Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
The Bakersfield office serves as your local Social Security service center, supporting a community where 71% of beneficiaries are retired workers. With 7,555 disabled-worker beneficiaries, this location manages a significant volume of claims across 26 ZIP codes. While the office distributes $107 million in monthly benefits, the lower share of SSDI recipients means your application must be clearly supported by medical evidence to stand out. This office is the primary point of contact for your initial filing, document submission, and identity verification needs.
You can visit this office to file an initial SSDI application, drop off medical evidence, or verify your identity for benefit updates. Please note that this office does not make final disability decisions, as those are handled by the state DDS. Additionally, any necessary hearings are conducted at a separate office location. While you can visit for certain services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to minimize your wait time.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $107,092k 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 complete list of your treating providers with their contact information, recent medical records, and a current list of all medications. If you have received any prior denial notices, bring those documents as well. Expect your interview with a claims representative to last between 45 and 90 minutes.
Avoid submitting an incomplete work history, which is a frequent cause of processing delays. Many applicants also fail to provide the most recent medical records or neglect to mention secondary mental-health conditions that impact your ability to work. Always read every form thoroughly before signing, as errors in your initial paperwork can complicate your claim later in the process.
Working while you apply? Check how much you can earn on SSDI this year — SSA's earnings limit is the first thing it looks at.
Was your claim denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
Should you bring an attorney?
The application stage is the foundation of your entire disability claim, yet many people navigate it without professional guidance. An attorney can help you ensure your evidence is organized correctly and that your medical records clearly reflect your limitations. Getting a free case review now can help you understand your options before you submit your initial paperwork.
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 at one of the regional hearing offices that handles appeals from Bakersfield. The Bakersfield field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While the Bakersfield office accepts walk-ins, scheduling an appointment is strongly recommended to ensure you are seen promptly. Without an appointment, you may face significant wait times depending on the daily volume of visitors.
Yes, you can initiate your application online, which is often the fastest way to start the process. However, visiting the Bakersfield office in person is necessary if you need to verify your identity or submit specific physical documents that cannot be uploaded.
Missing your appointment can delay your application, as you will need to reschedule and wait for the next available slot. If you know you cannot make your scheduled time, contact this office using the phone button below as soon as possible to minimize the impact on your claim.
You are not required to have a lawyer for your initial appointment, but having one can be beneficial. An attorney can help you prepare your documentation and ensure your claim is presented accurately, which may help you avoid common mistakes that lead to denials.