The Hickory Social Security Office location and hours

The Social Security Administration office serving Hickory is located at 1805 13th Avenue Drive SE, Hickory, NC 28602. This is a full-service office where you can handle retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and replacement documents in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It closes on federal holidays. Hours can change without notice, so call ahead at 1-866-811-0635 before making the trip. This is the national Social Security phone line; tell them you want the Hickory office.

Parking is available on-site. The building is accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you cannot reach the office during regular hours, you can also handle many tasks online at ssa.gov or by phone using the same number above.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hickory Social Security office is at 1805 13th Avenue Drive SE and is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed federal holidays.
  • Call 1-866-811-0635 to confirm hours or ask whether you need an appointment before visiting in person.
  • Many tasks — replacing a Social Security card, checking your earnings record, reporting a death — can be done online at ssa.gov without visiting the office.
  • If you cannot visit during business hours, you can handle some matters by phone or mail, though processing times are longer.

What you can do at the Hickory office in person

The Hickory office handles the full range of Social Security services. You can apply for retirement benefits, file for disability or survivor benefits, replace a lost or damaged Social Security card, report a change in your circumstances, and request a replacement Medicare card. You can also review your earnings record and ask questions about your benefits.

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. On busy days you may wait an hour or more. Calling ahead to ask whether an appointment is available can save time. Some offices now use an online appointment system; ask when you call.

Documents to bring when you visit

What you need depends on what you are doing. For any visit, bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have one, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and a utility bill.

If you are applying for retirement or disability benefits, bring your Social Security card (or a record of the number), proof of citizenship or legal residency, your birth certificate, and proof of income from the past year — tax returns, W-2 forms, or pay stubs. If you are married, bring your marriage certificate. If you have been divorced, bring the divorce decree.

If you are replacing a Social Security card, bring your ID and your birth certificate. If you are reporting a death, bring the death certificate and the Social Security card of the person who died.

When to use the phone or online instead of visiting

You do not need to visit the office for many common tasks. You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and change your address or phone number. You can also request a replacement Social Security card online in most states, including North Carolina, and it will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.

If you prefer to speak with someone by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week. You can also call the Hickory office directly at 1-866-811-0635.

If you need to mail documents, you can send them to the Hickory office at the address above. Include a cover letter explaining what you are doing and your phone number. Processing by mail takes longer than in person — usually three to four weeks.

What to expect if you need to appeal a decision

If Social Security denies your claim or you disagree with a decision, you have the right to appeal. The first step is a reconsideration, which you can request by phone, mail, or in person at the Hickory office. You have 60 days from the date of the decision letter to file.

For disability cases, you may also request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This process takes longer but gives you a chance to present evidence and testimony. You can represent yourself or bring a lawyer or representative. Many representatives work on contingency — they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, rather than charging an upfront fee.

Getting help if you are deaf or hard of hearing

Social Security provides free interpreter services. If you are deaf or hard of hearing and want to visit the Hickory office in person, call ahead at 1-866-811-0635 and tell them you need an interpreter. They will arrange one for your appointment at no cost to you.

You can also use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 to call Social Security by phone. Video relay services and other relay options are also available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Hickory office?

Walk-ins are accepted, but calling ahead to ask about appointment availability can reduce your wait time. Some offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Call 1-866-811-0635 to ask whether appointments are available for the service you need.

How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?

If you request one online at ssa.gov, it arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If you apply in person at the Hickory office, you may receive it the same day or within a few days, depending on how busy the office is. By mail it takes longer.

Can I apply for benefits by phone instead of visiting the office?

Yes. You can file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits by calling 1-800-772-1213. A representative will take your application over the phone. You will still need to send in documents by mail to complete the process, but you do not have to visit the office in person.

What if the office is closed when I need help?

You can call 1-800-772-1213 any day of the week, including weekends and holidays, to reach the national Social Security phone line. You can also create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov to handle many tasks 24 hours a day.

How do I learn about my claim was approved?

Social Security sends approval or denial letters by mail. You can also check the status of your claim by logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.