If you live in New Jersey and need to visit, call, or apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA), knowing exactly where to go and what to bring can save you weeks of back-and-forth. New Jersey is home to 24 SSA field offices, and each one handles retirement claims, disability applications, Medicare enrollment, and card replacements a little differently when it comes to wait times and appointment availability.
This guide walks you through every major New Jersey Social Security office, the fastest way to apply for benefits, the documents you'll need on hand, and the questions New Jersey residents ask most often when dealing with the SSA.
Quick Answer
New Jersey has 24 Social Security field offices located in cities including Newark, Trenton, Camden/Cherry Hill, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Paterson, Hoboken, and Toms River. Most services now require an appointment, which you can schedule by calling 1-800-772-1213 or contacting your local office directly. You can apply for retirement, SSDI, or SSI benefits online, by phone, or in person, and most disability claims take three to six months for an initial decision.
New Jersey Social Security Office Locations
Below is the full directory of Social Security field offices across New Jersey, with current addresses, hours, phone numbers, and fax numbers. Type your city below to jump straight to it, or scroll through the full list.
Showing all 24 offices
2620 Yorktowne Blvd, Brick, NJ 08723
149 West Broad St, Bridgeton, NJ 08302
245 US Hwy 22 West, Suite 207, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
6 Executive Campus, Suite 200, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
935 Allwood Rd, Clifton, NJ 07012
7 Glenwood Ave, Ste 100, East Orange, NJ 07017
1350 Doughty Rd, Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234
830 Delsea Dr North, Glassboro, NJ 08028
401 Hackensack Ave, Continental Plz, 2nd Fl, Hackensack, NJ 07601
79 Hudson St, 6th Fl, Hoboken, NJ 07030
190 Middlesex Tpke, 3rd Fl, Iselin, NJ 08830
325 West Side Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07305
532 Fellowship Rd, Suite E, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
3310 State Route 66, Neptune, NJ 07753
550 Jersey Ave, Ste 200, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
274 Springfield Ave, Newark, NJ 07103
970 Broad St, Rm 1035, Newark, NJ 07102
20 East Clinton St, Newton, NJ 07860
2200 State Rt 10, 2nd Fl, Parsippany, NJ 07054
200 Federal Plz, 1st Fl, Paterson, NJ 07505
1046 Route 47 South, Rio Grande, NJ 08242
190 St Catherine Blvd, Toms River, NJ 08755
635 S Clinton Ave, Roebling Market, Trenton, NJ 08611
855 Lehigh Ave, Union, NJ 07083
All offices keep the same standard hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and are closed on federal holidays. Hours can shift around holidays, so it's always worth a quick call before you drive over.
Office hours, wait times, and appointment availability can change, so it's worth confirming details before you go. The SSA's official Social Security Office Locator lets you enter your ZIP code to get current hours, directions, and contact information for the office nearest you.
Good to know: Almost every SSA field office in New Jersey opens at 9:00 a.m. and gets busiest right at opening. If you have flexibility, visiting mid-morning or early afternoon typically means a shorter wait.
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits in New Jersey
The application process looks slightly different depending on which benefit you're applying for, but the overall path is the same for most New Jersey residents.
1. Decide which benefit fits your situation
Retirement benefits are for workers who've reached eligible age and paid into Social Security long enough. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for workers who can no longer work due to a qualifying medical condition and have sufficient work credits. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or 65 or older.
2. Start your application online when possible
Most retirement and SSDI applications can be started at ssa.gov, which is often the fastest route since it skips the phone queue entirely. SSI applications typically still require a phone or in-person interview to finish processing.
3. Schedule an appointment if you need in-person help
If your case is complicated, or you'd simply rather talk to someone directly, call the national line or your local New Jersey office to book a time. Walk-ins are accepted for emergencies, but appointments dramatically cut down on wait time.
4. Attend your interview and submit documentation
Whether by phone or in person, you'll answer questions about your work history, income, and (for disability claims) your medical condition and treatment history.
5. Track your claim and respond quickly to requests
The SSA may follow up asking for additional medical records or clarification. Responding fast is one of the simplest ways to avoid unnecessary delays.
Common mistake to avoid: Many applicants submit incomplete medical records or miss follow-up requests from the SSA, which is one of the leading causes of processing delays and denials in New Jersey. Keeping a personal file of your doctor visits, test results, and medication history before you apply can prevent this.
Documents to Bring to Your Social Security Appointment
Whether you're visiting an office or completing a phone interview, having these ready in advance will speed things up considerably:
- A government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, or passport
- Your Social Security number or card
- Proof of age, such as a birth certificate
- Proof of where you live — a lease, mortgage statement, or utility bill
- Proof of income and resources, including pay stubs, bank statements, and insurance policies
- Medical records, doctor and hospital names, and a list of medications (for disability claims)
- A summary of your recent work history, including employer names and dates worked
Bring original documents or certified copies whenever possible. Photocopies aren't accepted for identity verification.
Struggling With a Denied Claim or a Complicated Application?
Applying alone can be frustrating, especially with SSDI, where a large share of first-time applications are denied. Working with New Jersey Social Security Disability Lawyers can help you avoid common paperwork mistakes, gather the right medical evidence, and build a stronger case from the start — whether you're just applying or appealing a denial.
Find a LawyerServing residents across Newark, Jersey City, Trenton, and Camden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the closest Social Security office in New Jersey?
New Jersey has 24 Social Security field offices spread across the state, including locations in Newark, Trenton, Camden/Cherry Hill, Jersey City, New Brunswick, and Toms River. Use the SSA's online office locator with your ZIP code to find the one nearest you.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Social Security office in New Jersey?
Yes, in most cases. New Jersey field offices generally require appointments for in-person services. Call 1-800-772-1213 or your local office directly to schedule one.
What can I do at a Social Security office besides apply for disability?
New Jersey SSA offices also handle retirement claims, SSI applications, Medicare enrollment, replacement Social Security cards, name changes, benefit verification letters, and appeals.
How long does it take to get a decision on a disability claim in New Jersey?
Initial SSDI and SSI decisions usually take three to six months. If your claim is denied and you request a hearing, the process can take a year or longer, which is why many applicants choose to work with a Social Security Disability Lawyer (learn more here) early in the process.
Can I apply for benefits online instead of visiting an office?
Yes. Retirement and SSDI applications can usually be started online at ssa.gov. SSI applications typically still require a phone or in-person interview to be completed.
What should I bring to my Social Security appointment?
Bring a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, proof of age, proof of income and resources, medical records if applying for disability, and details of your work history.
Related reading: SSDI vs. SSI: What's the Difference?, Social Security Disability Rules After Age 50, SSI Requirements, Eligibility & Benefits, and How Do You Apply for SSD Benefits?