Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As your local Social Security service center, the Uptown NYC office manages a significant caseload for the community. With 56,205 total beneficiaries, the office oversees $95 million in monthly benefit payments. The disabled-worker population of 7,690 reflects a typical SSDI share of 14% compared to the broader beneficiary mix. This office remains a primary point of contact for you if you live in one of the 8 ZIP codes served and need to establish your eligibility for federal disability programs.
At the Uptown NYC office, you can file initial SSDI applications, submit medical records, verify your identity, and update your direct deposit information. While you can handle these tasks here, please note that this office does not decide your claim; that responsibility lies with the state DDS. Furthermore, any future hearings are conducted at a separate office location. You should schedule an appointment to minimize your wait time, though some services remain available for walk-ins.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $94,577k 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 your treating physicians with their contact information, recent medical records, and a current list of all medications. If you have received any prior denial notices, bring those documents as well. Expect your interview with a claims representative to last between 45 and 90 minutes.
Avoid common delays by ensuring your work history is complete and accurate for the past 15 years. Many people fail to include recent medical records or neglect to mention secondary mental health conditions that impact your ability to work. Always read every form thoroughly before signing, as errors in your initial paperwork can significantly slow down the processing of your claim.
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?
Applying for disability is a complex process where the evidence gathered at the initial stage defines your entire appeal record. Most people who apply without professional guidance find themselves needing assistance only after a denial has occurred. An attorney can help you understand your options and ensure your application is as strong as possible from day one.
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 Uptown Nyc. The Uptown Nyc 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 certain services, scheduling an appointment is strongly encouraged to ensure you are seen in a timely manner. Appointments help the staff at Uptown NYC manage the high volume of visitors from the 8 ZIP codes they serve.
Yes, you can start your application online, which may save you time. However, you may still need to visit Uptown NYC to provide original documents or verify your identity in person.
If you miss your appointment, you should contact the office 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 photo ID, a 15-year work history, a list of all your doctors and their addresses, recent medical records, and a list of your current medications. Having these ready helps the staff at Uptown NYC process your request more efficiently.
An appointment at Uptown NYC typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. This time is used to review your application and ensure all necessary documentation is in order.