The Hickory Social Security Office location and hours
The Social Security Administration office in Hickory, North Carolina is located at 1805 13th Avenue Drive SE, Hickory, NC 28602. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and it is closed on weekends and federal holidays.
You can reach this office by phone at 1-866-SSA-1213 (1-866-772-1213). When you call, you will reach the national Social Security customer service line, which can direct your call to the Hickory office or help you with your question directly. Wait times on the phone are often shorter early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
If you prefer to visit in person, arrive early in the day if possible. The office can become crowded in mid-morning and early afternoon. Bring a photo ID and any documents related to your reason for visiting — for example, a birth certificate if you are explore for a Social Security number, or a recent pay stub if you are reporting a change in income.
Key Takeaways
- The Hickory Social Security office is at 1805 13th Avenue Drive SE and is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- You can call the national Social Security line at 1-866-772-1213 to reach the Hickory office or get help over the phone.
- Visiting early in the day usually means shorter wait times than mid-morning or early afternoon.
- Bring a photo ID and any documents related to your reason for visiting, such as a birth certificate or proof of income.
- You can also handle many Social Security tasks online through your personal my Social Security account without visiting an office.
What you can do at the Hickory office in person
The Hickory office handles the same range of Social Security tasks as any other field office. You can explore for a Social Security number, request a replacement card, report a change of address, update your name after marriage or legal change, and report changes in income or work status if you are receiving benefits.
You can also visit to ask questions about your Social Security record, request a benefit verification letter, or discuss your options if you are approaching retirement age. If you have lost your Social Security card or it has been damaged, you can request a replacement in person, though you can also request one by mail or online.
If you need an interpreter, call ahead at 1-866-772-1213 to let the office know. The office can arrange interpretation services for many languages, though response time is faster if you give them advance notice.
Using my Social Security online instead of visiting
Many tasks that once required a visit to the office can now be done through your personal my Social Security account on the Social Security Administration website. You can create an account at ssa.gov, and once you are signed in, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, change your address, request a replacement card, and report a change in your direct deposit information.
Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. You will also need to verify your identity, which the system does by asking questions about your credit history or by sending a code to your phone or email.
Using the online account is often faster than calling or visiting, and you can do it at any time of day or night. If you run into trouble creating your account or using it, you can call 1-866-772-1213 for help.
When you need to visit in person versus calling or using online services
Some situations require an in-person visit. If you are explore for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income for the first time, you will need to complete an process, and while you can start the process online, you may need to visit the office to submit original documents or complete the interview portion of your process.
You also need to visit in person if you do not have a photo ID and need to explore for a Social Security number or card, because the office will need to see identification from a parent or guardian. If you are unable to visit during regular business hours, you can call to ask whether your task can be handled by phone or mail instead.
For routine questions about your account or benefits, calling is usually faster than visiting. The phone line can answer questions about your earnings record, your benefit amount, and how work affects your benefits. If you have a complex situation or prefer to discuss it face-to-face, visiting in person is an option.
Parking and accessibility at the Hickory office
The office building has parking available on-site. The building is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking spaces near the entrance and elevators inside. If you have mobility concerns or other accessibility needs, call ahead at 1-866-772-1213 to let the office know, and staff can arrange to meet you at an entrance that is most convenient for you.
If you are unable to visit the office due to a disability or medical condition, you can request that a Social Security representative conduct your business by phone or mail. Call 1-866-772-1213 to explain your situation and ask about this option.
Documents to bring for common tasks
| Task | Documents to bring |
|---|---|
| explore for a Social Security number (first time) | Birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, photo ID (if age 12 or older) |
| Request a replacement card | Photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency if you have never had a card |
| Report a name change | Photo ID, marriage certificate or court order showing the legal name change |
| Report a change of address | Photo ID (can often be done by phone or online instead) |
| Discuss retirement or benefits | Photo ID, recent pay stubs or tax return if discussing work and benefits |
What to expect when you visit
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will then wait until your number is called. The wait time varies depending on how busy the office is that day and what time you arrive. On average, you can expect to wait anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak times.
Once you are called, you will speak with a Social Security representative at a window or in a private office, depending on the nature of your business. The representative will ask you questions, verify your identity, and either complete your task or explain what additional steps or documents you need. If your task requires an interview or cannot be completed that day, the office will schedule a follow-up appointment.
The entire visit usually takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on what you are doing. If your task is straightforward — such as requesting a replacement card or updating your address — it may take only 10 to 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an appointment at the Hickory Social Security office?
You can request an appointment by calling 1-866-772-1213. The office will schedule you for a specific time, which can reduce your wait time compared to walking in without an appointment. However, walk-ins are also accepted, and you will be served in the order you check in.
What if I need to explore for disability benefits?
You can start your disability process online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-866-772-1213. You do not have to visit the office to begin the process. The office will contact you if they need additional information or want to schedule an interview with you.
Is the Hickory office the same as the one in nearby cities?
Hickory has its own field office. If you live closer to another city, such as Statesville or Lenoir, you can visit that office instead, but the Hickory office serves the Hickory area. You can find other nearby offices by calling 1-866-772-1213 or searching on ssa.gov.
What if I cannot visit during business hours?
Call 1-866-772-1213 to see if your task can be handled by phone or mail. Many routine tasks, such as reporting a change of address or requesting a benefit verification letter, can be done without visiting the office. If you have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from visiting, explain this when you call, and the office may be able to arrange an alternative.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to visit the office?
You do not need to bring your card, but you should bring a photo ID. If you are explore for a replacement card, you will not have it with you. The representative can look up your information using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.