List of Social Security Offices in Vermont

On this page, you will find a list of the 3 Social Security office locations in Vermont.

If you need help with any Social Security problems in Vermont, 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 Vermont 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
Addison Burlington, Vermont 30 miles
Albany Montpelier, Vermont 35 miles
Albany (Town) Montpelier, Vermont 36 miles
Alburgh Plattsburgh, New York 21 miles
Alburgh (Town) Plattsburgh, New York 20 miles
Algiers Keene, New Hampshire 17 miles
Andover Rutland, Vermont 25 miles
Arlington North Adams, Massachusetts 25 miles
Arlington (CDP) North Adams, Massachusetts 26 miles
Ascutney Rutland, Vermont 32 miles
Athens Keene, New Hampshire 20 miles
Bakersfield Burlington, Vermont 30 miles
Bakersfield (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 29 miles
Baltimore Rutland, Vermont 27 miles
Barnard Rutland, Vermont 19 miles
Barnet Littleton, New Hampshire 14 miles
Barnet (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 13 miles
Barre Montpelier, Vermont 4 miles
Barre (Town) Montpelier, Vermont 6 miles
Barton Littleton, New Hampshire 36 miles
Barton (Town) Littleton, New Hampshire 36 miles
Beecher Falls Littleton, New Hampshire 50 miles
Bellows Falls Keene, New Hampshire 16 miles
Belvidere Burlington, Vermont 33 miles
Bennington North Adams, Massachusetts 14 miles
Bennington (CDP) North Adams, Massachusetts 13 miles
Benson Rutland, Vermont 18 miles
Benson (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 18 miles
Berkshire Plattsburgh, New York 40 miles
Berlin Montpelier, Vermont 4 miles
Bethel Rutland, Vermont 23 miles
Bethel (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 23 miles
Bloomfield Littleton, New Hampshire 36 miles
Bolton Burlington, Vermont 18 miles
Bolton (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 18 miles
Bolton Valley Burlington, Vermont 19 miles
Bradford Montpelier, Vermont 25 miles
Bradford (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 27 miles
Braintree Montpelier, Vermont 21 miles
Brandon Rutland, Vermont 15 miles
Brandon (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 14 miles
Brattleboro Keene, New Hampshire 19 miles
Brattleboro (CDP) Keene, New Hampshire 15 miles
Bridgewater Rutland, Vermont 15 miles
Bridport Rutland, Vermont 31 miles
Brighton Littleton, New Hampshire 34 miles
Bristol Montpelier, Vermont 27 miles
Bristol (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 25 miles
Brookfield Montpelier, Vermont 15 miles
Brookline Keene, New Hampshire 18 miles
Brownington Littleton, New Hampshire 40 miles
Brunswick Littleton, New Hampshire 29 miles
Burke Littleton, New Hampshire 22 miles
Cabot Montpelier, Vermont 16 miles
Cabot (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 16 miles
Calais Montpelier, Vermont 9 miles
Cambridge Burlington, Vermont 20 miles
Cambridge (Town) Burlington, Vermont 22 miles
Canaan Littleton, New Hampshire 48 miles
Canaan (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 49 miles
Castleton Rutland, Vermont 10 miles
Castleton (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 10 miles
Castleton Four Corners Rutland, Vermont 12 miles
Cavendish Rutland, Vermont 24 miles
Cavendish (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 24 miles
Charleston Littleton, New Hampshire 40 miles
Charlotte Burlington, Vermont 12 miles
Chelsea Montpelier, Vermont 18 miles
Chelsea (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 18 miles
Chester Rutland, Vermont 28 miles
Chester (CDP) Keene, New Hampshire 28 miles
Chimney Hill North Adams, Massachusetts 17 miles
Chittenden Rutland, Vermont 12 miles
Chittenden (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 7 miles
Clarendon Rutland, Vermont 5 miles
Colchester Burlington, Vermont 5 miles
Concord Littleton, New Hampshire 9 miles
Concord (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 10 miles
Corinth Montpelier, Vermont 19 miles
Cornwall Rutland, Vermont 27 miles
Coventry Littleton, New Hampshire 46 miles
Coventry (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 45 miles
Craftsbury Montpelier, Vermont 29 miles
Danby Rutland, Vermont 19 miles
Danby (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 18 miles
Danville Littleton, New Hampshire 19 miles
Danville (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 19 miles
Derby Littleton, New Hampshire 47 miles
Derby Center Littleton, New Hampshire 47 miles
Derby Line Littleton, New Hampshire 50 miles
Dorset Rutland, Vermont 22 miles
Dorset (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 25 miles
Dover North Adams, Massachusetts 23 miles
Dummerston Keene, New Hampshire 16 miles
Duxbury Montpelier, Vermont 15 miles
East Barre Montpelier, Vermont 8 miles
East Burke Littleton, New Hampshire 21 miles
East Charlotte Burlington, Vermont 11 miles
East Dorset Rutland, Vermont 25 miles
East Haven Littleton, New Hampshire 24 miles
East Middlebury Rutland, Vermont 26 miles
East Montpelier Montpelier, Vermont 4 miles
East Montpelier (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 4 miles
East Poultney Rutland, Vermont 13 miles
Eden Montpelier, Vermont 32 miles
Elmore Montpelier, Vermont 17 miles
Enosburg Falls Plattsburgh, New York 35 miles
Enosburgh Burlington, Vermont 36 miles
Essex Burlington, Vermont 8 miles
Essex Junction Burlington, Vermont 5 miles
Fairfax Burlington, Vermont 19 miles
Fairfax (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 16 miles
Fairfield Burlington, Vermont 27 miles
Fair Haven Rutland, Vermont 14 miles
Fair Haven (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 14 miles
Fairlee Montpelier, Vermont 29 miles
Fairlee (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 31 miles
Fayston Montpelier, Vermont 17 miles
Ferrisburgh Burlington, Vermont 19 miles
Fletcher Burlington, Vermont 22 miles
Franklin Plattsburgh, New York 33 miles
Georgia Plattsburgh, New York 16 miles
Gilman Littleton, New Hampshire 8 miles
Glover Littleton, New Hampshire 34 miles
Glover (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 34 miles
Goshen Rutland, Vermont 18 miles
Grafton Keene, New Hampshire 24 miles
Grafton (CDP) Keene, New Hampshire 23 miles
Granby Littleton, New Hampshire 20 miles
Grand Isle Plattsburgh, New York 8 miles
Graniteville Montpelier, Vermont 7 miles
Granville Montpelier, Vermont 22 miles
Greensboro Montpelier, Vermont 28 miles
Greensboro Bend Montpelier, Vermont 25 miles
Greensboro (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 26 miles
Groton Montpelier, Vermont 14 miles
Groton (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 18 miles
Guildhall Littleton, New Hampshire 18 miles
Guilford Keene, New Hampshire 21 miles
Halifax North Adams, Massachusetts 19 miles
Hancock Rutland, Vermont 21 miles
Hanksville Burlington, Vermont 20 miles
Hardwick Montpelier, Vermont 21 miles
Hardwick (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 20 miles
Harmonyville Keene, New Hampshire 21 miles
Hartford Rutland, Vermont 30 miles
Hartford Village Rutland, Vermont 32 miles
Hartland Rutland, Vermont 27 miles
Hartland (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 30 miles
Highgate Plattsburgh, New York 27 miles
Highgate Center Plattsburgh, New York 26 miles
Highgate Springs Plattsburgh, New York 26 miles
Hinesburg Burlington, Vermont 12 miles
Hinesburg (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 12 miles
Holland Littleton, New Hampshire 47 miles
Hubbardton Rutland, Vermont 13 miles
Huntington Burlington, Vermont 17 miles
Huntington (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 16 miles
Huntington Center Burlington, Vermont 18 miles
Hyde Park Montpelier, Vermont 24 miles
Hyde Park (Town) Montpelier, Vermont 26 miles
Ira Rutland, Vermont 6 miles
Irasburg Montpelier, Vermont 42 miles
Irasburg (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 41 miles
Island Pond Littleton, New Hampshire 35 miles
Isle La Motte Plattsburgh, New York 13 miles
Jacksonville North Adams, Massachusetts 16 miles
Jamaica Keene, New Hampshire 30 miles
Jamaica (CDP) Keene, New Hampshire 28 miles
Jay Burlington, Vermont 48 miles
Jeffersonville Burlington, Vermont 22 miles
Jericho Burlington, Vermont 11 miles
Jericho (Town) Burlington, Vermont 13 miles
Johnson Montpelier, Vermont 28 miles
Johnson (Town) Burlington, Vermont 28 miles
Killington Rutland, Vermont 10 miles
Killington Village Rutland, Vermont 11 miles
Kirby Littleton, New Hampshire 15 miles
Landgrove Rutland, Vermont 25 miles
Leicester Rutland, Vermont 19 miles
Lemington Littleton, New Hampshire 41 miles
Lincoln Montpelier, Vermont 24 miles
Lincoln (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 24 miles
Londonderry Rutland, Vermont 29 miles
Londonderry (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 28 miles
Lowell Montpelier, Vermont 38 miles
Lowell (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 39 miles
Ludlow Rutland, Vermont 20 miles
Ludlow (Town) Rutland, Vermont 20 miles
Lunenburg Littleton, New Hampshire 12 miles
Lunenburg (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 12 miles
Lyndon Littleton, New Hampshire 20 miles
Lyndon (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 18 miles
Lyndon Center Littleton, New Hampshire 19 miles
Lyndonville Littleton, New Hampshire 19 miles
Maidstone Littleton, New Hampshire 24 miles
Manchester Rutland, Vermont 31 miles
Manchester Center Rutland, Vermont 30 miles
Manchester (Town) Rutland, Vermont 31 miles
Marlboro North Adams, Massachusetts 23 miles
Marshfield Montpelier, Vermont 12 miles
Marshfield (Town) Montpelier, Vermont 11 miles
Mendon Rutland, Vermont 4 miles
Middlebury Rutland, Vermont 28 miles
Middlebury (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 30 miles
Middlesex Montpelier, Vermont 7 miles
Middletown Springs Rutland, Vermont 11 miles
Middletown Springs (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 11 miles
Milton Burlington, Vermont 12 miles
Milton (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 12 miles
Monkton Burlington, Vermont 18 miles
Montgomery Burlington, Vermont 40 miles
Moretown Montpelier, Vermont 8 miles
Morgan Littleton, New Hampshire 41 miles
Morristown Montpelier, Vermont 21 miles
Morrisville Montpelier, Vermont 22 miles
Mount Holly Rutland, Vermont 15 miles
Mount Tabor Rutland, Vermont 18 miles
Newark Littleton, New Hampshire 30 miles
Newbury Littleton, New Hampshire 21 miles
Newbury (Town) Littleton, New Hampshire 21 miles
Newfane Keene, New Hampshire 19 miles
Newfane (Town) Keene, New Hampshire 22 miles
New Haven Burlington, Vermont 26 miles
New Haven (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 25 miles
Newport Littleton, New Hampshire 48 miles
Newport Center Montpelier, Vermont 50 miles
Newport (Town) Montpelier, Vermont 49 miles
North Bennington North Adams, Massachusetts 17 miles
North Clarendon Rutland, Vermont 3 miles
Northfield Montpelier, Vermont 10 miles
Northfield (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 8 miles
North Hartland Rutland, Vermont 32 miles
North Hero Plattsburgh, New York 15 miles
North Hyde Park Montpelier, Vermont 30 miles
North Pownal North Adams, Massachusetts 10 miles
North Springfield Rutland, Vermont 30 miles
North Troy Montpelier, Vermont 52 miles
North Westminster Keene, New Hampshire 15 miles
Norton Littleton, New Hampshire 46 miles
Norwich Montpelier, Vermont 34 miles
Norwich (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 35 miles
Old Bennington North Adams, Massachusetts 14 miles
Orange Montpelier, Vermont 11 miles
Orleans Littleton, New Hampshire 41 miles
Orwell Rutland, Vermont 20 miles
Panton Burlington, Vermont 25 miles
Pawlet Rutland, Vermont 20 miles
Pawlet (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 20 miles
Peacham Montpelier, Vermont 18 miles
Peacham (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 19 miles
Peru Rutland, Vermont 23 miles
Pittsfield Rutland, Vermont 15 miles
Pittsford Rutland, Vermont 8 miles
Pittsford (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 7 miles
Plainfield Montpelier, Vermont 7 miles
Plainfield (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 6 miles
Plymouth Rutland, Vermont 16 miles
Pomfret Rutland, Vermont 24 miles
Poultney Rutland, Vermont 14 miles
Poultney (Town) Rutland, Vermont 11 miles
Pownal North Adams, Massachusetts 8 miles
Pownal (CDP) North Adams, Massachusetts 8 miles
Pownal Center North Adams, Massachusetts 9 miles
Proctor Rutland, Vermont 4 miles
Proctor (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 5 miles
Proctorsville Rutland, Vermont 23 miles
Putney Keene, New Hampshire 13 miles
Putney (CDP) Keene, New Hampshire 13 miles
Quechee Rutland, Vermont 28 miles
Randolph Montpelier, Vermont 23 miles
Randolph (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 23 miles
Reading Rutland, Vermont 21 miles
Readsboro North Adams, Massachusetts 9 miles
Readsboro (CDP) North Adams, Massachusetts 10 miles
Richford Burlington, Vermont 44 miles
Richford (CDP) Plattsburgh, New York 44 miles
Richmond Burlington, Vermont 14 miles
Richmond (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 12 miles
Ripton Rutland, Vermont 26 miles
Rochester Rutland, Vermont 20 miles
Rochester (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 20 miles
Rockingham Keene, New Hampshire 20 miles
Roxbury Montpelier, Vermont 15 miles
Royalton Rutland, Vermont 26 miles
Rupert Queensbury, New York 24 miles
Rutland (Town) Rutland, Vermont 3 miles
Ryegate Littleton, New Hampshire 17 miles
Salisbury Rutland, Vermont 23 miles
Sandgate Queensbury, New York 26 miles
Saxtons River Keene, New Hampshire 18 miles
Searsburg North Adams, Massachusetts 15 miles
Shaftsbury North Adams, Massachusetts 20 miles
Sharon Rutland, Vermont 30 miles
Sheffield Littleton, New Hampshire 28 miles
Sheffield (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 26 miles
Shelburne Burlington, Vermont 6 miles
Shelburne (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 7 miles
Sheldon Plattsburgh, New York 30 miles
Shoreham Rutland, Vermont 26 miles
Shrewsbury Rutland, Vermont 8 miles
South Barre Montpelier, Vermont 5 miles
South Burlington Burlington, Vermont 2 miles
South Hero Plattsburgh, New York 8 miles
South Hero (CDP) Plattsburgh, New York 8 miles
South Lincoln Montpelier, Vermont 24 miles
South Londonderry Rutland, Vermont 30 miles
South Royalton Rutland, Vermont 27 miles
South Shaftsbury North Adams, Massachusetts 18 miles
South Woodstock Rutland, Vermont 23 miles
Springfield Keene, New Hampshire 27 miles
Springfield (CDP) Keene, New Hampshire 27 miles
St. Albans Plattsburgh, New York 20 miles
St. Albans (Town) Plattsburgh, New York 17 miles
Stamford North Adams, Massachusetts 8 miles
Stamford (CDP) North Adams, Massachusetts 4 miles
Stannard Littleton, New Hampshire 24 miles
Starksboro Burlington, Vermont 22 miles
St. George Burlington, Vermont 9 miles
St. George (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 8 miles
St. Johnsbury Littleton, New Hampshire 15 miles
St. Johnsbury (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 14 miles
Stockbridge Rutland, Vermont 15 miles
Stowe Montpelier, Vermont 19 miles
Stowe (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 17 miles
Strafford Montpelier, Vermont 27 miles
Stratton North Adams, Massachusetts 28 miles
Stratton Mountain North Adams, Massachusetts 30 miles
Sudbury Rutland, Vermont 16 miles
Sunderland North Adams, Massachusetts 26 miles
Sutton Littleton, New Hampshire 27 miles
Sutton (CDP) Littleton, New Hampshire 25 miles
Swanton Plattsburgh, New York 22 miles
Swanton (Town) Plattsburgh, New York 22 miles
Thetford Montpelier, Vermont 32 miles
Tinmouth Rutland, Vermont 12 miles
Topsham Montpelier, Vermont 16 miles
Townshend Keene, New Hampshire 22 miles
Townshend (CDP) Keene, New Hampshire 21 miles
Troy Montpelier, Vermont 48 miles
Troy (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 46 miles
Tunbridge Montpelier, Vermont 24 miles
Underhill Burlington, Vermont 17 miles
Underhill Center Burlington, Vermont 16 miles
Underhill Flats Burlington, Vermont 14 miles
Vergennes Burlington, Vermont 22 miles
Vernon Keene, New Hampshire 17 miles
Vershire Montpelier, Vermont 23 miles
Victory Littleton, New Hampshire 17 miles
Waitsfield Montpelier, Vermont 13 miles
Waitsfield (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 14 miles
Walden Montpelier, Vermont 23 miles
Wallingford Rutland, Vermont 13 miles
Wallingford (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 9 miles
Waltham Burlington, Vermont 25 miles
Wardsboro North Adams, Massachusetts 27 miles
Wardsboro (CDP) Keene, New Hampshire 27 miles
Warren Montpelier, Vermont 19 miles
Washington Montpelier, Vermont 13 miles
Waterbury Montpelier, Vermont 14 miles
Waterbury (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 12 miles
Waterbury Center Montpelier, Vermont 12 miles
Waterford Littleton, New Hampshire 8 miles
Waterville Burlington, Vermont 29 miles
Weathersfield Rutland, Vermont 29 miles
Websterville Montpelier, Vermont 7 miles
Wells Rutland, Vermont 16 miles
Wells (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 17 miles
Wells River Littleton, New Hampshire 17 miles
West Brattleboro Keene, New Hampshire 17 miles
West Burke Littleton, New Hampshire 25 miles
West Charlotte Burlington, Vermont 12 miles
West Dummerston Keene, New Hampshire 17 miles
West Fairlee Montpelier, Vermont 27 miles
Westfield Montpelier, Vermont 44 miles
Westford Burlington, Vermont 14 miles
Westford (CDP) Burlington, Vermont 14 miles
West Haven Rutland, Vermont 19 miles
Westminster Keene, New Hampshire 13 miles
Westminster (Town) Keene, New Hampshire 15 miles
Westmore Littleton, New Hampshire 33 miles
Weston Rutland, Vermont 22 miles
Weston (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 24 miles
West Pawlet Queensbury, New York 20 miles
West Rutland Rutland, Vermont 4 miles
West Rutland (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 3 miles
West Windsor Rutland, Vermont 26 miles
West Woodstock Rutland, Vermont 22 miles
Weybridge Burlington, Vermont 30 miles
Wheelock Littleton, New Hampshire 25 miles
White River Junction Rutland, Vermont 33 miles
Whiting Rutland, Vermont 22 miles
Whitingham North Adams, Massachusetts 14 miles
Whitingham (CDP) North Adams, Massachusetts 13 miles
Wilder Rutland, Vermont 34 miles
Williamstown Montpelier, Vermont 9 miles
Williamstown (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 9 miles
Williston Burlington, Vermont 7 miles
Wilmington North Adams, Massachusetts 18 miles
Wilmington (CDP) North Adams, Massachusetts 17 miles
Windham Keene, New Hampshire 27 miles
Windsor Rutland, Vermont 30 miles
Windsor (CDP) Rutland, Vermont 31 miles
Winhall Rutland, Vermont 30 miles
Winooski Burlington, Vermont 2 miles
Wolcott Montpelier, Vermont 23 miles
Wolcott (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 21 miles
Woodbury Montpelier, Vermont 17 miles
Woodford North Adams, Massachusetts 14 miles
Woodstock Rutland, Vermont 23 miles
Woodstock (Town) Rutland, Vermont 22 miles
Worcester Montpelier, Vermont 13 miles
Worcester (CDP) Montpelier, Vermont 9 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 Vermont". SSA Locator. Accessed on November 8, 2024. https://ssalocator.com/offices/vermont/.

  • "List of Social Security Offices in Vermont". SSA Locator, https://ssalocator.com/offices/vermont/. Accessed 8 November, 2024

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