Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As of December 2024, the Lakewood office manages a caseload of 11,080 individuals receiving SSDI benefits. ZIP 80229 alone accounts for 785 of these recipients. While the SSDI share of 7% is lower than the national median of 11%, this office remains a vital resource, distributing $317 million in monthly benefits across its service area. The office handles 16% of all beneficiaries in Colorado.
You can visit Lakewood to file initial SSDI applications, drop off medical evidence, verify your identity, or update your direct deposit information. While you can walk in for some services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to reduce wait times. This office does not make final disability determinations or conduct hearings.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $317,130k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a comprehensive work history covering the last 15 years. You should also provide a list of all treating physicians with their contact information, recent medical records, a list of current medications, and copies of any prior denial letters. Expect your interview with a claims representative to last between 45 and 90 minutes.
Avoid delays by ensuring your work history is complete and accurate, as gaps or errors often trigger follow-up requests. Do not omit recent medical records, as these are critical to your claim. Always read every form thoroughly before signing to ensure the information provided to the Social Security Administration is correct.
Should you bring an attorney?
Many people apply for SSDI without legal guidance and only seek help after receiving a denial. Engaging an attorney early allows you to build a robust evidence file that supports your claim from the start. An attorney can help you understand your options and the strength of your medical documentation before you finalize your application.
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 Lakewood field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. The Lakewood field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While you can walk in for basic services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure you are seen promptly. You can contact this office to confirm if your specific needs require a scheduled time.
Yes, you can file your initial SSDI application online through the Social Security website. However, visiting Lakewood in person is often necessary for identity verification or if you have complex documentation that requires a face-to-face review.
You should bring your photo ID, a 15-year work history, contact information for your doctors, and any recent medical records or medication lists. Having these ready helps the claims representative process your application more efficiently.
An appointment at Lakewood typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. The duration depends on the complexity of your application and the amount of documentation you need to submit for review.
