Where the Raleigh Social Security office is located and what it handles
The Social Security Administration maintains a field office in Raleigh that handles retirement, disability, and survivor benefit matters for people in Wake County and surrounding areas. The office is located at 3331 Wade Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607. This office processes new claims, handles benefit changes, replaces lost documents, and answers questions about your Social Security account in person.
The Raleigh office is one of several in the Research Triangle area — there are also offices in Durham and Chapel Hill — but the Raleigh location serves the largest population. If you live closer to one of the other offices or prefer a shorter wait, you can visit any of them; your claim or request will be handled the same way regardless of which office you use.
Key Takeaways
- The Raleigh Social Security office is at 3331 Wade Avenue and handles retirement, disability, and survivor claims for the area.
- You can visit in person without an appointment, but wait times are often shorter if you call ahead to schedule one.
- The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on federal holidays.
- You can also reach Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) without visiting the office in person.
- Bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and any documents related to your claim when you visit.
Hours, phone number, and how to schedule a visit
The Raleigh office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on weekends and federal holidays. Walk-ins are accepted, but you will typically wait longer than if you schedule ahead. To schedule an in-person appointment, call 1-800-772-1213 and select the option to make an appointment, or visit the Social Security website at ssa.gov and use their appointment scheduler.
If you prefer not to visit in person, you can handle many matters by phone at the same number. The phone line is open during the same hours as the office. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.
Wait times at the Raleigh office vary by time of day and day of week. Early mornings and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than late afternoons or Fridays. If you have a specific, straightforward request — like replacing a lost card or changing your address — the phone is often faster than visiting in person.
What documents to bring when you visit
Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) to verify your identity. You will also need proof of citizenship or legal residency — a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work for this. If you do not have these documents, the office can tell you what alternatives they will accept.
Bring any documents related to your specific request. If you are filing for retirement benefits, bring recent pay stubs and tax returns. If you are filing for disability, bring medical records, a list of doctors you have seen, and dates of any hospitalizations. If you are applying for survivor benefits after someone's death, bring the death certificate and proof of your relationship to the deceased. The office staff can tell you exactly what you need before your appointment if you call ahead.
What you can and cannot do at the office
The Raleigh office can process new claims for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits; replace a lost or damaged Social Security card; change your address or phone number; report a name change; request a replacement benefit verification letter; and answer questions about your account. You can also report that your card has been lost or stolen, though you can do this by phone or online as well.
The office cannot make decisions about whether you are disabled — that information is made by a separate disability examiner who reviews your medical records. The office cannot speed up a decision once it has been made, and they cannot change a decision that has already been issued (you would need to file an appeal for that). If you disagree with a decision, the office can explain the appeal process and give you the forms you need, but the actual appeal goes to a different part of Social Security.
When to call instead of visiting in person
Call 1-800-772-1213 if you need to report a change of address, replace a lost card, check on the status of a claim you have already filed, or ask general questions about your benefits. You can also report that you have returned to work, that your income has changed, or that you have moved out of state — all of these can be handled by phone without visiting the office.
The phone line can also tell you whether you need to visit in person for your specific request. Many people call first to find out what documents they need, then schedule an appointment, which saves time when they arrive. If you are calling about a claim you filed more than a few weeks ago, have your claim number ready; the representative can look up your case faster if you provide it.
Parking, accessibility, and nearby services
The office at 3331 Wade Avenue has a parking lot. The building is accessible to people with mobility disabilities and has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. If you need an interpreter, call ahead to request one — the office can arrange interpreters for many languages, though availability varies and advance notice helps.
The office is near downtown Raleigh and is accessible by public transit. Check GoRaleigh (the local bus system) for routes to Wade Avenue. If you are unable to visit in person due to illness or disability, you can request a phone appointment or, in some cases, a home visit — call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about this option.
What happens after you file a claim
After you file a claim at the office, you will receive a notice in the mail confirming that your claim was received. For retirement benefits, a decision typically comes within two to four weeks. For disability benefits, the process is longer — usually two to three months, though it can take longer if the disability examiner needs additional medical records.
You can check the status of your claim by calling 1-800-772-1213, logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, or visiting the office in person. Do not visit the office to check status unless you have a specific question; the phone or online account are faster. Once a decision is made, you will receive a letter explaining the decision and, if you were approved, information about when your benefits will begin and how much you will receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to visit the Raleigh office?
No, walk-ins are accepted. However, scheduled appointments typically have shorter wait times. You can schedule by calling 1-800-772-1213 or online at ssa.gov. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day or mid-week for a shorter wait.
Can I handle my Social Security matter online instead of visiting the office?
Many matters can be handled online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, including changing your address, requesting a replacement card, and checking your earnings record. You cannot file a new claim online, but you can start the process online and complete it by phone or in person.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
The office accepts other documents as proof of citizenship or residency, such as a naturalization certificate, baptism record, or school record. Call 1-800-772-1213 before you visit to ask what documents they will accept in your situation, so you bring the right paperwork.
How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?
A replacement card typically arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you request it. You can request a replacement in person at the office, by phone, or online. There is no charge for a replacement card.
What if I disagree with a decision Social Security made about my claim?
You have the right to appeal. The office can give you the appeal form and explain the process, but you submit the appeal by mail or online, not at the office. You have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to file an appeal. Call 1-800-772-1213 for details about your specific case.