The Raleigh Social Security office handles claims, replacements, and account changes for North Carolina residents
The Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Raleigh serves Wake County and surrounding areas. You can visit in person, call, or handle many tasks online without going to the office at all. The office is located at 3331 Wade Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607, and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except federal holidays.
Before you visit or call, check whether you can complete your task online through my Social Security, the SSA's account portal. You can create or access an account at ssa.gov/myaccount. Many people can replace a Social Security card, check their earnings record, or report a change of address without leaving home.
If you need to visit the office in person, bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. The office does not require an appointment, but wait times vary. You can call ahead to ask how busy the office is before you go.
Key Takeaways
- The Raleigh Social Security office is at 3331 Wade Avenue and is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but many tasks can be done online through my Social Security instead.
- You can call the national Social Security number (1-800-772-1213) to reach a representative who can help with Raleigh-area cases, or use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card (if you have it) when you visit the office in person.
- The office handles retirement claims, disability claims, survivor benefits, Medicare enrollment, and replacement cards for people in Wake County and nearby areas.
- You can check wait times before visiting by calling the office directly at 919-790-2700.
What you can do online instead of visiting the office
The my Social Security portal lets you complete many common tasks without calling or visiting. You can replace a lost or stolen Social Security card, change your address, report a name change, check your earnings record, and view your Social Security Statement. You can also start a retirement or Medicare claim online and come back to finish it later.
To use my Social Security, you need to create an account with a username and password, or sign in using your existing credentials from Login.gov, Google, or Facebook. The account is free and takes about 10 minutes to set up. Once you are logged in, you can see your benefits history and make changes to your account without waiting on hold.
If you cannot complete your task online, or if you prefer to speak with someone, you can call the national Social Security phone line at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Wait times on the phone are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week.
When to visit the Raleigh office in person
You may need to visit the office if you do not have a photo ID, if you cannot create an online account, or if you are explore for benefits and the SSA asks you to come in for an interview. Some people also prefer to handle sensitive matters face-to-face. The office staff can help you with the same tasks you can do online, plus they can witness your signature on certain documents.
The office is located at 3331 Wade Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27607. Parking is available on-site. The building is accessible to people with mobility disabilities. If you have questions about accessibility, call the office at 919-790-2700 before you visit.
You do not need an appointment to visit, but the office can get busy, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. If you want to know the current wait time, call 919-790-2700 and ask. The office is closed on federal holidays and on weekends.
Documents to bring when you visit or call
Have your Social Security number ready before you call or visit. If you have it, bring your Social Security card. You will also need a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. If you are explore for benefits, bring documents that prove your age, such as a birth certificate or passport.
If you are explore for retirement benefits, bring your most recent tax return or W-2 form so the SSA can verify your earnings. If you are explore for disability benefits, bring medical records and a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited. If you are explore for survivor benefits, bring a copy of the deceased person's death certificate.
If you are reporting a name change, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are replacing a lost card, you do not need extra documents — just your ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency, which the SSA can often verify electronically.
What the Raleigh office handles
The Raleigh office processes retirement claims, disability claims, and survivor benefit claims for people in Wake County and the surrounding area. They also handle Medicare enrollment, Social Security card replacements, and changes to your account such as address updates or name changes. If you are already receiving benefits and need to report a change in your circumstances — such as a return to work or a change in your living situation — you can report it at the office, by phone, or online.
The office also handles the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which provides payments to people with low income and limited resources who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled. SSI is separate from Social Security retirement and disability benefits, though the same office handles both.
How long claims take and what to expect
The time it takes to process a claim depends on the type of claim and how complete your process is. Retirement claims usually take two to three weeks if you explore online or at the office. Disability claims take longer — typically three to six months — because the SSA must review medical evidence and may ask for additional information from your doctors.
After you submit your claim, the SSA will send you a letter confirming they received it and telling you what happens next. If they need more information, they will contact you by mail or phone. You can check the status of your claim by logging into my Social Security or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The SSA will explain the reason for the denial in the letter they send you, and they will tell you how to file an appeal and what important date you have. Most appeals are handled by mail, but you can request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge if you disagree with the decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do everything online, or do I have to visit the office?
You can complete most tasks online through my Social Security, including replacing a card, changing your address, and starting a retirement or Medicare claim. However, if you do not have a photo ID, if you cannot create an online account, or if the SSA asks you to come in for an interview, you will need to visit the office or work with someone who can represent you.
What is the phone number for the Raleigh Social Security office?
The local office number is 919-790-2700. You can also call the national Social Security line at 1-800-772-1213 to reach a representative who handles Raleigh-area cases. Both numbers are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Do I need an appointment to visit the office?
No, the office does not require appointments. However, wait times vary, and you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You can call 919-790-2700 before you visit to ask about current wait times.
What if I cannot visit the office in person?
You can handle most tasks by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or online through my Social Security. If you need someone to represent you, you can authorize a family member, friend, or attorney to act on your behalf by completing a form at the office or submitting it by mail.
How do I check the status of my claim?
Log into my Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount to see the status of your claim. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and give a representative your Social Security number. The SSA will also send you letters in the mail updating you on your claim's progress.