to bring during my appointment?

  57. Dec 17, 2015

    I came into the SS office in Berkeley in response to a letter I'd received from SS and took a number to await a representative. As the office waiting area was full and no seats were available, I waited outside the door and periodically poked my head in to see if my number was up. After 45 minutes, I saw that my number had come and gone, so I went in and asked the guard if I could be seen next, as my number had passed. He very rudely told me I would have to take a new number and start the wait all over, then slouched back in his chair. I have no tolerance for this kind of rude lack of service, so in future I'll put up with the long waits on the phone line and conduct all my business by phone or mail -- whcih is probably what the SSA wants us to do anyway.



Did you see a problem with this listing?

****IMPORTANT: Social Security offices are offering more in-person appointments and have resumed in-person services for people without an appointment. To avoid waiting in line, they strongly encourage people to use the online services at https://www.ssa.gov/onlineservices or call them to schedule appointments in advance rather than walking in without an appointment.



The Berkeley social security administration office determines eligibility and pays benefits to those entitled to survivor benefits. Determines eligibility and pays benefits to the entitled legally blind. Determines eligibility and pays retirement benefits to those entitled aged 62 and older.

Location: the office is located between Milvia and Shattuck. On Bart exit at the Berkeley downtown station; Allston is one block south of the main exit; right on Allston 1/2 block. From freeway 880 take university ave exit; east to Shattuck ave; right on Shattuck to Allston (3 blocks); right on Allston 1/2 block. Numerous bus lines run along Shattuck ave.



Top Online Services on SSA.gov

You can go online at: https://www.ssa.gov for the following services. You can take care of these things without making an appointment at your local office.

Apply for Benefits
- Apply for Retirement Benefits
- Apply for Disability Benefits
- Apply for Medicare Benefits
- Appeal a Decision

Check Your Account Information
- View Your Latest SS Statement
- Review Your Earnings History
- Estimate Your Retirement Benefits
- Check Your Application Status

Updates To Your Account
- Change Your Address
- Direct Deposit Setup and Changes
- Print Proof of Benefits
- Print Out Your 1099 Form


SSI makes monthly payments to people who have low income and few resources and are:
Age 65 or older;
Blind; or
Disabled.

If you are applying for SSI, you can complete a large part of your application by visiting our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. You also can call us toll-free at (877) 531-4696 to ask for an appointment with a Social Security representative.

Parents or guardians usually can apply for blind or disabled children under age 18. In some cases, other third parties can apply for children.

You should bring certain items when you apply. Even if you do not have all of the things listed below, apply anyway. The people in the Social Security office can help you get whatever is needed.
Please bring:
- Your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number;
- Your birth certificate or other proof of your age;
- Information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord's name;
- Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records and other information about your income and the things you own;
- The names, addresses and telephone numbers of doctors, hospitals and clinics that you have been to, if you are applying for SSI because you are disabled or blind;
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status; and
- Your checkbook or other papers that show your bank, credit union or savings and loan account number. If you are approved for SSI, you must receive your
payments electronically. Payments may be made via direct deposit, the Direct Express® card program or an Electronic Transfer Account. For more information, visit www.GoDirect.org.


How to apply online?
Visit www.socialsecurity.gov and select 'Apply online for disabilitybenefits.'
Fill out the Disability Benefit Application
Answer the questions on the Adult Disability Report
Mail or take the documents to this Social Security office.

The online forms are available to you seven days a week during the following hours (Eastern time):
Monday-Friday: 5 a.m. until 1 a.m.
Saturday: 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.
Holidays: 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Opening Up a MySocialSecurity Account
If you paid in to Social Security or are looking for benefits, you will need to open a 'my Social Security' account. This is an online account directly from the Social Security Administration that lets you keep track of and manage your SSA benefits, and allows you to make changes to your Social Security record. My Social Security Account

Getting a Social Security Card OR Replacing A Social Security Card OR Correcting A Social Security Card
1. Learn what documents you'll need to get an original, replacement, or corrected Social Security card, whether it's for a child or adult, U.S. citizen or noncitizen. Documents List.
2. Read the instructions for and fill out an application for a new, replacement, or corrected card. Social Security Forms
3. Social Security cards aren't processed online. Print your application and find out where to take it in person or mail it.

Missing Social Security Checks or Payments
Contact the agency. The paying agency will provide you instructions on how to file a claim File the claim with the paying agency. (800) 772-1213.

Supplemental Security Income
Pays benefits based on financial need.

Social Security Disability
Public social insurance programs that replace income lost because of a physical or mental impairment severe enough to prevent a previously employed person from working. Monthly cash benefits are paid to the eligible individual with a disability and his or her eligible dependents throughout the period of disability.

SSI
SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. People who have worked long enough may also be able to receive Social Security disability or retirement benefits as well as SSI.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do an application online for social security
Yes. You can apply for benefits online (retirement, disability, medicare). Visit https://www.ssa.gov.
How do I apply for a replacement Social Security number card?
There is no cost to obtain a free or new Social Security Card. Get an application at this web link: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. Then, either mail in your application or visit your local office. Try to make an appointment before visiting your location Social Security Office.
How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security number card?
If you legally change your name due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you need to go to your local office.
How do I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?
It is recommended that you apply for retirement benefits three months before you want your payments to start. Applying online at https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib. One or more of the following documents may be needed in order to apply online. The end of the online application will provide instructions on where to submit them. The documents we may ask for are: Original birth certificate or other proof of birth [more info] (You may also submit a copy of your birth certificate certified by the issuing agency); Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States [more info]; Copy of your U.S. military service paper(s) (e.g., DD-214 - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) if you had military service before 1968; [more info]; and Copy of your W-2 form(s) [more info] and/or self-employment tax return [more info] for last year.
How long will it take to get a Social Security card?
The Social Security Administration will mail your Social Security card as soon as they have all of the necessary information and have verified the appropriate documents. Generally, you will get your card within 10 business days from the date on your receipt.
How long would it take to get by mail my Disability Benefits Award Letter?
An award letter, AKA award notice, is what shows that a claim for benefits has been approved.
The Award letter is usually mailed to the recipient within a few months of Social Security approving their benefit application.
The Social Security office does not have an established deadline for mailing the award letters. Some claimants will get their letters even after Social Security has issued their first benefit payment or earlier than that.
The wait is longer if your case was decided on a hearing.
Apply for Benefits Here.
Can I schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment with Social Security, through your website?
No. We do not have direct contact with any of the offices listed on our website, we only provide the locations with the contact information, you must call them directly.
If I give you my Social Security Number and personal Information, can you check the Status of my case or check my application status?
No. We do not have direct contact with any of the offices listed on our website, we only provide the locations with the contact information, you must call them directly. We strongly advise that you do not provide your Social Security Number or personal information through this website or any other website. Contact your local Social Security office directly in order to obtain your case status or for more information.
What is SSI (Supplemental Security Income)?
SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children who have low income, few resources, and who are blind or disabled. SSI also provides monthly payments to people age 65 and older with limited income and resources, who are not blind or disabled.
How Much Can You Get from SSI?
The basic monthly federal amount for 2021 is the same nationwide:
$794 for one person, or
$1,191 for a couple



Not everyone gets the same amount. You may get more if you live in a state that adds money to the federal SSI payment. On the other hand, you may get less if you have other income such as wages, pensions, or Social Security benefits. You may also get less if someone pays your household expenses. You may also get less if you live with a spouse and he or she has income.
Should I Apply for SSI?
To get a monthly payment you must:
Be at least age 65 OR be blind or disabled;
Have limited income (wages, pensions, etc.);
Have limited resources (the things you own);
Be a U.S. citizen, a national of the U.S., or some noncitizens; and
Reside in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands.

Exception: The children of military parent(s) assigned to permanent duty outside the U.S. and certain students temporarily abroad may receive SSI payments outside the U.S.
How Can You Apply for SSI?
You can apply for SSI by calling our toll-free number at 877-483-0689. The phone lines are open between 8 am and 7 pm. Office staff can provide more information about SSI and schedule an appointment to take your application over the telephone.

Closest Area Social Security Offices