Charleston Social Security Office

Charleston Social Security Office

The Charleston Social Security Office is available to answer all of your questions and concerns regarding your social benefits, your social security card and more.

Here you can find the contact information for this office, including phone number, location and office hours. You can also find a FAQ section where we answer the most common questions asked at Charleston Social Security Office.

If you visit this location, please tell us about your experience. It can be useful for others seeking assistance with Social Security issues.

If you visit the Charleston Social Security Office, please tell us about your experience. It can be useful for others seeking help for a tax problem.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, it was suspended face-to-face service to the public at the Social Security Offices until further notice. However, you can still receive assistance by phone, fax, or online. Your local field office is available to take your call Monday through Friday, 9AM - 4PM.

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Top online services you might receive

You can go to the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration to receive assistance online. This way you can request the following services without visiting your local office:

Apply for Benefits

  • Apply for Retirement Benefits
  • Apply for Disability Benefits
  • Apply for Medicare Benefits
  • Appeal a Decision

Review Your Information

  • View Your Latest Statement
  • Review Your Earnings History
  • Estimate Retirement Benefits
  • Check Application Status

Manage Your Account

  • Change Your Address
  • Set Up or Change Direct Deposit
  • Print Proof of Benefits
  • Print Your 1099

Frequently Ask Questions at Charleston Social Security Office

  • Can I apply for Social Security benefits online?

    Yes, you can do your application at www.ssa.gov.

  • How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

    As soon as you provide all the information and documents required, the Social Security Administration will mail you your Social Security card. Generally, you can receive your Social Security Card within 2 weeks from the application day.

  • How do I change the name on my Social Security card?

    You will need to complete the Application for a Social Security Card by downloading Form SS-5 from the Social Security website. Once completed, you will need to mail the form or deliver it in person to your local office, along with the original copies of the documents needed to prove your identity.

  • How to replace a stolen or lost Social Security Card?

    You can request the replacement card online at www.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-12-13. You can also do it by visiting your local office and providing an identification card to prove your identity.

  • Can I schedule an appointment with Social Security through this website?

    No, SSecurityOffices.com is not associated with the U.S. Social Security Administration and has no contact with its offices. As we only provide contact information, you must contact your local office directly to schedule, reschedule or cancel an appointment.


  • 30 Reviews For Charleston Social Security Office

    Olivia Plock
    I recently got married and needed to update the last name on my SS card. A few months ago when I first started looking into getting that taken care of here, it said online that this location was still closed due to the pandemic (aside from certain approved in-person appointments). This left me with the only option of mailing in my request - but that meant mailing in all of my important and original documents required for this process (SS card, birth certificate, driver's license, etc.). I read dozens of reviews stating that the office was impossible to get ahold of over the phone for questions or the minor possibility of scheduling an appointment. But what worried me much more were the reviews from those who did in fact mail original documents in for similar processes and never got their documents returned (due to them getting misplaced in transit or for unknown reasons). This really made me nervous, so I decided I wasn't comfortable taking that risk. I spent the last few weeks attempting to reach the office over the phone, only to be stuck on endless hold or being disconnected time and time again. Because of these factors, I just kept putting it off until I recently realized that it no longer said online that the office was closed (I'm not sure how long it's actually been back open, that's just when I noticed). Today I decided to just stop by the office and see if it would be possible to take care of this without an appointment...and I am so glad I did! The office was operating and the staff was very friendly and helpful. I only waited about 10 minutes before being seen/helped by a staff member at Window 6 named Drew. He was so professional, kind, and helpful and made the experience fast and stress free. I was in and out of there with my request completed within 20 minutes. The only reason I am not giving this experience a higher rating is solely due to the fact that their call system was extremely frustrating and ineffective. My actual experience at the office was great. I just wish I wouldn't have wasted so many weeks trying to get a hold of people through the useless call system and just stopped in sooner.
    Chad Lakin
    Another useless government building. Don't bother showing up. No one works here. Everything is done online or over the phone. Want a ss card.... Gotta mail them your passport just to obtain one. After being on hold for an hour and then answering 100 questions about who you are. Worthless building and I'd say worthless people working there but no one actually does. Waist of tax payer money.
    STUART COHEN
    They are totally incompetent. Before moving to the Charleston area from Myrtle Beach, I applied for Medicare Part B for myself and my wife. After we arrived at our new house, my card arrived but my wife received a letter stating that her application had been declined for applying too late. NOT TRUE. After many attempts to contact someone, I finally did get someone, who told me that my wife needed to file an appeal form online, which we did. After waiting weeks for some response, I called again, and after numerous attempts, I did get someone. After first being told that I would have to send a new request and get a form from my last employer, I told the person that I had forms from my employer for both of us. He then searched their files, and admitted that my application had been processed, but not that of my wife. TOTAL iNCOMPETENCE! This person told me that he would take care of the ERROR, and my wife would receive her new card in about 10 days. Over 3 weeks have now passed, but NO CARD.
    David Bowers
    Went to our local Social Security Office on 1463 Tobias Gadson Blvd, Charleston, today expecting to have to deal with disgruntled government employees. Instead we were greeted by Jeff Todd who was super friendly and helpful and then met with C. Randall who answered all our questions and made us feel that our questions mattered. Both should be commended for their professionalism.
    Mark Murphy
    I wanted to convey something that I experienced at this Social Security office. Prior to arriving, I was able to call SS and obtain a face to face appt with this office for 10am. The rep on the phone was really nice and helpful and instructed me to arrive at the front door of this office location and wait for security to let me in. I arrived at the front door, around 9:50am, along with about two other parties who were also waiting. While waiting, another person, who had been waiting as well, told us that she had called the 800 number and was informed that this office was not seeing people for appts face to face. However, I decided to wait for 10am to see what would happen. A little after 10am, I saw a man, when I looked through two glass doors, apparently just arriving and sitting at a desk. Myself and others waited a few mins (it was just after 10am now) when one gentleman who was waiting decided to walking through the first glass door, then open the second glass door, and apparently spoke to the man sitting at the desk. After doing so, the man returned, motioned to his wife who was waiting in their car, and they both then went in and continue to talk to the man at the desk. After this happened, I suspected that I needed to do the same thing. So, I walked through the first glass door, then, after previously being told security wouldlet me in,I approached the second glass door but didn't open it. I then saw that the male staff person who was inside was a security guard with the name tag of Mr. Scurry. So, as I said, I approached the glass door and the security guard was directly on the other side. I waited for him, maybe two seconds, to maybe ask me,Can I help you?orName please? But instead he promptly raised both of his arms into the air out from his sides and yelled,What!?!?! I was of course immediately shocked and asked him why he yelled at me. He quickly responded, to me, again with a loud voice,Well you are standing their just looking at me! I then told him that I was just waiting for him to ask for my name or otherwise give me whatever instructions needed and told him the person who set up my appt asked me to see security and give my name etc so I could be let in for my appt. He then asked me for my name and confirmed my appt time. Then he opened the door and let me in. At this point, honestly, I was pretty angry having been treated this way and approached his desk and again asked why he had yelled at me and treated me so badly. He then put up his hand and told me he wasn't going to be lectured by anyone. My response was,yes, I can see that,and took my seat. During my actual appt speaking with the SS rep who helped me, I heard the security guard say (apparently talking to waiting visitors),I don't know why they are standing out there....I don't go outside. He was apparently referring to a line of about maybe 7 people standing outside the front door. After I left, I told the people outside that they needed to walk through the doors because the security guard may not come out and confirm you can come in. When I did this, the folks at the front of the line began to go through the doors, talk with the guard, and begin to get the services they needed. Horrible, horrible treatment from this security guard. The last time I was treated this way was in US Army boot camp, which was expected. The way this guard treated me was def not expected.
    Bill L
    I have had conversations with agents at this office twice in the last month. Both times, they were courteous, knowledgeable and very helpful. After the first conversation, my request was processed within two weeks.
    Nia
    The only government office that has exceeded my expectations. I arrived at 0836. Security unlocked the doors at 0847, I received a number from the kiosk at 0854. Was called to the window 0913, and out the door at 0916. Keep up the good work, perhaps the DMV will catch on.
    Gabriele Anderson
    I cannot get the social security office to reply or get an in person appointment. It's simply impossible,. If everyone at the Social Security Administration is still working from home its fine but the customer should not have to suffer. . Taxpayer should not have to wait 16-17 month for a reply. It's unprofessional/sad to say the least.
    Domonique Heyward
    If there was anywhere else around me. ANYWHERE else, Iu2019d go! My husband tried to get a print out of his social and nobody could set him an appointment to do that. After the security guard that works in the front told us to call multiple numbers to get an u201curgent appointment for a printoutu201d Poor, rude, horrible customer service
    David lopez
    are now open! and all the staff are very friendly and efficient... thank you very much for your support
    Tricia Gurr
    A kind and generous friend Attempted to drop off a package through the drop box in my behalf (unfortunately did not fit). Called the numbers on the door unsuccessfully. In attempt to figure out how best to handle this called. Blessed beyond measure to get through and the gentleman on the line helped me resolve the problem getting the package safely in! Thank you!!
    Gardenia Ferguson
    Called got hang ups and, abrasive loud rude SSA workers. I said no I won't allow this from you.On my 3rd call a professional lady ,conducted my business and answered my questions.
    Cam Ledbetter
    Closed an hour before their posted hours, will put you on hold for 20 minutes then hang up, security won't even look at you let alone answer questions. Avoid this place and go anywhere else if possible
    Casey Viant
    Iu2019ve never written a review in my entire life and this office calls for one. Want to be talked down to, call this office. I started this process back in June..... was told wrong information that delayed my process. Finally given right information to submit it , for it to be lost. Was told by Management that sheu2019d take care of this. Re sent my information , got a call to come with my license. After being told numerous times I didnu2019t need to bring or submit it. Was told that day your card will he sent to you and you will have it in 7-10 days. Itu2019s been almost two weeks and called to be talked down to. That itu2019s on the post office, that If they donu2019t know my name itu2019s up to me to call them and figure it out. I was just kindly trying to ask how am I supposed to change my name or update it when Iu2019m waiting on my social security card to change it in the first place. She insisted on telling me what I do in regards to anything other than social security office, I need to get to doing. So your telling me if they donu2019t know my new name how will they send my card? I need the card to change my name legally..... Iu2019m genuinely confused by what I was being told and wanted guidance. Instead she told me she was hanging up the phone so I could get to talking to whomever I needed to about that. Oh and itu2019s going to be 45-60 days until I get my card and thatu2019s on the post office. This has been the worst experience of my life, 6 months?!? Your handling peopleu2019s lives, no empathy no sympathy. I understand there is a pandemic and I appreciate all of you for working so hard, but have a little compassion for the people that your speaking with. Thank you to the workers that genuinely spoke to me kindly when I would call genuinely confused about this process or my status. To the ones that would rather make others feel stupid. Iu2019m so sorry that a persons confusion makes you want to hurt the situation rather than help it. We should all be patient and kind during this time instead of belittling and far from helpful.
    Lynze Norwood
    Lady at Social Security argued with me the whole time I was on the phone with her. She was very nasty to me. Told me I didnt do something when indeed I did. I was on hold for 20 minutes just to have a 5 minute phone call telling me I didnt do this and I didnt do that and being belittled.nnFriday September 24th 2021n@10:30 AMnnI told her very nicely after the last time I was being argued with that I was not going to sit on the phone and argue with her, I would figure it out myself and to have a wonderful Friday.
    Johnny Biker
    Great office, mrs Blue was so helpful, and proffesional with my wife social security benefits. Thank You!
    Nola Friedman
    After this office lost important papers that I sent in and called many times, the office said that I needed to send more documents in. The last time I called I talked to a lady, that was probably the rudest lady I have ever talked to. The way she talked to me and then to my husband was unbelievable. I had a panic attack after I talked to her. And she still couldn't help us. This office needs to do a better job as to who they hire and train them to be nice to everyone.
    Yolanda SykesSimmons
    Update 8/12/21: still no card! They have lost my ID (which I paid for) and court papers that I paid for 2 day delivery with a delivery confirmation! They have it in office but somehow it's lost and I was told probably sitting on someone's desk! Only managers are in office and apparently they are not scanning the paperwork but throwing it away ud83dude21. I do not know how I'm going to get her added to my insurance, taxes or get her a state ID. This office is horrible and everyone should be written up and reprimanded because they are absolutely NO HELP AT ALL. IF I HAD A WAY TO REPORT THEM I WOULD!!!!!nnOriginal post: I have custody of a minor family member and was told to send in the paperwork in order to receive the child's SS#. This was March 5th!!! They have my drivers license and court papers and I have heard nothing. I will be calling tomorrow because I need to do my taxes among other things. Really how long does it take it will be 2 months soon!!!!!!!
    Shaneka Washington
    Constantly waiting in phone line, then hangs up on you. Nobody ever answers the phone or do their job. They get paid to hang up the phones all day. My rating is 0
    Kenneth Smith
    Can't get an in-person appointment, nobody answers the phone. I've been trying for over a week to reach anytime in the office but the phone simply rings off the hook, someone puts the call on hold with no words, then the phone rings off the hook again.
    Phillip Poseskie
    Extremely unhelpful employees. Sent all the forms in priority mail over a month ago for my daughters replacement social security card. Was told we would have the replacement in 5 to 7 business days and still after calling several times spending a combined 4 hours on hold all I get is her application is being processed. They tried to say they haven't received anything yet but that's why I sent it priority mail so I could have a recieved date on file
    Sylvia Florez
    This office lost my original documents, which I provided for a name change. I am very disappointed that many sensitive documents of mine are now missing, and there is no accountability. I now have to order and pay for a new marriage certificate (which hopefully makes it to me in the mail) so I can move forward with updating all my information. I spoke with various representatives over the course of the last few weeks, and even left voice messages that were never returned before a supervisor finally called to deliver the bad news. This was such a frustrating experience, especially since I was hesitant to send these in the first place.
    MONIQUE AMOS
    I don't usually do this but today I have to. I called in today to ask a simple question about getting a replacement card for my daughter and instead what I got was attitude and over-talked so much so that I had to ask her if I could ask a question without being interrupted. Its very discouraging to wait on hold for 5 mins going thru all the automated prompts to finally get someone that is going to talk down to you and then give u attitude. One of the prompts state that the calls are recorded will I hope you listen to mine it was done on 2/17/21 at 2:14 pm. She really doesn't need to be answering phone calls.
    Nima Azizkhani
    they take mad long to answer and alot of the people that work there be hanging up on you before you even get to say hello !!
    Elizabeth Jones
    Called to ask a question about dropping off paperwork for a name change, and ended up getting screamed at by the phone operator about how I had changed my name. I tried to calmly explain that it was irrelevant, and just needed to answer to my specific questions about dropping off paperwork, and she continued to talk over me, not listening to the actual questions I was asking, and therefore spouting useless information all while defending herself for some reason telling me that she hadnu2019t told me any of the things the last person I spoke with told me. More attitude then a season of Real Housewives with about as much reasoning. A confusing and angering call. Terrible service. Mind bogglingly terrible service.
    Kenny Daniels
    I understand that the world went under a mild shut down because of the pandemic, but there is no excuse as to why over the course of 5 months, after talking to multiple people at the office and sending out (and receiving back) the amount of personal documents to a building down pretty much on the other side of town, that my recently widowed mother couldn't get her SS card. Though my mother wasn't born within the country, she's been an American citizen well over 2 decades and unfortunately, since my father's passing, we've not been able to locate her SS card in order for her to have her due benefits from my late father (who was an actual US citizen and served in the military 20+ years as well as served being a high school teacher/instructor for the same amount of time.) The stress we've had to endure to get this card has been unnecessary considering that (as stated previously) we've sent in personal documents of hers (passport, marriage license, etc.) as well as received them back, but with no avail to an actual SS card; filled out her application for receiving an SS card not once, but three times with no closer resolution and with the amount of people that we've talked to in the past several months that verified that they were in the Charleston branch Social Security office, there should be no reason why she shouldn't be able to have received her SS card at this point. For the past 5 months, we've done all that we could short of having to go to the office and actually talk to an authorized employee (or manager) of the office the maltreatment we've received. Even with covid shutting down the regular operations of certain businesses (moreover, with official government operations) and even with the repeated processes my mother was told and requested to do should it take the amount of time it has for my mother to receive her SS card.
    Brook
    Literally the best experience I have ever had at any government office and the best customer service hands down of anywhere I think Iu2019ve ever been. Randall was amazing. He made me feel comfortable, he was so respectful, he answered all my questions fully and even gave me advice on what to do next. He explained everything so thoroughly. I came out smiling. Best experience. I wish I could give 10 stars.
    C Ken
    I called to get a new social security card. I was informed I have to mail my orginal drivers license along with the application for a social security card. Last time I checked, operating a vehicle without a license is illegal and not to mention it's the primary way to identify myself. I opted not to send in my orginal drivers license. I'm not taking a chance operating a vehicle without a license and having no ID on me for weeks. Open the local SSA offices so citizens can conduct essential business.
    Alexandra Vancea
    Called to get a replacement social security card, and the lady who was extremely rude said that I have to send in an original copy of my prof of citizenship and my actual drivers license! I wonu2019t be able to drive without a drivers license, and Iu2019m sure not gonna send in my original prof of citizenship because if the mail loses it I canu2019t get that replaced and then Iu2019ll be really screwed! I tried explaining this to her, but it never went through her head that I canu2019t send those original documents through the mail!
    Megan Arnold
    I have had the WORST experience with this office. I was married in April and tried to get my name changed. I called and spoke with someone who told me the documents I was sending would work (office was closed due to Covid). They returned my passport and NOT my marriage license until I called asking for it. it was the original bride/groom copy and they denied my request stating it was a copy (which is wasn't). They finally sent it back and wrote COPY on it. I am very upset that they would write on my original marriage license like this. I have called numerous times asking for a manager to call back. I have heard from no one and still can't get my name changed bc I am not comfortable sending them any more of my documents. I wouldn't even give them one star, except I had to in order for this to post.

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