Where the Wilmington Social Security office is located

The Social Security Administration office serving Wilmington, North Carolina is at 1969 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. This is a full-service office where you can handle most Social Security matters in person, including applying for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits; replacing a Social Security card; or updating your records.

The office is located in the downtown Wilmington area. If you are using GPS or a mapping app, search for "Social Security Administration Wilmington NC" to confirm current directions and parking information before you go.

Hours and how to contact the office

The Wilmington office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Hours can change without notice, so call ahead before making a trip.

You can reach the office at 1-866-773-0563, which is the national Social Security customer service line. When you call, you can ask to be transferred to the Wilmington office or schedule an appointment. You can also visit ssa.gov to schedule an appointment online or find other contact options.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

What you can do at the office in person

The Wilmington office handles the full range of Social Security services. You can apply for retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You can also report a change in your circumstances, such as a name change, address change, or change in work status.

If you need a replacement Social Security card, you can request one at this office. You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The office staff can tell you exactly which documents they accept when you call or visit.

You can also use the office to report the death of a family member who was receiving benefits, or to ask questions about your benefit statement or payment.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. Bring a photo ID issued by a government agency — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you are applying for benefits for the first time, bring your birth certificate and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

If you are applying for disability benefits, bring medical records or the names and addresses of doctors who have treated you. If you are applying for retirement benefits, bring your most recent tax return or W-2 form to help the office verify your work history.

If you cannot go in person, you can handle many matters by phone or online. Call the number above to ask whether your specific need can be handled without a visit.

Alternatives if you cannot visit in person

You do not have to visit the office to do business with Social Security. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (the main Social Security number) to ask questions, report changes, or begin an application over the phone. Wait times can be long, especially early in the week and early in the month.

You can also create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. With an account, you can view your benefit statement, change your address, report a change in your work status, and handle other tasks online without calling or visiting.

If you need help understanding your options or have a complex situation, you can ask to speak with a representative by phone. The office will schedule a callback at a time that works for you, so you do not have to wait on hold.

What to expect when you visit

Arrive a few minutes early. You will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary depending on how busy the office is and what time of day you arrive. Early morning and mid-week visits tend to be less crowded than late afternoon or Friday visits.

A representative will call your number and take you to a window or office. Bring all documents with you. The representative will ask questions about what you need and may ask for documents on the spot. If you do not have something they need, they will tell you what to bring back or how to send it to them.

If you are applying for benefits, the process usually takes longer than a simple question or card replacement. Ask the representative how long it will take before you start, so you can plan your time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wilmington Social Security office is at 1969 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401, and is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • You can call 1-866-773-0563 to reach the office, schedule an appointment, or ask whether you can handle your matter by phone instead.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security card or number, and any documents related to your specific request — such as a birth certificate for a new application or medical records for a disability claim.
  • You can handle many Social Security matters online through my Social Security account at ssa.gov, or by calling 1-800-772-1213 without visiting in person.
  • Early morning and mid-week visits usually have shorter wait times than late afternoon or Friday visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Wilmington office?

You do not need an appointment, but making one can reduce your wait time. Call 1-866-773-0563 or visit ssa.gov to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during busy times.

Can I apply for Social Security benefits by mail or phone instead of going to the office?

Yes. You can apply for most benefits by phone by calling 1-800-772-1213, or online through my Social Security account at ssa.gov. The office staff can tell you whether your specific situation can be handled without a visit.

What if I lost my Social Security card and need a replacement?

You can request a replacement card at the Wilmington office. Bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency. You can also request a replacement online through my Social Security account if you have one set up.

How long does it take to get a decision on a disability application?

The time varies depending on how complex your case is and how busy the office is. It can take several weeks to several months. The office will contact you when a decision is made. You can check the status of your application by calling 1-800-772-1213 or logging into your my Social Security account.

What if I cannot reach anyone by phone?

Call early in the morning or mid-week to reach someone faster. You can also visit the office in person, or create a my Social Security account online to handle routine matters without calling. If you need help with a complex issue, ask to schedule a callback instead of waiting on hold.