Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
The Boston office acts as your local Social Security service center for 24 ZIP codes. As of December 2024, there are 4,420 SSDI recipients in this catchment area, with ZIP 02118 alone accounting for 695 of those individuals. The office handles an SSDI share of 11.9% compared to the national median of 11.3%, and it manages a total monthly payout of $71 million. This office serves 2.8% of the total beneficiaries in Massachusetts.
You can use this office to file initial SSDI applications, drop off medical evidence, verify your identity, and update your direct deposit information. While you can handle many tasks here, remember that this office does not decide if you are disabled; that determination is made by the state Disability Determination Services. Additionally, any future hearings are held at a separate office. It is often best to schedule an appointment in advance to minimize your wait time.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $70,928k 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, including their names, addresses, and dates of service. Include your most recent medical records, a list of current medications, and any previous denial letters you have received. Appointments typically last between 45 and 90 minutes, so arrive prepared to discuss the specifics of your condition.
You may delay your benefits by failing to provide a complete 15-year work history or omitting recent medical records from your primary care providers. Another frequent error is neglecting to mention mental health conditions that contribute to your inability to work. Always read every form thoroughly before signing, as errors in your initial paperwork can lead to unnecessary processing delays.
Should you bring an attorney?
Applying for SSDI is a complex process where the evidence you submit today forms the foundation of your entire claim. Most people who apply without professional guidance face significant hurdles if their initial application is denied. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and ensure your application is complete, significantly improving your chances of a successful outcome.
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 Boston field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. The Boston 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 the Boston office for certain services, it is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment in advance. This helps ensure that a representative is available to assist you with your specific SSDI application needs.
Yes, you can initiate your SSDI application through the Social Security website. However, visiting the Boston office in person is often necessary for verifying your identity or submitting physical medical records that cannot be uploaded digitally.
If you miss your appointment at the Boston office, contact them as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing an appointment can delay your application, so it is important to maintain communication with your local office.
You should bring your government-issued ID, a 15-year work history, a list of all your doctors with their contact information, and your most recent medical records. Having these documents ready when you arrive at the Boston office helps the claims representative process your file more efficiently.
