List of Social Security Offices in Montana

On this page, you will find a list of the 9 Social Security office locations in Montana.

If you need help with any Social Security problems in Montana, including questions about your social security benefits or how to get a new social security card, this directory will give you all the information you need.

Choose one of the cities below to find the Social Security office details you need to visit or make an appointment. We provide the local phone number, the address with a map, and the office hours they are open.

Cities in Montana with No Social Security Offices

If you live in a city that doesn't have a Social Security office, you can find your nearest office using the table below, along with the distance from your city.

City Nearest Office Distance
Absarokee Billings, Montana 49 miles
Acton Billings, Montana 13 miles
Alberton Missoula, Montana 22 miles
Alder Butte, Montana 50 miles
Alzada Rapid City, South Dakota 87 miles
Amsterdam Bozeman, Montana 12 miles
Anaconda Butte, Montana 31 miles
Antelope Williston, North Dakota 53 miles
Argenta Butte, Montana 52 miles
Arlee Missoula, Montana 19 miles
Ashland Sheridan, Wyoming 65 miles
Augusta Great Falls, Montana 53 miles
Avon Helena, Montana 27 miles
Ayers Ranch Colony Billings, Montana 90 miles
Azure Havre, Montana 18 miles
Babb Kalispell, Montana 62 miles
Bainville Williston, North Dakota 28 miles
Baker Williston, North Dakota 127 miles
Ballantine Billings, Montana 21 miles
Basin Butte, Montana 23 miles
Batavia Kalispell, Montana 4 miles
Bearcreek Cody, Wyoming 44 miles
Bear Dance Kalispell, Montana 24 miles
Beaver Creek Havre, Montana 5 miles
Belfry Cody, Wyoming 43 miles
Belgrade Bozeman, Montana 7 miles
Belknap Kalispell, Montana 62 miles
Belt Great Falls, Montana 17 miles
Biddle Sheridan, Wyoming 83 miles
Big Arm Kalispell, Montana 28 miles
Bigfork Kalispell, Montana 15 miles
Big Sandy Havre, Montana 33 miles
Big Sky Bozeman, Montana 34 miles
Big Sky Colony Kalispell, Montana 84 miles
Big Stone Colony Great Falls, Montana 6 miles
Big Timber Bozeman, Montana 55 miles
Birch Creek Colony Great Falls, Montana 77 miles
Birney Sheridan, Wyoming 42 miles
Black Eagle Great Falls, Montana 3 miles
Blackfoot Kalispell, Montana 72 miles
Bloomfield Williston, North Dakota 79 miles
Boneau Havre, Montana 20 miles
Bonner-West Riverside Missoula, Montana 7 miles
Boulder Helena, Montana 25 miles
Box Elder Havre, Montana 23 miles
Boyd Billings, Montana 35 miles
Brady Great Falls, Montana 47 miles
Brandon Butte, Montana 40 miles
Bridger Billings, Montana 39 miles
Bridger Bozeman, Montana 11 miles
Broadus Sheridan, Wyoming 89 miles
Broadview Billings, Montana 28 miles
Brockton Williston, North Dakota 60 miles
Brockway Glasgow, Montana 74 miles
Brooks Great Falls, Montana 89 miles
Browning Kalispell, Montana 66 miles
Bull Lake Coeur D Alene, Idaho 56 miles
Busby Sheridan, Wyoming 50 miles
Bynum Great Falls, Montana 59 miles
Camas Kalispell, Montana 43 miles
Camp Three Billings, Montana 45 miles
Camrose Colony Great Falls, Montana 59 miles
Canyon Creek Helena, Montana 18 miles
Cardwell Butte, Montana 28 miles
Carlton Missoula, Montana 15 miles
Carter Great Falls, Montana 25 miles
Cascade Great Falls, Montana 25 miles
Cascade Colony Great Falls, Montana 26 miles
Centerville Great Falls, Montana 9 miles
Charlo Missoula, Montana 38 miles
Charlos Heights Missoula, Montana 53 miles
Chester Havre, Montana 59 miles
Chinook Havre, Montana 21 miles
Choteau Great Falls, Montana 48 miles
Churchill Bozeman, Montana 11 miles
Circle Glasgow, Montana 73 miles
Clancy Helena, Montana 9 miles
Clinton Missoula, Montana 18 miles
Clyde Park Bozeman, Montana 26 miles
Coffee Creek Great Falls, Montana 56 miles
Colstrip Sheridan, Wyoming 76 miles
Columbia Falls Kalispell, Montana 14 miles
Columbus Billings, Montana 37 miles
Condon Missoula, Montana 47 miles
Conner Missoula, Montana 66 miles
Conrad Great Falls, Montana 57 miles
Cooke City Cody, Wyoming 55 miles
Coram Kalispell, Montana 20 miles
Corvallis Missoula, Montana 40 miles
Corwin Springs Bozeman, Montana 44 miles
Craig Helena, Montana 33 miles
Crane Williston, North Dakota 50 miles
Crow Agency Billings, Montana 52 miles
Culbertson Williston, North Dakota 41 miles
Custer Billings, Montana 52 miles
Cut Bank Great Falls, Montana 93 miles
Cyr Missoula, Montana 27 miles
Danvers Great Falls, Montana 75 miles
Darby Missoula, Montana 60 miles
Dayton Kalispell, Montana 23 miles
De Borgia Missoula, Montana 70 miles
Deerfield Colony Great Falls, Montana 76 miles
Deer Lodge Butte, Montana 30 miles
Dell Butte, Montana 88 miles
Denton Great Falls, Montana 63 miles
Dewey Butte, Montana 22 miles
Dillon Butte, Montana 54 miles
Dixon Missoula, Montana 32 miles
Dodson Havre, Montana 67 miles
Drummond Missoula, Montana 45 miles
Duncan Ranch Colony Bozeman, Montana 71 miles
Dupuyer Great Falls, Montana 75 miles
Dutton Great Falls, Montana 32 miles
Eagle Creek Colony Havre, Montana 71 miles
East End Colony Havre, Montana 15 miles
East Glacier Park Village Kalispell, Montana 54 miles
East Helena Helena, Montana 6 miles
East Malta Colony Glasgow, Montana 46 miles
East Missoula Missoula, Montana 5 miles
Edgar Billings, Montana 28 miles
Ekalaka Rapid City, South Dakota 139 miles
Elkhorn Helena, Montana 23 miles
Elliston Helena, Montana 19 miles
Elmo Kalispell, Montana 25 miles
Emigrant Bozeman, Montana 29 miles
Ennis Bozeman, Montana 41 miles
Essex Kalispell, Montana 34 miles
Eureka Kalispell, Montana 57 miles
Evaro Missoula, Montana 10 miles
Evergreen Kalispell, Montana 3 miles
Fairfield Great Falls, Montana 34 miles
Fair Haven Colony Great Falls, Montana 18 miles
Fairview Williston, North Dakota 28 miles
Fallon Williston, North Dakota 115 miles
Finley Point Kalispell, Montana 34 miles
Fishtail Billings, Montana 53 miles
Flat Willow Colony Billings, Montana 65 miles
Flaxville Glasgow, Montana 79 miles
Florence Missoula, Montana 18 miles
Floweree Great Falls, Montana 20 miles
Fords Creek Colony Billings, Montana 95 miles
Forest Hill Village Kalispell, Montana 7 miles
Forsyth Billings, Montana 94 miles
Fort Belknap Agency Havre, Montana 42 miles
Fort Benton Great Falls, Montana 36 miles
Fortine Kalispell, Montana 47 miles
Fort Peck Glasgow, Montana 16 miles
Fort Shaw Great Falls, Montana 25 miles
Fort Smith Billings, Montana 43 miles
Forty Mile Colony Sheridan, Wyoming 37 miles
Four Corners Bozeman, Montana 8 miles
Fox Billings, Montana 49 miles
Fox Lake Williston, North Dakota 57 miles
Frazer Glasgow, Montana 29 miles
Frenchtown Missoula, Montana 12 miles
Froid Williston, North Dakota 42 miles
Fromberg Billings, Montana 33 miles
Gallatin Gateway Bozeman, Montana 10 miles
Gallatin River Ranch Bozeman, Montana 18 miles
Gardiner Bozeman, Montana 50 miles
Garrison Helena, Montana 37 miles
Geraldine Great Falls, Montana 48 miles
Geyser Great Falls, Montana 40 miles
Gibson Flats Great Falls, Montana 1 miles
Gildford Havre, Montana 29 miles
Gildford Colony Havre, Montana 33 miles
Gilman Great Falls, Montana 51 miles
Glacier Colony Great Falls, Montana 103 miles
Glen Butte, Montana 37 miles
Glendale Colony Kalispell, Montana 94 miles
Glendive Williston, North Dakota 89 miles
Goldcreek Helena, Montana 43 miles
Golden Valley Colony Billings, Montana 49 miles
Grant Butte, Montana 73 miles
Grass Range Billings, Montana 87 miles
Greycliff Billings, Montana 62 miles
Hall Missoula, Montana 45 miles
Hamilton Missoula, Montana 45 miles
Happys Inn Kalispell, Montana 38 miles
Hardin Billings, Montana 44 miles
Hardy Great Falls, Montana 33 miles
Harlem Havre, Montana 41 miles
Harlowton Bozeman, Montana 78 miles
Harrison Bozeman, Montana 34 miles
Hartland Colony Havre, Montana 29 miles
Haugan Coeur D Alene, Idaho 68 miles
Havre North Havre, Montana 1 miles
Hays Havre, Montana 60 miles
Heart Butte Kalispell, Montana 70 miles
Hebgen Lake Estates Bozeman, Montana 65 miles
Helena Flats Kalispell, Montana 7 miles
Helena Valley Northeast Helena, Montana 9 miles
Helena Valley Northwest Helena, Montana 9 miles
Helena Valley Southeast Helena, Montana 7 miles
Helena Valley West Central Helena, Montana 5 miles
Helena West Side Helena, Montana 4 miles
Helmville Helena, Montana 48 miles
Heron Coeur D Alene, Idaho 45 miles
Herron Havre, Montana 5 miles
Hidden Lake Colony Kalispell, Montana 85 miles
Highwood Great Falls, Montana 23 miles
Hilger Havre, Montana 91 miles
Hilldale Colony Havre, Montana 18 miles
Hillside Colony Great Falls, Montana 110 miles
Hingham Havre, Montana 34 miles
Hinsdale Glasgow, Montana 25 miles
Hobson Great Falls, Montana 74 miles
Hogeland Havre, Montana 51 miles
Homestead Williston, North Dakota 46 miles
Horizon Colony Great Falls, Montana 96 miles
Hot Springs Kalispell, Montana 44 miles
Hungry Horse Kalispell, Montana 18 miles
Huntley Billings, Montana 13 miles
Huson Missoula, Montana 17 miles
Hysham Billings, Montana 71 miles
Indian Springs Kalispell, Montana 62 miles
Inverness Havre, Montana 46 miles
Ismay Williston, North Dakota 127 miles
Jackson Butte, Montana 61 miles
Jardine Bozeman, Montana 49 miles
Jeffers Bozeman, Montana 40 miles
Jefferson City Helena, Montana 14 miles
Jette Kalispell, Montana 34 miles
Joliet Billings, Montana 30 miles
Joplin Havre, Montana 50 miles
Jordan Glasgow, Montana 62 miles
Judith Gap Billings, Montana 86 miles
Kerr Kalispell, Montana 37 miles
Kevin Great Falls, Montana 93 miles
Kicking Horse Missoula, Montana 39 miles
Kila Kalispell, Montana 8 miles
Kilby Butte Colony Billings, Montana 53 miles
King Arthur Park Bozeman, Montana 4 miles
King Ranch Colony Great Falls, Montana 82 miles
Kingsbury Colony Great Falls, Montana 80 miles
Kings Point Kalispell, Montana 31 miles
Klein Billings, Montana 43 miles
Kremlin Havre, Montana 19 miles
Lake Mary Ronan Kalispell, Montana 18 miles
Lakeside Kalispell, Montana 13 miles
Lakeview Idaho Falls, Idaho 78 miles
Lame Deer Sheridan, Wyoming 58 miles
Landusky Havre, Montana 66 miles
Laredo Havre, Montana 13 miles
Laurel Billings, Montana 15 miles
Lavina Billings, Montana 41 miles
Lewistown Great Falls, Montana 91 miles
Lewistown Heights Great Falls, Montana 90 miles
Libby Kalispell, Montana 58 miles
Lima Idaho Falls, Idaho 85 miles
Lincoln Helena, Montana 39 miles
Lindisfarne Kalispell, Montana 27 miles
Lindsay Williston, North Dakota 96 miles
Little Bitterroot Lake Kalispell, Montana 18 miles
Little Browning Great Falls, Montana 94 miles
Livingston Bozeman, Montana 25 miles
Lockwood Billings, Montana 5 miles
Lodge Grass Sheridan, Wyoming 40 miles
Lodge Pole Havre, Montana 64 miles
Logan Bozeman, Montana 21 miles
Lolo Missoula, Montana 9 miles
Loma Great Falls, Montana 47 miles
Lonepine Kalispell, Montana 37 miles
Loring Colony Glasgow, Montana 74 miles
Luther Cody, Wyoming 55 miles
Malmstrom AFB Great Falls, Montana 4 miles
Malta Glasgow, Montana 58 miles
Mammoth Butte, Montana 33 miles
Manhattan Bozeman, Montana 16 miles
Marion Kalispell, Montana 16 miles
Martin City Kalispell, Montana 19 miles
Martinsdale Bozeman, Montana 63 miles
Martinsdale Colony Bozeman, Montana 66 miles
Marysville Helena, Montana 16 miles
Maverick Mountain Butte, Montana 49 miles
Maxville Butte, Montana 48 miles
McAllister Bozeman, Montana 37 miles
Medicine Lake Williston, North Dakota 47 miles
Melstone Billings, Montana 64 miles
Midway Colony Great Falls, Montana 53 miles
Miles City Sheridan, Wyoming 124 miles
Milford Colony Great Falls, Montana 45 miles
Miller Colony Great Falls, Montana 57 miles
Moccasin Great Falls, Montana 70 miles
Monarch Great Falls, Montana 33 miles
Montana City Helena, Montana 6 miles
Montaqua Billings, Montana 27 miles
Moore Great Falls, Montana 82 miles
Mountain View Colony Billings, Montana 22 miles
Muddy Sheridan, Wyoming 57 miles
Musselshell Billings, Montana 55 miles
Nashua Glasgow, Montana 14 miles
Neihart Great Falls, Montana 46 miles
New Miami Colony Great Falls, Montana 68 miles
New Rockport Colony Great Falls, Montana 44 miles
Niarada Kalispell, Montana 27 miles
Nibbe Billings, Montana 27 miles
Norris Bozeman, Montana 31 miles
North Browning Kalispell, Montana 66 miles
North Harlem Colony Havre, Montana 42 miles
Noxon Coeur D Alene, Idaho 50 miles
Nye Bozeman, Montana 64 miles
Old Agency Missoula, Montana 33 miles
Olney Kalispell, Montana 27 miles
Opheim Glasgow, Montana 47 miles
Orchard Homes Missoula, Montana 2 miles
Outlook Williston, North Dakota 73 miles
Ovando Missoula, Montana 44 miles
Pablo Kalispell, Montana 43 miles
Paradise Missoula, Montana 50 miles
Park City Billings, Montana 22 miles
Parker School Havre, Montana 21 miles
Peerless Glasgow, Montana 55 miles
Pendroy Great Falls, Montana 63 miles
Philipsburg Butte, Montana 44 miles
Piltzville Missoula, Montana 9 miles
Pine Creek Bozeman, Montana 29 miles
Pinesdale Missoula, Montana 40 miles
Pinnacle Kalispell, Montana 33 miles
Pioneer Junction Kalispell, Montana 55 miles
Plains Missoula, Montana 56 miles
Pleasant Valley Colony Great Falls, Montana 14 miles
Plentywood Williston, North Dakota 61 miles
Plevna Williston, North Dakota 127 miles
Polebridge Kalispell, Montana 39 miles
Polson Kalispell, Montana 36 miles
Pompeys Pillar Billings, Montana 30 miles
Pondera Colony Great Falls, Montana 75 miles
Ponderosa Pines Bozeman, Montana 26 miles
Pony Butte, Montana 38 miles
Poplar Glasgow, Montana 67 miles
Potomac Missoula, Montana 22 miles
Power Great Falls, Montana 25 miles
Prairie Elk Colony Glasgow, Montana 41 miles
Pray Bozeman, Montana 30 miles
Pryor Billings, Montana 24 miles
Racetrack Butte, Montana 23 miles
Rader Creek Butte, Montana 14 miles
Radersburg Helena, Montana 34 miles
Rapelje Billings, Montana 38 miles
Ravalli Missoula, Montana 27 miles
Raynesford Great Falls, Montana 29 miles
Red Lodge Cody, Wyoming 46 miles
Redstone Williston, North Dakota 76 miles
Reed Point Billings, Montana 50 miles
Reserve Williston, North Dakota 49 miles
Rexford Kalispell, Montana 62 miles
Rhodes Kalispell, Montana 8 miles
Riceville Great Falls, Montana 24 miles
Richey Williston, North Dakota 76 miles
Rimini Helena, Montana 13 miles
Rimrock Colony Great Falls, Montana 105 miles
Riverbend Missoula, Montana 41 miles
Riverview Colony Great Falls, Montana 49 miles
Roberts Billings, Montana 43 miles
Rockport Colony Great Falls, Montana 69 miles
Rockvale Billings, Montana 25 miles
Rocky Boy's Agency Havre, Montana 21 miles
Rocky Boy West Havre, Montana 23 miles
Rocky Point Kalispell, Montana 33 miles
Rollins Kalispell, Montana 21 miles
Ronan Missoula, Montana 44 miles
Roscoe Billings, Montana 56 miles
Rosebud Sheridan, Wyoming 105 miles
Roundup Billings, Montana 46 miles
Roy Havre, Montana 91 miles
Rudyard Havre, Montana 40 miles
Ryegate Billings, Montana 51 miles
Saco Glasgow, Montana 37 miles
Saddle Butte Havre, Montana 2 miles
Sage Creek Colony Havre, Montana 65 miles
Saltese Coeur D Alene, Idaho 62 miles
Sand Coulee Great Falls, Montana 7 miles
Sangrey Havre, Montana 20 miles
Santa Rita Great Falls, Montana 97 miles
Sapphire Ridge Great Falls, Montana 63 miles
Savage Williston, North Dakota 59 miles
Scobey Glasgow, Montana 70 miles
Sedan Bozeman, Montana 20 miles
Seeley Lake Missoula, Montana 33 miles
Seville Colony Kalispell, Montana 88 miles
Shawmut Billings, Montana 62 miles
Shelby Great Falls, Montana 76 miles
Shepherd Billings, Montana 14 miles
Sheridan Butte, Montana 40 miles
Sidney Williston, North Dakota 39 miles
Silesia Billings, Montana 22 miles
Silver Gate Cody, Wyoming 56 miles
Silver Star Butte, Montana 24 miles
Simms Great Falls, Montana 31 miles
Sleeping Buffalo Glasgow, Montana 46 miles
Snowslip Kalispell, Montana 41 miles
Somers Kalispell, Montana 10 miles
South Browning Kalispell, Montana 66 miles
South Glastonbury Bozeman, Montana 30 miles
South Hills Helena, Montana 3 miles
Spokane Creek Helena, Montana 15 miles
Spring Creek Colony Great Falls, Montana 81 miles
Springdale Bozeman, Montana 41 miles
Springdale Colony Helena, Montana 49 miles
Springhill Bozeman, Montana 9 miles
Springwater Colony Billings, Montana 76 miles
Square Butte Great Falls, Montana 50 miles
Stanford Great Falls, Montana 54 miles
Starr School Kalispell, Montana 61 miles
Stevensville Missoula, Montana 26 miles
St. Ignatius Missoula, Montana 30 miles
St. Marie Glasgow, Montana 15 miles
St. Mary Kalispell, Montana 56 miles
Stockett Great Falls, Montana 10 miles
St. Pierre Havre, Montana 23 miles
St. Regis Missoula, Montana 57 miles
Stryker Kalispell, Montana 38 miles
St. Xavier Billings, Montana 44 miles
Sula Butte, Montana 72 miles
Sunburst Great Falls, Montana 101 miles
Sunnybrook Colony Great Falls, Montana 53 miles
Sun Prairie Great Falls, Montana 11 miles
Sun River Great Falls, Montana 21 miles
Superior Missoula, Montana 45 miles
Surprise Creek Colony Great Falls, Montana 49 miles
Swan Lake Kalispell, Montana 29 miles
Sweet Grass Havre, Montana 109 miles
Sylvanite Kalispell, Montana 79 miles
Terry Glasgow, Montana 115 miles
The Silos Helena, Montana 25 miles
Thompson Falls Kalispell, Montana 63 miles
Three Forks Bozeman, Montana 26 miles
Toston Bozeman, Montana 36 miles
Townsend Helena, Montana 31 miles
Tracy Great Falls, Montana 7 miles
Trego Kalispell, Montana 43 miles
Trout Creek Coeur D Alene, Idaho 56 miles
Troy Coeur D Alene, Idaho 65 miles
Turah Missoula, Montana 11 miles
Turner Havre, Montana 61 miles
Turner Colony Havre, Montana 59 miles
Turtle Lake Kalispell, Montana 39 miles
Twin Bridges Butte, Montana 32 miles
Twin Creeks Missoula, Montana 16 miles
Twin Hills Colony Great Falls, Montana 38 miles
Twodot Bozeman, Montana 69 miles
Ulm Great Falls, Montana 12 miles
Unionville Helena, Montana 5 miles
Utica Great Falls, Montana 66 miles
Valier Great Falls, Montana 73 miles
Vaughn Great Falls, Montana 14 miles
Victor Missoula, Montana 33 miles
Vida Glasgow, Montana 59 miles
Virginia City Bozeman, Montana 51 miles
Walkerville Butte, Montana 3 miles
Warm Spring Creek Great Falls, Montana 96 miles
Weeksville Kalispell, Montana 56 miles
Westby Williston, North Dakota 53 miles
West Glacier Kalispell, Montana 27 miles
West Glendive Williston, North Dakota 89 miles
West Havre Havre, Montana 3 miles
West Kootenai Kalispell, Montana 66 miles
West Yellowstone Bozeman, Montana 73 miles
Wheatland Bozeman, Montana 30 miles
Whitefish Kalispell, Montana 15 miles
Whitehall Butte, Montana 22 miles
White Haven Kalispell, Montana 55 miles
White Sulphur Springs Helena, Montana 54 miles
Whitetail Glasgow, Montana 83 miles
Whitewater Glasgow, Montana 60 miles
Whitlash Havre, Montana 76 miles
Wibaux Williston, North Dakota 85 miles
Willow Creek Bozeman, Montana 29 miles
Wilsall Bozeman, Montana 28 miles
Windham Great Falls, Montana 60 miles
Wineglass Bozeman, Montana 23 miles
Winifred Havre, Montana 70 miles
Winnett Billings, Montana 85 miles
Winston Helena, Montana 20 miles
Wisdom Butte, Montana 52 miles
Wise River Butte, Montana 25 miles
Wolf Creek Helena, Montana 28 miles
Wolf Point Glasgow, Montana 47 miles
Woods Bay Kalispell, Montana 19 miles
Worden Billings, Montana 21 miles
Wye Missoula, Montana 6 miles
Wyola Sheridan, Wyoming 30 miles
Yaak Kalispell, Montana 77 miles
York Helena, Montana 16 miles
Zenith Colony Kalispell, Montana 103 miles
Zortman Havre, Montana 69 miles
Zurich Havre, Montana 30 miles

All adult Americans will at some point in their lives come into contact with the Social Security Agency (SSA) for one reason or another. It may be as simple as dealing with your social security number to claim benefits based on retirement or some disability that may hinder your ability to work.

There are over 1400 Social Security Agency offices nationwide including regional, field, card centers and teleservices locations. Many of these locations are located in major towns and cities. Frequently your local SSA will be busy so it is important to know what you want and what you need to supply in order to get it.

In this post we will look at the services offered by the Social Security Agency and some of the requirements to obtain those services. It is always wise to know the rules at your local SSA offices to make sure you have a quick and trouble free visit.

What Is the Social Security Administration?

The social security administration (SSA) is an independent government agency that administers social security. It is an insurance program that consists of retirement, disability and survivor benefits. In order to qualify for these benefits most workers pay into the system through social security taxes.

The head offices of the social security agency are located in Woodlawn, Maryland and is referred to as the Central Office. There are tens of thousands of workers employed by the social security agency and it is the largest government program in the United States.

It is estimated that by the end of the 2022 fiscal year the agency will have paid out $1.2 trillion in benefits to 66 million citizens and legal residents of the United States. An additional 61 billion is expected in SSI benefits and 7.5 million to low-income individuals.

This government agency is a vital part of the country's economy and without it millions of already struggling Americans would have nothing. It is a program that many have paid into for decades in preparation for retirement and as an insurance policy against sudden disability.

History of the Social Security Agency

On August 14th 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law as part of his New Deal initiative. This led to the creation of the Social Security Board (SSB), a presidentially appointed group of three executives tasked with overseeing the social security program.

With zero budget, staff or even furniture the SSB finally obtained funding from the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. It was on October 14th 1936 that the first social security office opened its doors in Austin, Texas.

In January of 1937 social security taxes were first collected. Just a few years later the first social security check was issued to Ida Mary Fuller of Battleboro, Vermont. Ida’s check was dated January 31st 1940 and she received $22.54.

The SSB in 1939 merged with the U.S. Public Health Service, the Civilian Conservation Corp and other government agencies to become the Federal Security Agency. In 1846 under President Harry S. Truman the SSB was named the Social Security Administration SSA.

In 1953 the Federal Security Agency was dismantled and the SSA was placed under the banner of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Finally in 1994 President Bill Clinton made the Social Security Administration an independent body once again.

Field Office Services

The field offices are your everyday walk in the SSA office where you can go to deal with a whole host of requirements. Depending on location you may be able to walk in or you may require an appointment. These offices are frequently busy so setting an appointment may help you save time.

New or Replacement Social Security Cards

Every U.S. citizen or resident alien requires a social security card which comes with its own unique identity number. This number is used to withhold social security taxes from any earned monies of an individual which are then held as insurance for future events.

These funds are collected so that individuals will have a financial safety net if they become unable to work or to supply an income upon retirement. A social security number is a requirement for working any job in the United States.

All U.S. citizens have to apply for a social security number in order to be able to work and this is intended to be their number for the rest of their life. There are however some circumstances which would require a new number to be issued.

A new number may be issued if:

  • The number already belongs to another individual (rare but it can happen)
  • You are a victim of domestic abuse and need to escape detection by your abuser
  • Identity theft to the extent that your social security number is no longer safe to use
  • If there is a valid religious objection to the number for example a Christian may object to a number that contained 666

You may not get a new number to escape bankruptcy, extreme debt or consequences of illegal actions. People do try this and it is very much against the rules.

In order to get a social security number you need proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport. If you are a non citizen you will need to prove you are legally in the country and that you are eligible to work.

Request Changes to Your Social Security Card

You may need to change the name attached to your social security card based on a legal change of name. This may be because you married or legally changed your name for some other reason. This would not change your number but would be required if you were to be using this new name in all other legal aspects of your life.

In order to change the information regarding your name on your social security card you will need proof of the name change which would include official name change documents or a marriage license.

Once you legally change your name with the social security agency it allows you to more easily change your names on other documents such as your passport or driver's license.

You can get a SSN name change to help evade a stalker but this does need a legal court ordered name change.

Review Your Social Security Statement

Many people may not be aware that they can access their personal social security statement to review their earnings history. This can be helpful to assist with taxes and to detect any fraudulent use of your social security number.

Get an Estimate of Your Retirement Benefits

It may be helpful to know based on your social security account how much it is projected you will be entitled to upon your retirement. This is dependent on how much you have paid in and when you are planning to retire.

Get a Copy of Your Proof of Benefits

You can also visit a field office to obtain a copy of your proof of benefits. This may be needed as proof of income for renting a home or obtaining a personal loan.

Applying for Retirement Benefits

The social security agency field office can help you to apply for your retirement benefits. As of July 2022 the earliest you can apply for retirement benefits is 61 years and 9 months. Your first social security check if you qualified would then be issued 4 months later the month after your 62nd birthday.

Applying for SSI or SSDI Benefits

Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) is a benefit offered to those who due to age or disability are limited in their ability to earn. This may be a personal disability or that of an individual that you have to take care of. It is a supplemental income based on what you already make to help bridge the gap in your household needs.

Social Security Disability Insurance is for individuals who based on their disability are unable to earn money. This is based on former social security payments made prior to the disability. It may be permanent or temporary depending on the situation.

Applying for Social Security Spousal or Survivor Benefits

Seniors whose spouses pass are eligible to receive the benefits of their deceased spouse in addition to their own.

Applying for Medicare

As part of retirement the Medicare program supplies retirees with health coverage which can be applied for via the social security system. You can visit a field office to do this and can also apply for replacement Medicare cards as well should they become lost or damaged.

Set up Direct Deposits for Social Security Benefits

Direct deposit in today's digital world is far more convenient than the old system of checks. The social security field office can help you set up direct deposit of your benefits straight to the bank account of your choosing.

What Can You Do Online?

As mentioned, in person social security offices can be very busy and often stressful places. As such with the world becoming more digital there is an increasing amount that can be done online.

Choosing to do certain things related to social security online can be quicker and far less stressful. There are still many things you have to do in person but there are some simpler tasks that can be done online. Some things may start online but require you to mail in documents to complete the process.

Online you can:

  • Review your account
  • Apply for benefits
  • Make changes to your account
  • Request replacement cards
  • Get benefit estimates
  • Print proof of benefits
  • Check status of any applications pending
  • Set up or change direct deposit information
  • Change Address details

What Should You Do if Your Social Security Number Is Lost or Stolen?

Your social security number (SSN) is unique to you and can be used to file taxes, obtain loans/credit cards and legally work. There is a thriving criminal business in social security fraud so protecting your unique SSN is important.

If your card is lost or stolen it is important to act immediately to protect yourself from potential fraud. Request a replacement card and place a fraud alert on your social security number. It is also wise to monitor your credit report to get an early warning of activity that is not initiated by yourself.

Obtain a unique tax filing code with the IRS so that only you can file your taxes. If someone else has your social security number they can fraudulently file as you and receive the refund that you are entitled to.

It is also important that you are careful who you give your social security number to. It is only required for certain things and you should not give it out over the phone to unknown sources.

Why Should I Make an Appointment?

If you have ever driven past a Social Security Office before it opens in the mornings you probably already know the answer to this question. The lines waiting outside can often circle the entire building and then some.

When you make an appointment you are often able to join a much shorter secondary line and will be waiting a much shorter time to be seen. Those without appointments are at the mercy of the crowds and could be spending hours to complete their business with the SSA.

If you can do what you need to online it is wise to do so rather than visiting an actual office. In the event that you must attend in person make sure you have all the documents required for your purpose. If you are missing something vital you will have to get that document and come back another time.

Along with the Secretary of State and DMV, the Social Security office is likely one of the most frustrating and time consuming aspects of our lives. People seldom look forward to going to the SSA office so be smart about it.

Conclusion

The Social Security Agency offices offer a wide range of services to help you understand your present and future benefits through this government agency. Throughout our working life we pay into the social security system to build up this insurance for our future.

Reference SSA Locator

If you use any of the forms, definitions, or data shown on SSA Locator, please make sure to link or reference us using the tool below. Thanks!

  • "List of Social Security Offices in Montana". SSA Locator. Accessed on March 29, 2024. https://ssalocator.com/offices/montana/.

  • "List of Social Security Offices in Montana". SSA Locator, https://ssalocator.com/offices/montana/. Accessed 29 March, 2024

  • List of Social Security Offices in Montana. SSA Locator. Retrieved from https://ssalocator.com/offices/montana/.