Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As of December 2024, the Montebello office supports 2,090 SSDI recipients. The ZIP code 90022 accounts for 770 of these individuals, while ZIP 90640 serves 730. With an SSDI share of 6%, this office handles a lower volume of disability claims compared to the national median of 11%. Monthly, the office manages $48 million in total benefits for the local community.
At the Montebello office, you can file initial SSDI applications, drop off required medical documentation, verify your identity, and set up direct deposit. While you can walk in for basic services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure a representative is available to assist you. This office does not make final disability determinations, which are handled by the state, nor does it conduct hearings, which occur at separate locations.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $48,082k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
To prepare for your appointment, bring a government-issued photo ID and a complete 15-year work history. You should also provide a list of all treating physicians with their contact information, recent medical records, a list of current medications, and any prior denial letters if applicable. An attorney can help you organize your evidence to ensure your initial filing is as strong as possible.
Avoid delays by ensuring your work history is complete and that you have gathered the most recent records from all your treating providers. Many people fail to mention all their medical conditions, which can weaken an application. Never sign forms without reading them thoroughly, and always keep copies of everything you submit to the office.
Should you bring an attorney?
The initial application stage is critical because the evidence you provide here forms the foundation of your entire case. Most people who apply without legal guidance face significant hurdles if their initial application is denied. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the SSA process and ensure your medical evidence is properly presented.
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 Montebello field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. The Montebello 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 Montebello office for some services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure you receive timely assistance. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can vary significantly.
Yes, you can start your SSDI application online through the official Social Security website. However, you may still need to visit the Montebello office to provide original documents or verify your identity in person.
If you miss your appointment at the Montebello office, contact them as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing an appointment can delay the processing of your application, so it is important to maintain communication with your claims representative.
You should bring a valid photo ID, your 15-year work history, a list of all your doctors and their addresses, your recent medical records, and a list of your current medications. Having these items ready will help the staff at Montebello process your request more efficiently.
You are not required to have a lawyer for your first appointment, but having one can be beneficial. An attorney can help you understand the requirements and ensure your application is complete, which may improve your chances of a successful outcome.
