Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As a local Social Security service center, Brooklyn Flatbush manages a retirement-heavy caseload, with 84% of beneficiaries aged 65 or older. While only 9% of the 74,715 total beneficiaries are disabled workers, the office remains a vital resource for you when filing initial SSDI applications. This catchment area facilitates over $125 million in monthly benefits for the community.
You can visit Brooklyn Flatbush to file initial SSDI applications, drop off medical evidence, verify your identity, or update your direct deposit information. Please note that this office does not make final disability determinations, as those decisions are handled by the state Disability Determination Services. Additionally, any future hearings regarding your claim will be conducted at a separate Office of Hearings Operations location.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $125,250k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a detailed 15-year work history to your appointment. You should also provide a comprehensive list of all treating physicians with their current addresses, recent medical records, and a list of your current medications. Expect your interview with a claims representative to last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your file.
Avoid delays by ensuring your work history is complete and your medical records are up to date. Many people fail to mention mental-health conditions or secondary impairments, which can significantly impact the strength of an application. Never sign any Social Security forms without reading them thoroughly, as inaccuracies can lead to unnecessary processing setbacks.
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 initial application stage is the most critical time to ensure your evidence is properly documented. Most people who apply without legal guidance face challenges that could have been avoided with professional preparation. An attorney can help you organize your materials and ensure your claim is presented accurately from the start.
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 Brooklyn Flatbush. The Brooklyn Flatbush 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 for certain services, scheduling an appointment at Brooklyn Flatbush is strongly recommended to reduce wait times. You can use the official Social Security website or contact the office to confirm if your specific needs require a scheduled time.
Yes, you can choose to start your SSDI application online to save time. However, you may still need to visit Brooklyn Flatbush in person to provide original documentation or verify your identity if requested by a representative.
If you miss your appointment, contact the office immediately to reschedule. Missing a scheduled meeting can delay your application process, so it is important to communicate with the staff as soon as possible.
You should bring your Social Security number, proof of age, and a detailed list of your medical providers and medications. Having a clear record of your work history for the past 15 years is also essential for a smooth application process.
Most appointments at Brooklyn Flatbush last between 45 and 90 minutes. The duration often depends on the complexity of your medical history and the specific services you are requesting during your visit.