Address, phone & hours
Bessemer Social Security Office
5475 Academy Way
Bessemer, AL
35022
Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
View on SSA.govThe Bessemer office serves 26,425 total beneficiaries across 10 ZIP codes in Alabama. Of these, 4,620 individuals receive SSDI, representing 18% of the local caseload. With $44 million in monthly benefits distributed, this office is a primary point of contact for your initial application. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence before your claim reaches the state DDS.
Your local SSA service center
Your local Social Security service center in Bessemer manages a population where 18% of beneficiaries rely on SSDI. This office handles 2% of the total state beneficiary load, distributing $44 million in monthly payments to residents. While the majority of the 26,425 beneficiaries are retirees, the office remains a critical access point for you across the 10 ZIP codes served.
At the Bessemer office, you can file an initial SSDI application, drop off medical records, verify your identity, or update your direct deposit information. This office does not make final disability decisions, as those are handled by the state DDS, and hearings are conducted at a separate location. Contact this office using the phone button below to confirm if you need an appointment or can be seen as a walk-in.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $44,015k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
When you visit Bessemer, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a comprehensive 15-year work history. You should also provide a complete list of your treating physicians with their contact information, recent medical records, a list of current medications, and any prior denial letters. Being organized helps the representative process your information more efficiently.
Avoid providing an incomplete work history or failing to include recent medical records from all your treating providers. Many people also forget to document mental health conditions, which are just as important as physical limitations. Never sign any Social Security forms without reading them thoroughly. These oversights can lead to unnecessary delays or an initial denial of your application.
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 at Bessemer is the foundation of your entire claim. Most people who apply without legal guidance face a denial and a lengthy appeals process later. An attorney can help you gather the right evidence now, ensuring your case is as strong as possible from day one. Request a free case review to understand how to protect your interests during this process.
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 Bessemer. The Bessemer field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While some services may be available to walk-ins, it is highly recommended that you contact this office using the phone button below to schedule an appointment. This ensures you have dedicated time with a representative to discuss your specific SSDI application.
Yes, you can start your application online, which may save you time. However, visiting the Bessemer office is often necessary for in-person ID verification or to submit original documents that cannot be uploaded digitally.
Missing an appointment can delay your claim significantly. If you cannot make your scheduled time, contact this office using the phone button below as soon as possible to reschedule and prevent your application from being flagged as incomplete.
You should bring your photo ID, a 15-year work history, contact information for all your doctors, and your most recent medical records. Having these ready helps the staff at Bessemer process your file without unnecessary back-and-forth.



