Address, phone & hours
Cambridge Social Security Office
10 Fawcett St, First Flr
Cambridge, MA
02138
Mon–Fri · 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
View on SSA.govThe Cambridge office serves 79,510 total beneficiaries across 34 ZIP codes. Of those, 6,095 individuals receive SSDI, representing 8% of the total caseload. Because this office skews heavily toward retirement benefits, wait times for disability-specific inquiries can fluctuate. An attorney can help you ensure your initial application is complete and accurate. This office handles $171 million in monthly benefits for the local community.
Your local SSA service center
As your local Social Security service center, the Cambridge office manages a diverse portfolio of benefits for 79,510 residents. While the catchment area is retirement-heavy, with 88% of beneficiaries aged 65 or older, the office remains a vital resource for the 6,095 local residents receiving SSDI. Every month, this office facilitates the distribution of $171 million in benefits across its 34 served ZIP codes.
You can visit the Cambridge office to file an initial SSDI application, drop off medical documentation, or verify your identity. 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. While you can walk in for basic services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to minimize your wait time.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $171,194k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
When you arrive at the Cambridge office, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your work history. You should also provide a list of all treating physicians, including their names, addresses, and contact information. Bring copies of your recent medical records, a current list of all medications, and any prior denial letters if you are reapplying. Expect your interview with a claims representative to last between 45 and 90 minutes.
You may delay your claim by submitting an incomplete work history or failing to include contact information for all recent medical providers. Another frequent error is neglecting to mention secondary conditions that impact your ability to work. Never sign a document at the office without reading it thoroughly to ensure all information is accurate. An attorney can help you avoid these oversights.
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 the Cambridge office is the foundation of your entire disability case. Evidence gathered now will define the record if your claim requires an appeal later. Most people who apply without legal guidance find the process overwhelming and often face initial denials. An attorney can help you understand your options before you submit your 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 Cambridge. The Cambridge 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 like replacing a Social Security card, scheduling an appointment is recommended for disability applications to ensure a representative is available to assist you.
Yes, you can initiate your application online, which is often the fastest way to start the process. You may still need to visit the Cambridge office later to provide original documents or verify your identity.
You should bring a valid photo ID, your work history, a list of all your doctors with their contact information, and your recent medical records to support your claim.
An appointment at this office typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your application and the volume of visitors that day.



