Address, phone & hours
San Rafael Social Security Office
99 Smith Ranch Road, Suite 200
San Rafael, CA
94903
Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
View on SSA.govAs of December 2024, the San Rafael office served 55,535 SSA beneficiaries across 39 ZIP codes. Of those, 2,045 receive SSDI, representing 4% of the office's total caseload. This office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence before your first appointment to avoid common filing errors.
Your local SSA service center
The San Rafael office serves as your local Social Security service center for Marin County, where $130 million in monthly benefits are distributed. As of December 2024, there are 2,045 SSDI recipients in this catchment area. The ZIP code 94903 alone accounts for 315 of these individuals. With an SSDI share of 4%, this office serves a lower percentage of disabled-worker beneficiaries compared to the national median of 11%.
You can visit San Rafael to file an initial SSDI application, drop off required medical documentation, or verify your identity for benefit changes. While you can handle many tasks online, this office is the primary location for in-person ID verification and Medicare enrollment assistance. Please note that this office does not make final disability determinations, which are handled by the state, nor does it conduct hearings, which occur at a separate location. It is recommended to schedule an appointment in advance to ensure a representative is available to assist you.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $129,801k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
When you arrive at San Rafael, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a detailed work history. You should also provide a comprehensive list of all treating providers, including their names and addresses, along with your most recent medical records. Having a current list of your medications and any prior denial letters will help the claims representative process your file more efficiently.
You may delay your benefits by submitting an incomplete work history or failing to provide recent medical records from all treating physicians. Another common error is neglecting to mention mental-health conditions that impact your ability to work. Always read every form thoroughly before signing to ensure the information provided is accurate and complete. Avoiding these oversights during your initial visit can prevent unnecessary follow-up requests.
Should you bring an attorney?
The evidence you present at your initial appointment at San Rafael forms the foundation of your entire case record. Most people who apply without legal guidance find the process overwhelming and often face denials that require lengthy appeals. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and ensure your application is complete from day one. Contact our team for a free case review to see how representation can strengthen your claim.
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 San Rafael field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. The San Rafael field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While you may be able to walk in for certain services, it is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment at San Rafael to ensure a representative is available to assist you. Appointments help reduce wait times and ensure you have the dedicated time needed to discuss your SSDI application.
Yes, you can initiate your SSDI application online through the official Social Security website. However, you may still need to visit San Rafael to submit specific medical records or verify your identity in person.
If you miss your scheduled appointment at San Rafael, you should contact the office as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing an appointment can cause significant delays in the processing of your disability claim.
You should bring a government-issued photo ID, a work history, a list of all your doctors with their contact information, and any recent medical records. Having these documents ready when you visit San Rafael helps the staff process your application more effectively.
You are not required to have a lawyer for your first appointment at San Rafael, but having one can be beneficial. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and ensure your application is as strong as possible, which may help you avoid common pitfalls.





