List of Social Security Offices in South Carolina

On this page, you will find a list of the 16 Social Security office locations in South Carolina.

If you need help with any Social Security problems in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina 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
Abbeville Anderson, South Carolina 30 miles
Abney Crossroads Sumter, South Carolina 39 miles
Adams Run Charleston, South Carolina 19 miles
Alcolu Sumter, South Carolina 16 miles
Allendale Walterboro, South Carolina 38 miles
Andrews Georgetown, South Carolina 17 miles
Antreville Anderson, South Carolina 18 miles
Arcadia Spartanburg, South Carolina 3 miles
Arcadia Lakes Columbia, South Carolina 5 miles
Arial Greenville, South Carolina 17 miles
Arkwright Spartanburg, South Carolina 2 miles
Arthurtown Columbia, South Carolina 4 miles
Ashwood Sumter, South Carolina 11 miles
Atlantic Beach Conway, South Carolina 19 miles
Awendaw Charleston, South Carolina 29 miles
Aynor Conway, South Carolina 14 miles
Bamberg Orangeburg, South Carolina 18 miles
Barnwell Aiken, South Carolina 28 miles
Batesburg-Leesville Columbia, South Carolina 29 miles
Baxter Village Rock Hill, South Carolina 7 miles
Beech Island Augusta, Georgia 12 miles
Belton Anderson, South Carolina 10 miles
Belvedere Augusta, Georgia 8 miles
Ben Avon Spartanburg, South Carolina 3 miles
Berea Greenville, South Carolina 7 miles
Bethune Sumter, South Carolina 32 miles
Bishopville Sumter, South Carolina 20 miles
Blacksburg Shelby, North Carolina 12 miles
Blackville Orangeburg, South Carolina 26 miles
Blenheim Bennettsville, South Carolina 9 miles
Bluffton Beaufort, South Carolina 13 miles
Blythewood Columbia, South Carolina 14 miles
Boiling Springs Spartanburg, South Carolina 7 miles
Bonneau Charleston, South Carolina 34 miles
Bonneau Beach Charleston, South Carolina 35 miles
Bowman Orangeburg, South Carolina 15 miles
Boykin Sumter, South Carolina 17 miles
Bradley Clinton, South Carolina 35 miles
Branchville Orangeburg, South Carolina 18 miles
Briarcliffe Acres Conway, South Carolina 18 miles
Brookdale Orangeburg, South Carolina 2 miles
Browntown Sumter, South Carolina 18 miles
Brunson Walterboro, South Carolina 30 miles
Bucksport Conway, South Carolina 12 miles
Buffalo Spartanburg, South Carolina 21 miles
Buford Rock Hill, South Carolina 25 miles
Burnettown Aiken, South Carolina 8 miles
Burton Beaufort, South Carolina 3 miles
Caesars Head Hendersonville, North Carolina 17 miles
Calhoun Falls Anderson, South Carolina 31 miles
Camden Sumter, South Carolina 25 miles
Cameron Orangeburg, South Carolina 9 miles
Camp Croft Spartanburg, South Carolina 5 miles
Campobello Spartanburg, South Carolina 17 miles
Cane Savannah Sumter, South Carolina 6 miles
Capitol View Columbia, South Carolina 7 miles
Carlisle Clinton, South Carolina 28 miles
Carolina Forest Conway, South Carolina 9 miles
Cash Bennettsville, South Carolina 10 miles
Catawba Rock Hill, South Carolina 7 miles
Cateechee Anderson, South Carolina 17 miles
Cayce Columbia, South Carolina 4 miles
Centenary Conway, South Carolina 22 miles
Centerville Anderson, South Carolina 2 miles
Central Anderson, South Carolina 14 miles
Central Pacolet Spartanburg, South Carolina 11 miles
Chapin Columbia, South Carolina 21 miles
Cheraw Bennettsville, South Carolina 12 miles
Cherokee Falls Shelby, North Carolina 16 miles
Cherryvale Sumter, South Carolina 5 miles
Chesnee Spartanburg, South Carolina 14 miles
Chester Rock Hill, South Carolina 20 miles
Chesterfield Rockingham, North Carolina 23 miles
Chickasaw Point Toccoa, Georgia 14 miles
City View Greenville, South Carolina 5 miles
Clarks Hill Augusta, Georgia 13 miles
Clearwater Aiken, South Carolina 10 miles
Clemson Anderson, South Carolina 13 miles
Clemson University Anderson, South Carolina 13 miles
Clifton Spartanburg, South Carolina 7 miles
Clio Bennettsville, South Carolina 9 miles
Clover Gastonia, North Carolina 11 miles
Cokesbury Clinton, South Carolina 20 miles
Conestee Greenville, South Carolina 7 miles
Converse Spartanburg, South Carolina 6 miles
Coosawhatchie Beaufort, South Carolina 16 miles
Cope Orangeburg, South Carolina 12 miles
Cordova Orangeburg, South Carolina 6 miles
Coronaca Clinton, South Carolina 18 miles
Cottageville Walterboro, South Carolina 11 miles
Coward Florence, South Carolina 16 miles
Cowpens Spartanburg, South Carolina 9 miles
Cross Anchor Clinton, South Carolina 12 miles
Cross Hill Clinton, South Carolina 12 miles
Dacusville Greenville, South Carolina 13 miles
Dale Beaufort, South Carolina 11 miles
Dalzell Sumter, South Carolina 6 miles
Danwood Florence, South Carolina 8 miles
Darlington Florence, South Carolina 8 miles
Daufuskie Island Savannah, Georgia 17 miles
Daviston Conway, South Carolina 19 miles
DeBordieu Colony Georgetown, South Carolina 6 miles
Denmark Orangeburg, South Carolina 21 miles
Dentsville Columbia, South Carolina 6 miles
Dillon Bennettsville, South Carolina 24 miles
Donalds Anderson, South Carolina 22 miles
Dovesville Florence, South Carolina 15 miles
Drayton Spartanburg, South Carolina 2 miles
Due West Anderson, South Carolina 22 miles
Dunbar Georgetown, South Carolina 12 miles
Duncan Spartanburg, South Carolina 12 miles
Dunean Greenville, South Carolina 5 miles
Easley Greenville, South Carolina 14 miles
East Camden Sumter, South Carolina 24 miles
East Gaffney Shelby, North Carolina 16 miles
Eastover Sumter, South Carolina 19 miles
East Sumter Sumter, South Carolina 5 miles
Edgefield Augusta, Georgia 22 miles
Edisto Orangeburg, South Carolina 3 miles
Edisto Beach Beaufort, South Carolina 25 miles
Edmund Columbia, South Carolina 14 miles
Ehrhardt Walterboro, South Carolina 23 miles
Elgin Columbia, South Carolina 18 miles
Elgin Rock Hill, South Carolina 24 miles
Elko Aiken, South Carolina 22 miles
Elliott Sumter, South Carolina 16 miles
Elloree Orangeburg, South Carolina 17 miles
Enoree Clinton, South Carolina 12 miles
Estill Walterboro, South Carolina 35 miles
Eureka Mill Rock Hill, South Carolina 18 miles
Eutawville Orangeburg, South Carolina 31 miles
Fairfax Walterboro, South Carolina 33 miles
Fairforest Spartanburg, South Carolina 4 miles
Fair Play Anderson, South Carolina 18 miles
Fairview Crossroads Columbia, South Carolina 25 miles
Fingerville Spartanburg, South Carolina 13 miles
Finklea Conway, South Carolina 19 miles
Five Forks Greenville, South Carolina 8 miles
Floydale Florence, South Carolina 29 miles
Folly Beach Charleston, South Carolina 12 miles
Forest Acres Columbia, South Carolina 3 miles
Forestbrook Conway, South Carolina 9 miles
Foreston Sumter, South Carolina 28 miles
Fort Lawn Rock Hill, South Carolina 17 miles
Fort Mill Rock Hill, South Carolina 6 miles
Fountain Inn Greenville, South Carolina 14 miles
Fripp Island Beaufort, South Carolina 17 miles
Furman Beaufort, South Carolina 32 miles
Gadsden Columbia, South Carolina 19 miles
Gaffney Shelby, North Carolina 17 miles
Gantt Greenville, South Carolina 6 miles
Garden City Conway, South Carolina 17 miles
Gaston Columbia, South Carolina 14 miles
Gayle Mill Rock Hill, South Carolina 21 miles
Gifford Walterboro, South Carolina 33 miles
Gilbert Columbia, South Carolina 21 miles
Gillisonville Beaufort, South Carolina 20 miles
Glendale Spartanburg, South Carolina 5 miles
Glenn Springs Spartanburg, South Carolina 11 miles
Gloverville Aiken, South Carolina 7 miles
Golden Grove Greenville, South Carolina 11 miles
Goose Creek Charleston, South Carolina 12 miles
Govan Orangeburg, South Carolina 27 miles
Gramling Spartanburg, South Carolina 14 miles
Graniteville Aiken, South Carolina 6 miles
Gray Court Clinton, South Carolina 13 miles
Great Falls Rock Hill, South Carolina 25 miles
Greeleyville Sumter, South Carolina 34 miles
Green Sea Conway, South Carolina 21 miles
Greenwood Clinton, South Carolina 24 miles
Greer Greenville, South Carolina 8 miles
Grover Walterboro, South Carolina 13 miles
Hamer Lumberton, North Carolina 22 miles
Hampton Walterboro, South Carolina 27 miles
Hanahan Charleston, South Carolina 7 miles
Harbor Island Beaufort, South Carolina 18 miles
Hardeeville Beaufort, South Carolina 19 miles
Harleyville Walterboro, South Carolina 24 miles
Hartsville Florence, South Carolina 19 miles
Heath Springs Rock Hill, South Carolina 30 miles
Helena Clinton, South Carolina 22 miles
Hemingway Conway, South Carolina 23 miles
Hickory Grove Shelby, North Carolina 23 miles
Hilda Orangeburg, South Carolina 28 miles
Hilltop Spartanburg, South Carolina 3 miles
Hilton Head Island Beaufort, South Carolina 13 miles
Hodges Clinton, South Carolina 22 miles
Holly Hill Orangeburg, South Carolina 29 miles
Hollywood Charleston, South Carolina 13 miles
Homeland Park Anderson, South Carolina 5 miles
Homewood Conway, South Carolina 3 miles
Honea Path Anderson, South Carolina 17 miles
Hopkins Columbia, South Carolina 12 miles
India Hook Rock Hill, South Carolina 5 miles
Inman Spartanburg, South Carolina 11 miles
Inman Mills Spartanburg, South Carolina 12 miles
Irmo Columbia, South Carolina 11 miles
Irwin Rock Hill, South Carolina 19 miles
Islandton Walterboro, South Carolina 15 miles
Isle of Palms Charleston, South Carolina 14 miles
Iva Anderson, South Carolina 16 miles
Jackson Aiken, South Carolina 14 miles
Jacksonboro Walterboro, South Carolina 16 miles
James Island Charleston, South Carolina 7 miles
Jamestown Georgetown, South Carolina 24 miles
Jefferson Charlotte, North Carolina 39 miles
Jenkinsville Columbia, South Carolina 23 miles
Joanna Clinton, South Carolina 8 miles
Johnsonville Conway, South Carolina 23 miles
Johnston Aiken, South Carolina 22 miles
Jonesville Spartanburg, South Carolina 16 miles
Judson Greenville, South Carolina 5 miles
Keowee Key Anderson, South Carolina 24 miles
Kershaw Rock Hill, South Carolina 35 miles
Ketchuptown Conway, South Carolina 19 miles
Kiawah Island Charleston, South Carolina 14 miles
Kingstree Florence, South Carolina 36 miles
Kline Aiken, South Carolina 35 miles
Ladson Charleston, South Carolina 14 miles
La France Anderson, South Carolina 7 miles
Lake City Florence, South Carolina 22 miles
Lake Murray of Richland Columbia, South Carolina 15 miles
Lake Secession Anderson, South Carolina 18 miles
Lake View Lumberton, North Carolina 23 miles
Lakewood Sumter, South Carolina 7 miles
Lake Wylie Gastonia, North Carolina 12 miles
Lamar Florence, South Carolina 14 miles
Lancaster Rock Hill, South Carolina 20 miles
Landrum Hendersonville, North Carolina 18 miles
Lane Georgetown, South Carolina 36 miles
Langley Aiken, South Carolina 8 miles
Latta Florence, South Carolina 24 miles
Laurel Bay Beaufort, South Carolina 3 miles
Laurens Clinton, South Carolina 5 miles
Lesslie Rock Hill, South Carolina 4 miles
Lexington Columbia, South Carolina 11 miles
Liberty Anderson, South Carolina 17 miles
Lincolnville Charleston, South Carolina 15 miles
Litchfield Beach Georgetown, South Carolina 12 miles
Little Mountain Columbia, South Carolina 25 miles
Little River Conway, South Carolina 25 miles
Little Rock Bennettsville, South Carolina 20 miles
Live Oak Conway, South Carolina 17 miles
Livingston Orangeburg, South Carolina 15 miles
Lobeco Beaufort, South Carolina 10 miles
Lockhart Rock Hill, South Carolina 28 miles
Lodge Walterboro, South Carolina 19 miles
Longcreek Toccoa, Georgia 14 miles
Loris Conway, South Carolina 18 miles
Lowndesville Anderson, South Carolina 22 miles
Lowrys Rock Hill, South Carolina 16 miles
Lugoff Columbia, South Carolina 25 miles
Luray Walterboro, South Carolina 34 miles
Lydia Florence, South Carolina 18 miles
Lyman Spartanburg, South Carolina 11 miles
Lynchburg Florence, South Carolina 17 miles
Manning Sumter, South Carolina 20 miles
Manville Sumter, South Carolina 15 miles
Marion Florence, South Carolina 24 miles
Mauldin Greenville, South Carolina 6 miles
Mayesville Sumter, South Carolina 10 miles
Mayo Spartanburg, South Carolina 10 miles
McBee Florence, South Carolina 32 miles
McClellanville Georgetown, South Carolina 22 miles
McColl Bennettsville, South Carolina 9 miles
McConnells Rock Hill, South Carolina 14 miles
McCormick Augusta, Georgia 31 miles
Meggett Charleston, South Carolina 14 miles
Modoc Augusta, Georgia 18 miles
Monarch Mill Spartanburg, South Carolina 26 miles
Moncks Corner Charleston, South Carolina 27 miles
Monetta Aiken, South Carolina 24 miles
Mount Carmel Anderson, South Carolina 38 miles
Mount Croghan Rockingham, North Carolina 28 miles
Mount Pleasant Charleston, South Carolina 10 miles
Mountville Clinton, South Carolina 8 miles
Mulberry Sumter, South Carolina 2 miles
Mullins Conway, South Carolina 28 miles
Murphys Estates Augusta, Georgia 11 miles
Murrells Inlet Georgetown, South Carolina 19 miles
Myrtle Beach Conway, South Carolina 14 miles
Neeses Orangeburg, South Carolina 15 miles
Newberry Clinton, South Carolina 23 miles
New Ellenton Aiken, South Carolina 7 miles
Newport Rock Hill, South Carolina 7 miles
Newry Anderson, South Carolina 19 miles
Newtown Bennettsville, South Carolina 25 miles
Nichols Whiteville, North Carolina 26 miles
Ninety Six Clinton, South Carolina 22 miles
Norris Anderson, South Carolina 16 miles
North Orangeburg, South Carolina 16 miles
North Augusta Augusta, Georgia 7 miles
North Charleston Charleston, South Carolina 8 miles
North Hartsville Florence, South Carolina 20 miles
Northlake Anderson, South Carolina 2 miles
North Myrtle Beach Conway, South Carolina 21 miles
North Santee Orangeburg, South Carolina 25 miles
Norway Orangeburg, South Carolina 16 miles
Oak Grove Columbia, South Carolina 6 miles
Oakland Sumter, South Carolina 7 miles
Olanta Florence, South Carolina 19 miles
Olar Orangeburg, South Carolina 29 miles
Olympia Columbia, South Carolina 2 miles
Oswego Sumter, South Carolina 6 miles
Pacolet Spartanburg, South Carolina 10 miles
Pageland Charlotte, North Carolina 32 miles
Pamplico Florence, South Carolina 19 miles
Parker Greenville, South Carolina 6 miles
Parksville Augusta, Georgia 22 miles
Patrick Bennettsville, South Carolina 20 miles
Pauline Spartanburg, South Carolina 9 miles
Pawleys Island Georgetown, South Carolina 10 miles
Paxville Sumter, South Carolina 14 miles
Peak Columbia, South Carolina 23 miles
Pelion Columbia, South Carolina 21 miles
Pelzer Anderson, South Carolina 14 miles
Pendleton Anderson, South Carolina 9 miles
Perry Aiken, South Carolina 24 miles
Pickens Greenville, South Carolina 21 miles
Piedmont Greenville, South Carolina 13 miles
Pimlico Charleston, South Carolina 20 miles
Pine Ridge Florence, South Carolina 24 miles
Pine Ridge Columbia, South Carolina 8 miles
Pinewood Sumter, South Carolina 15 miles
Pinopolis Charleston, South Carolina 29 miles
Plum Branch Augusta, Georgia 27 miles
Pomaria Columbia, South Carolina 28 miles
Port Royal Beaufort, South Carolina 4 miles
Powdersville Greenville, South Carolina 10 miles
Princeton Clinton, South Carolina 20 miles
Privateer Sumter, South Carolina 8 miles
Promised Land Clinton, South Carolina 30 miles
Prosperity Clinton, South Carolina 30 miles
Quinby Florence, South Carolina 5 miles
Rains Conway, South Carolina 24 miles
Ravenel Charleston, South Carolina 13 miles
Red Bank Columbia, South Carolina 13 miles
Red Hill Conway, South Carolina 4 miles
Reevesville Walterboro, South Carolina 20 miles
Reidville Spartanburg, South Carolina 12 miles
Rembert Sumter, South Carolina 14 miles
Richburg Rock Hill, South Carolina 15 miles
Ridgeland Beaufort, South Carolina 11 miles
Ridge Spring Aiken, South Carolina 23 miles
Ridgeville Walterboro, South Carolina 24 miles
Ridgeway Columbia, South Carolina 21 miles
Riverview Rock Hill, South Carolina 5 miles
Rockville Charleston, South Carolina 17 miles
Roebuck Spartanburg, South Carolina 5 miles
Rowesville Orangeburg, South Carolina 10 miles
Ruby Rockingham, North Carolina 27 miles
Russellville Georgetown, South Carolina 40 miles
Salem Toccoa, Georgia 29 miles
Salley Aiken, South Carolina 24 miles
Saluda Aiken, South Carolina 33 miles
Sandy Springs Anderson, South Carolina 6 miles
Sangaree Charleston, South Carolina 17 miles
Sans Souci Greenville, South Carolina 5 miles
Santee Orangeburg, South Carolina 22 miles
Saxon Spartanburg, South Carolina 2 miles
Scotia Beaufort, South Carolina 34 miles
Scranton Florence, South Carolina 19 miles
Seabrook Beaufort, South Carolina 8 miles
Seabrook Island Charleston, South Carolina 18 miles
Sellers Florence, South Carolina 20 miles
Seneca Anderson, South Carolina 19 miles
Seven Oaks Columbia, South Carolina 7 miles
Sharon Rock Hill, South Carolina 19 miles
Sheldon Beaufort, South Carolina 13 miles
Shell Point Beaufort, South Carolina 2 miles
Shiloh Sumter, South Carolina 19 miles
Silverstreet Clinton, South Carolina 22 miles
Simpsonville Greenville, South Carolina 10 miles
Six Mile Anderson, South Carolina 20 miles
Slater-Marietta Greenville, South Carolina 15 miles
Smoaks Walterboro, South Carolina 14 miles
Smyrna Shelby, North Carolina 19 miles
Snelling Aiken, South Carolina 24 miles
Socastee Conway, South Carolina 11 miles
Society Hill Bennettsville, South Carolina 12 miles
South Congaree Columbia, South Carolina 9 miles
Southern Shops Spartanburg, South Carolina 4 miles
South Sumter Sumter, South Carolina 3 miles
South Union Toccoa, Georgia 15 miles
Springdale Rock Hill, South Carolina 21 miles
Springdale Columbia, South Carolina 5 miles
Springfield Orangeburg, South Carolina 24 miles
St. Andrews Columbia, South Carolina 5 miles
Starr Anderson, South Carolina 11 miles
Startex Spartanburg, South Carolina 10 miles
Stateburg Sumter, South Carolina 9 miles
St. Charles Sumter, South Carolina 12 miles
St. George Walterboro, South Carolina 19 miles
St. Matthews Orangeburg, South Carolina 12 miles
St. Stephen Georgetown, South Carolina 37 miles
Stuckey Conway, South Carolina 27 miles
Sullivan's Island Charleston, South Carolina 12 miles
Summerton Sumter, South Carolina 23 miles
Summerville Charleston, South Carolina 16 miles
Summit Columbia, South Carolina 23 miles
Surfside Beach Conway, South Carolina 16 miles
Swansea Columbia, South Carolina 19 miles
Sycamore Walterboro, South Carolina 33 miles
Tamassee Toccoa, Georgia 27 miles
Tatum Bennettsville, South Carolina 6 miles
Taylors Greenville, South Carolina 5 miles
Tega Cay Rock Hill, South Carolina 7 miles
The Cliffs Valley Hendersonville, North Carolina 12 miles
Tigerville Greenville, South Carolina 14 miles
Timmonsville Florence, South Carolina 8 miles
Tradesville Charlotte, North Carolina 28 miles
Travelers Rest Greenville, South Carolina 9 miles
Trenton Aiken, South Carolina 17 miles
Troy Augusta, Georgia 36 miles
Turbeville Sumter, South Carolina 21 miles
Ulmer Walterboro, South Carolina 34 miles
Union Spartanburg, South Carolina 24 miles
Unity Rock Hill, South Carolina 20 miles
Utica Anderson, South Carolina 18 miles
Valley Falls Spartanburg, South Carolina 5 miles
Vance Orangeburg, South Carolina 26 miles
Van Wyck Rock Hill, South Carolina 10 miles
Varnville Walterboro, South Carolina 24 miles
Wade Hampton Greenville, South Carolina 3 miles
Wagener Aiken, South Carolina 22 miles
Walhalla Toccoa, Georgia 19 miles
Wallace Bennettsville, South Carolina 10 miles
Ward Aiken, South Carolina 23 miles
Ware Place Greenville, South Carolina 16 miles
Ware Shoals Clinton, South Carolina 19 miles
Warrenville Aiken, South Carolina 6 miles
Waterloo Clinton, South Carolina 11 miles
Watts Mills Clinton, South Carolina 4 miles
Wedgefield Sumter, South Carolina 9 miles
Welcome Greenville, South Carolina 6 miles
Wellford Spartanburg, South Carolina 10 miles
West Columbia Columbia, South Carolina 2 miles
Westminster Toccoa, Georgia 14 miles
West Pelzer Anderson, South Carolina 14 miles
West Union Toccoa, Georgia 20 miles
White Knoll Columbia, South Carolina 14 miles
Whitmire Clinton, South Carolina 19 miles
Whitney Spartanburg, South Carolina 2 miles
Wilkinson Heights Orangeburg, South Carolina 2 miles
Williams Walterboro, South Carolina 13 miles
Williamston Anderson, South Carolina 13 miles
Willington Augusta, Georgia 40 miles
Williston Aiken, South Carolina 19 miles
Windsor Aiken, South Carolina 12 miles
Winnsboro Columbia, South Carolina 26 miles
Winnsboro Mills Columbia, South Carolina 24 miles
Wisacky Sumter, South Carolina 17 miles
Woodfield Columbia, South Carolina 7 miles
Woodford Orangeburg, South Carolina 18 miles
Woodruff Spartanburg, South Carolina 16 miles
Wyboo Sumter, South Carolina 28 miles
Yemassee Walterboro, South Carolina 19 miles
York Rock Hill, South Carolina 14 miles
Zion Florence, South Carolina 29 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 South Carolina". SSA Locator. Accessed on March 29, 2024. https://ssalocator.com/offices/south-carolina/.

  • "List of Social Security Offices in South Carolina". SSA Locator, https://ssalocator.com/offices/south-carolina/. Accessed 29 March, 2024

  • List of Social Security Offices in South Carolina. SSA Locator. Retrieved from https://ssalocator.com/offices/south-carolina/.