Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
Your local Social Security service center in Scranton manages a substantial caseload, distributing 161 million dollars in monthly benefits to the community. With 12,485 disabled-worker beneficiaries, the office supports a population where 14% of recipients rely on SSDI. This office serves 74 ZIP codes, accounting for 3.1% of all Social Security beneficiaries across Pennsylvania.
At the Scranton office, you can file initial SSDI applications, drop off required medical documentation, verify your identity, and update your direct deposit information. This office does not make final disability decisions, which are handled by the state DDS, nor does it conduct hearings, which are managed by a separate office. Scheduling an appointment is recommended to reduce your wait time.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $160,641k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
To prepare for your appointment, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a detailed work history including dates and job duties. You should also provide a comprehensive list of all treating physicians with their contact information, recent medical records, and a current list of medications.
Common errors that delay claims include submitting an incomplete work history or failing to provide the most recent medical records from all treating providers. Many applicants also forget to disclose conditions that contribute to their inability to work. Avoid signing any forms until you have read them thoroughly to ensure all information is accurate.
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?
The initial application stage is the foundation of your entire disability claim. Most people who apply without legal guidance find themselves facing a denial that requires a lengthy appeals process to correct. An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and ensure your application is complete from the start.
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 Scranton. The Scranton field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While the Scranton office accepts walk-ins, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure you are seen promptly. Without an appointment, you may face significant wait times depending on the daily volume of visitors.
Yes, you can initiate your application online through the Social Security website, which is often the fastest way to start the process. However, you may still need to visit the Scranton office to provide original documents or verify your identity.
If you miss your appointment, contact the office immediately to reschedule. Missing an appointment can delay your application, so it is important to communicate any scheduling conflicts as soon as possible.
You should bring your photo ID, a work history, contact information for your doctors, and any recent medical records or test results. Having these documents ready helps the representative process your application more efficiently.