The Durham Social Security Office location and hours

The Social Security Administration office in Durham is located at 3540 Wade Avenue, Durham, NC 27707. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. It is closed on weekends and federal holidays.

You can reach this office by phone at 1-866-SSA-1213 (1-866-772-1213). This is the national Social Security phone line, but when you call it, you can request to speak with someone at the Durham location. Wait times on the phone are typically shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

If you are unable to visit in person or prefer not to call, you can also conduct many Social Security transactions online through my Social Security at ssa.gov. Creating an account there lets you check your earnings record, request a replacement Social Security card, and manage your benefits without visiting an office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Durham Social Security office is at 3540 Wade Avenue and is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
  • You can call the national Social Security line at 1-866-772-1213 to reach the Durham office or conduct business by phone.
  • Many transactions, including requesting a replacement card and checking your earnings record, can be done online through my Social Security without visiting an office.
  • If you visit in person, bring a photo ID and any documents related to the service you need, such as a birth certificate for a name change.

What to bring when you visit in person

If you go to the Durham office, bring a photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Social Security staff will ask to see it before they help you. You should also bring any documents that relate to what you are there to do.

For a replacement Social Security card, bring your birth certificate or a certified copy. For a name change, bring both your birth certificate and a document showing your new name, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you are explore for benefits, bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements depending on the type of benefit.

If you are going on behalf of someone else, bring a signed letter from that person giving you permission to represent them, along with your own ID and theirs. Social Security will not discuss another person's account with you without written authorization.

Services you can handle by phone or online instead

You do not need to visit the office in person for many common tasks. You can request a replacement Social Security card online through my Social Security if you have not changed your name and your card was lost or damaged. The card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.

You can also check your Social Security earnings record online, which shows the wages Social Security has recorded under your number. This is important to review before you retire, because errors in your record can lower your future benefits. If you find an error, you can report it online or by calling the Durham office.

If you are already receiving benefits, you can report a change in your income, address, or marital status through my Social Security or by phone. You can also set up direct deposit, change your payment method, or request a benefit verification letter online without visiting an office.

When you should visit the office in person

Some situations require you to visit the Durham office or another Social Security location. If you are explore for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits for the first time, you will need to provide original documents or certified copies. While you can start the process online, you will eventually need to show documents in person or have them notarized and mailed in.

If you need to change your name on your Social Security record, you must visit an office with your birth certificate and the document showing your new name. You cannot do this online. Similarly, if you are a non-citizen and need to update your immigration status on your record, you must visit in person with your immigration documents.

If you have a complex situation — such as a dispute over your earnings record, a question about how your benefits were calculated, or a need to report fraud — calling the Durham office or visiting in person will usually get you a faster answer than the online portal.

Parking and accessibility at the Durham location

The Wade Avenue office has parking available on-site. The building is accessible to people with mobility disabilities, with wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms. If you have questions about accessibility before you visit, you can call the office at 1-866-772-1213 and ask.

If you are unable to visit the office because of a disability or health condition, you can request that a Social Security representative conduct your business by phone or mail. Tell the staff member when you call that you need this accommodation, and they will arrange it.

What to expect when you arrive

When you arrive at the Durham office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Tuesdays through Thursdays are typically busier than Mondays and Fridays. You will wait in the lobby until your number is called, then speak with a representative at a window or in a private office depending on your business.

The representative will ask you questions about what you need and may ask to see your documents. If you are explore for benefits, this conversation may take 30 minutes or longer. If you are doing something simpler, such as requesting a replacement card, it may take only 10 to 15 minutes.

If the office is very busy when you arrive, staff may offer you an appointment for a later date instead of having you wait. You can also call ahead to schedule an appointment, which will reduce your wait time when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Durham Social Security office?

Yes. Call 1-866-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to schedule an appointment at the Durham location. Having an appointment will reduce your wait time when you arrive. You can also request an appointment online through my Social Security if you have an account.

What if I cannot visit during business hours?

The Durham office is open only Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you cannot visit during these hours, you can handle many transactions online through my Social Security or by calling 1-866-772-1213. For services that require documents, you can mail them to the office with a signed letter explaining what you need.

Do I need to visit the Durham office, or can I go to a different Social Security office?

You can visit any Social Security office in North Carolina or anywhere in the country. The Durham office is convenient if you live or work in Durham, but if another location is closer to you, you can go there instead. All offices have access to the same records and can handle the same services.

What if I do not have all my documents when I visit?

Tell the representative what documents you are missing. In some cases, Social Security can help you get certified copies from other agencies, or they can accept documents by mail later. Do not delay your visit if you are missing something — the staff can tell you what options you have.

Is there a way to avoid waiting in line?

Calling ahead to schedule an appointment is the best way to reduce your wait time. You can also conduct many transactions online through my Social Security or by phone, which eliminates the need to visit in person. If you must visit without an appointment, arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon typically means shorter waits.