El Centro, California Social Security Information




There are several Social Security Offices around the El Centro, California area.

El Centro is located in Imperial County, California. The local SSA office is available to serve all El Centro zip codes, including 92243 and 92244.

Are you looking for information about Social Security in El Centro, CA? Our team at PrepareforSocialSecurity.com can help you navigate the complicated world of retirement benefits. Did you know that El Centro is the largest city in the Imperial Valley and is known for its warm desert climate and agricultural industry? Whether you're considering early retirement or waiting until you're eligible for full Social Security benefits, we can provide you with personalized advice and resources to help you make the best decision for your financial future. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you maximize your Social Security benefits.

Let’s start by giving you information on the locations of nearby Social Security offices in El Centro, along with the phone number and website link you can use to contact the office. In addition, I’ll also add information about how many miles each Social Security office location is from El Centro and in which direction, so you can figure out which location is closest to your home!

There is a social security office in El Centro, California.


3007 N Imperial Ave

El Centro, CA 92243

Phone: 866-593-5680

Fax: 833-950-2754


Social Security Offices Located Near El Centro:


55 miles from El Centro, CA

325 W 19th St Suite 1

Yuma, AZ 85364

Phone: 866-613-2970

Fax: 833-950-3679

75 miles from El Centro, AZ

46845 Monroe St

Indio, CA 92201

Phone: 877-319-5758

Fax: 833-940-1989

79 miles from El Centro, CA

846 Arnele Ave

El Cajon, CA 92020

Phone: 866-964-0012

Fax: 833-950-2750

82 miles from El Centro, CA

7961 University Ave

La Mesa, CA 91942

Phone: 877-405-1445

Fax: 833-571-0636

How to Make an Appointment at the Social Security Office if you live in El Centro, California

Like all Social Security offices, you can do various items online instead of hopping in your car to burn gas traveling to your local Social Security Office. In addition, you do not need to wait for an appointment to file for benefits or appeal a disability decision

You can file for the following benefits online:

  • Retirement
  • Medicare
  • Spouses
  • Disability

However, suppose you’d like to go to your local Imperial County Social Security office in person because you can’t use the online service or you want to speak to a Social Security representative to clarify an issue you’re having. In that case, you can simply call the main Social Security Office at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday. You can also call the Social Security office closest to you, with the information I’ve provided above, and make an appointment at that office. You can also use this phone number to reschedule or cancel an existing appointment. 

Can I Walk Into a El Centro Social Security Office?

Yes! While local Social Security offices have restored in-person services, including for people without an appointment. You can walk directly into a Social Security office without an appointment. However, the wait is very long if you don’t have an appointment with your local SSA office closest to El Centro, CA. You may wind up spending almost half your day waiting in line if you don’t have an appointment ahead of time.

If you walk in without an appointment, you’ll likely encounter delays and very long wait times at your local Social Security Office. Before coming to an office, you can visit the government’s emergency page to check the status of your local Social Security Office. This website will give you information on emergency closures and other information on closures in offices near you. Be aware that Social Security Offices are busiest first thing in the morning and early in the week. You’ll also want to avoid taking a trip to the office during the first week of the month. Instead, visit your local Social Security Office later in the day and later in the week, such as a Thursday or Friday. Keep that in mind when making your appointments, so you don’t have to wait in long lines if you walk in or sit for a while waiting for your appointment.

Again, I strongly recommend using Social Security’s online services to avoid waiting in line and using your gas. In addition, you can schedule appointments in advance using their online services. 

In addition, phone appointments can save you a trip to a busy office where you’ll have to sit and wait for a long time. Unfortunately, sitting for long periods isn't ideal for many seniors with health issues. 

Remember that all Social Security Offices may require safety measures such as masking (regardless of local regulations), physical distancing, and self-health checks for COVID-19 symptoms. If you don’t have a mask and plan to walk in or make an appointment at your local office, the office will provide a mask for your visit.

How Do I Speak to a Live Person at Social Security?

If you want to chat with someone about Social Security and you live in El Centro, you may have to wait a while in the queue to get someone on the phone. However, you can call them at 1-800-325-0778 from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm local time. Remember, you’ll want to try to resolve your issue online if you can; this way, you can avoid the wait and cost of gas getting to the Social Security Office closest to your home.

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Key Takeaways for Social Security

  • Office Hours: Most office are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM; closed on weekends. Please click into the individual office to see hours of operation.
  • Local Office Visit: Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended to avoid long waits.
  • Best Time for Visits: Thursdays and Fridays in the latter weeks of the month are less busy.
  • Making Appointments: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), with shorter wait times early in the day or late afternoon.
  • What to Bring: Bring identification, required paperwork, a mask, and personal items for comfort during waits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Social Security in El Centro

  1. Can I walk into the El Centro Social Security Office without an appointment? Yes, but be prepared for long wait times.

  2. When is the Social Security Office in El Centro least busy? Thursdays and Fridays in the second, third, or fourth week of the month are typically less crowded.

  3. How do I make an appointment with the El Centro Social Security Office? Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

  4. What should I bring to my appointment at the Social Security Office? Essential items include your ID, social security card, necessary paperwork, a mask, and personal comfort items.

  5. How can I file for Social Security benefits? Options include filing online, by phone, or in person with or without SSA assistance.

  6. What happens if I don’t file for Social Security benefits? Benefits will not start automatically; you must apply to receive them, and delaying past age 70 does not increase benefits.

  7. What are the best strategies for claiming Social Security benefits in El Centro? Strategies vary based on individual circumstances, including health, family considerations, and financial needs.

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When is the Best Time to Visit the El Centro Social Security Office?

Social Security Offices are always busiest early in the morning and on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays of the week. You'll also want to avoid taking a trip to the office during the first week of any month as this is a hectic time. Before you make your trip, read below on how to make an appointment at your local Social Security Office. Then, if you can, make your appointment on a Thursday or Friday on the second, third, or fourth week of the month later in the day for less wait time and fewer people waiting inside the office.

Nearby SSA Offices

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