Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As of December 2024, the Alton office supports 5,305 SSDI recipients, which accounts for 12.2% of its total beneficiary population. The office serves a broad area including ZIP 62002, which alone accounts for 1,140 of these SSDI recipients. With a total monthly payout of $79 million to the local community, this office maintains a typical SSDI share compared to the national median of 11.3%.
The Alton office is your local center for filing initial SSDI applications, dropping off medical evidence, and verifying your identity. While you can handle these administrative tasks here, remember that this office does not decide your claim; that responsibility lies with the state DDS. Additionally, any future hearings regarding your case will be held at a separate office location. An attorney can help you navigate these jurisdictional differences.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $78,784k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
When you visit the Alton office, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a 15-year work history. You should also provide a list of all treating physicians with their current addresses, copies of your most recent medical records, and a list of your current medications. If you have received any prior denial notices, bring those documents as well. An attorney can help you ensure your file is complete before you arrive.
You may delay your benefits by failing to provide a complete 15-year work history or omitting recent medical records from key specialists. Another common error is neglecting to mention conditions that contribute to your inability to work. Always read every form thoroughly before signing, as errors in your initial application can lead to unnecessary processing delays. An attorney can help you avoid these mistakes.
Should you bring an attorney?
The application stage is the foundation of your entire disability case. Most people who apply without professional guidance face significant hurdles if their initial application is denied. An attorney can help you understand your options and ensure your medical evidence is presented in a way that aligns with SSA requirements. A free case review can help you determine if you have the necessary documentation to build a strong claim.
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 Alton field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. The Alton field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While the Alton office accepts walk-ins, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure you receive timely service. You can contact this office using the phone button below to confirm availability or to set up a specific time to meet with a representative.
Yes, you can file your initial SSDI application online through the official Social Security website. However, you may still need to visit the Alton office in person to verify identity documents or submit specific physical medical records.
If you miss your appointment at the Alton office, contact them immediately using the phone button below to reschedule. Missing an appointment can cause unnecessary delays in your application process, so it is important to communicate with the office as soon as possible.
You should bring a government-issued photo ID, your 15-year work history, a list of all your doctors with their contact information, and your most recent medical records. Having these documents organized before your visit to the Alton office helps the claims representative process your request more efficiently.
