Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As of December 2024, 7,100 people in the Bakersfield catchment area receive SSDI benefits. The 93308 ZIP code alone accounts for 1,210 of these recipients. With an SSDI share of 11%, this office reflects a typical beneficiary mix compared to the national median of 11%. This office manages a significant volume of local needs, with $113 million in monthly benefits paid out to the community.
You can visit the Bakersfield office to file your initial SSDI application, drop off required medical records, verify your identity, or update your direct deposit information. While you can often walk in for basic services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to minimize wait times. Please remember that this office does not decide the outcome of your disability claim, as that process is handled by the state DDS. Additionally, any future disability hearings will take place at a separate location.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $112,930k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
When you visit the Bakersfield office, bring a government-issued photo ID and a detailed 15-year work history. You should also provide a comprehensive list of all your treating physicians, including their contact information and addresses. Bring copies of your most recent medical records, a current list of all medications, and any previous denial letters if you are reapplying.
You may delay your benefits by submitting incomplete work histories or failing to include contact information for all recent healthcare providers. Omitting details about your medical conditions can also lead to an incomplete application record. Avoid signing any forms at the office until you have read them thoroughly to ensure all information is accurate. An attorney can help you avoid these common administrative errors.
Should you bring an attorney?
The initial application stage is a critical time to establish the evidence for your claim. Many applicants who file on their own face denials that could have been avoided with professional guidance. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and ensure your application reflects the full extent of your disability. Request a free case review to understand how to strengthen your claim before your appointment.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
If your SSDI claim moves to a hearing
About two-thirds of initial SSDI applications nationwide are denied. If yours is, your case moves to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. SSA routes appeals from the Bakersfield field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. The Bakersfield field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While you can visit the Bakersfield office for some services without an appointment, it is highly recommended that you schedule one in advance. This helps ensure that a representative is available to assist you with your specific SSDI application needs.
Yes, you can start your SSDI application online through the official SSA website. However, you may still need to visit the Bakersfield office to provide original documents, verify your identity, or clarify specific details of your work history.
You should bring your photo ID, a 15-year work history, a list of all treating doctors with their addresses, and your most recent medical records. Having these items ready helps the staff at Bakersfield process your application more efficiently.
If you miss your appointment at the Bakersfield office, you should contact them as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing an appointment can cause unnecessary delays in your application process, so it is important to maintain communication with your local office.
