Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As of December 2024, the Buffalo office manages 14,245 SSDI recipients. The impact is concentrated in specific areas, such as ZIP 14215, which accounts for 1,615 SSDI recipients. With an SSDI share of 12.4%, this office is higher than 63% of field offices nationally. This office facilitates the distribution of $219 million in monthly benefits to the local community.
You can visit the Buffalo office to file an initial SSDI application, drop off required medical records, verify your identity, or update your direct deposit information. While you may be able to handle some tasks online, an in-person visit is often necessary for document verification. Please note that 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.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $218,563k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a comprehensive work history covering the last 15 years. You should also provide a list of all treating physicians with their contact information, recent medical records, a current list of medications, and any prior denial letters if you have them. Arrive prepared to discuss your medical limitations in detail with a claims representative.
Avoid common pitfalls like submitting an incomplete work history or failing to include recent medical records from all your treating providers. Many applicants also neglect to mention mental health conditions that contribute to their inability to work, which can weaken your application. Always read every form thoroughly before signing, as errors here can lead to unnecessary delays in your claim processing.
Should you bring an attorney?
The evidence you provide during your initial application at the Buffalo office sets the foundation for your entire case. Many applicants who apply without legal guidance find themselves facing a denial that could have been avoided with a more thorough initial filing. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and ensure your application accurately reflects your limitations.
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 Buffalo field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. The Buffalo 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 Buffalo office for certain services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure you are seen promptly. You can contact this office using the phone button below to check current availability and appointment requirements.
Yes, you can start your application online, but you may still need to visit the Buffalo office to provide original documents or complete identity verification. An attorney can help you determine if filing online or in person is the best strategy for your specific situation.
If you miss your scheduled appointment at the Buffalo office, you should contact them immediately using the phone button below to reschedule. Missing an appointment can delay your application, so it is important to communicate with the staff as soon as possible.
You should bring your photo ID, a 15-year work history, contact information for all your doctors, recent medical records, and a list of your current medications. Having these items organized before your visit to the Buffalo office helps the claims representative process your application more efficiently.
