Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
Your local Social Security service center in Melville supports a population where 7,520 individuals receive SSDI as of December 2024. The ZIP code 11717 alone accounts for 1,225 of these SSDI recipients. While the SSDI share of 9% is lower than the national median of 11%, this office manages $186 million in monthly benefits for the community. These figures reflect the office's role in supporting you through the initial application and verification phases.
At the Melville office, you can file your initial SSDI application, drop off required medical documents, verify your identity, and set up direct deposit. Please note that this office does not make final disability determinations; that process is handled by the state DDS. Additionally, any future administrative law judge hearings will take place at a separate hearing office location. While walk-ins are accepted, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure a representative is available to assist you.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $185,996k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
To prepare for your visit, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a detailed 15-year work history. You should also provide a comprehensive list of your treating physicians with their contact information and addresses. Bring any recent medical records, test results, and a list of your current medications to support your claim. Appointments typically last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your file.
Avoid common delays by ensuring your work history is complete and accurate for the past 15 years. Many people fail to provide recent medical records from all treating providers, which slows down the review process. Do not overlook mental health conditions, as these are often as critical as physical impairments in a disability claim. Always read every form thoroughly before signing to ensure the information provided is consistent.
Should you bring an attorney?
The initial application stage is a critical time to establish the foundation of your claim. Most people who apply without legal guidance face significant hurdles if their application is initially denied. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and ensure your application is complete, potentially saving you months of waiting. Request a free case review to understand how your specific situation aligns with SSA requirements.
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 Melville field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. The Melville field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While the Melville office accepts walk-ins, scheduling an appointment is highly recommended to reduce your wait time. You can contact this office using the phone button below to confirm availability before you travel.
Yes, you can file your initial SSDI application online through the official Social Security website. However, you may still need to visit the Melville office to provide original documents or verify your identity in person.
If you miss your appointment at Melville, you should contact the office as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing an appointment can cause unnecessary delays in your application process, so it is important to communicate with the staff promptly.
You should bring your photo ID, a 15-year work history, contact information for your doctors, and any recent medical records or medication lists. Having these documents ready helps the staff at Melville process your request more efficiently.
