Bottom line
As of December 2024, the Rockaway Park office served 21,410 beneficiaries across 6 ZIP codes. Of those, 3,280 receive SSDI, representing 15% of the office caseload. This office is open Tuesday through Friday to assist with applications and document drop-offs. A law firm can help you organize your medical evidence before you arrive to ensure your claim is built on a strong foundation.
In this article
Your local SSA service center
The Rockaway Park office supports a high concentration of disabled workers, with an SSDI share of 15% compared to the 11% national median. This indicates the office handles a higher-than-average volume of disability-related inquiries for its size. Within the local catchment, ZIP 11691 alone accounts for 1,575 SSDI recipients. In total, this office manages $36 million in monthly benefits for the community.
You can visit this office to file an initial SSDI application, drop off medical evidence, verify your identity, or update your direct deposit information. While you can often walk in for basic services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to reduce wait times. Please note that this office does not make final disability determinations, as those are handled by the state, nor does it conduct hearings, which occur at separate locations.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $36.1 million in Social Security benefits each month. Counts as of December 2024.
ZIP codes with the most people on SSDI Disabled workers, December 2024
- 116919,390 beneficiaries in all1,575
- 116923,240 beneficiaries in all620
- 116944,555 beneficiaries in all555
- 116932,615 beneficiaries in all400
- 116971,455 beneficiaries in all110
Show the numbers
| ZIP code | Disabled workers | All beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| 11691 | 1,575 | 9,390 |
| 11692 | 620 | 3,240 |
| 11694 | 555 | 4,555 |
| 11693 | 400 | 2,615 |
| 11697 | 110 | 1,455 |
Source: SSA annual ZIP-code data. Counts as of December 2024.
Should you bring a law firm?
The evidence you submit during your initial appointment at Rockaway Park forms the foundation of your entire case. Most people who apply without legal guidance face a higher risk of denial and struggle to correct the record later. A qualified law firm can review your medical documentation and help you present a clear, consistent case from the very first day.
Approval rates change with a law firm
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
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 list of all treating physicians with their contact information and copies of your most recent medical records. 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.
You may delay your benefits by failing to provide a complete 15-year work history or omitting recent medical records from key specialists. Another frequent error is neglecting to mention mental health conditions that contribute to your inability to work. Always review your application forms carefully before signing, as errors can lead to unnecessary processing delays.
Next steps
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 a regional hearing office. SSA assigns that office based on where you live. The hearing offices below are the closest to Rockaway Park by distance, which is not always the office SSA assigns. The Rockaway Park field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
- Queens10-month average wait8.6 miles
- New York10-month average wait12.8 miles
- New York Varick8.5-month average wait13.6 miles
Average wait from hearing request to hearing, each office's latest month in SSA's data. Source: SSA Office of Hearings Operations.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an appointment at Rockaway Park, or can I walk in?
While you can visit for some services without an appointment, scheduling one is highly recommended to ensure a representative is available to assist you. You can contact this office using the phone button below to confirm your needs.
Can I file my SSA disability application online instead of visiting Rockaway Park?
Yes, you can file online through the official Social Security website. However, if you prefer in-person assistance or have complex documentation to submit, visiting Rockaway Park is an effective way to ensure your paperwork is received correctly.
What documents should I bring to Rockaway Park?
You should bring your photo ID, a list of your medical providers with their addresses, recent medical records, and a detailed 15-year work history. Having these items ready helps the staff at Rockaway Park process your application more efficiently.
Do I need a lawyer for my first SSA appointment at Rockaway Park?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but having one can be beneficial. A law firm can help you identify gaps in your medical evidence and ensure your application is accurate, which may help you avoid common pitfalls that lead to denials.
Sources
Checked September 27, 2026.
Government data
- GAO-18-37 U.S. Government Accountability Office
- Office of Hearings Operations public data Social Security Administration
- Office of Research, Evaluation, and Statistics public data Social Security Administration


