Where the Wilmington Social Security Office Is Located

The Social Security Administration office serving Wilmington is located at 1725 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. This is a full-service office where you can handle most Social Security matters in person, including explore for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits; replacing a Social Security card; or updating your personal information.

Wilmington's office covers New Hanover County and surrounding areas. If you live in a smaller nearby town, this is the office you would visit for in-person services. The office is not located inside a mall or shopping center — it stands alone on South 17th Street, which runs through the southern part of the city.

Hours and How to Contact the Office

The Wilmington office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on weekends and federal holidays. You do not need an appointment to walk in, but wait times vary depending on the day and time. Mornings, especially early in the week, tend to be less crowded than afternoons.

To reach the office by phone, call the main Social Security customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. This is a national number, but when you call it, you can ask to be transferred to the Wilmington office or to schedule an appointment there. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.

Social Security also offers a video appointment option if you prefer not to visit in person. You can request a video appointment through the same phone line or through your online my Social Security account.

Key Takeaways

  • The Wilmington Social Security office is at 1725 South 17th Street and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no appointment required.
  • Call 1-800-772-1213 to reach the office, schedule an appointment, or ask questions about your case.
  • You can also request a video appointment if you want to handle your business without visiting the office in person.
  • The office handles retirement, disability, survivor benefits, Social Security card replacement, and address changes.
  • Morning visits and early-week visits typically have shorter wait times than afternoons or late-week visits.

What to Bring When You Visit

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, bring a birth certificate, passport, or state ID instead. You will also need to bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.

If you are explore for benefits, bring proof of your age, citizenship or legal residency, and current income. For retirement benefits, bring recent pay stubs or tax returns. For disability benefits, bring medical records and a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited. For survivor benefits, bring a death certificate if you are explore on behalf of someone who has died.

If you are replacing a Social Security card, bring your ID and proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport). If you are changing your name or address, bring your ID and any documents that show the change, such as a marriage certificate or lease.

Using My Social Security Online Instead

You can handle many tasks without visiting the office at all. Create a free account at ssa.gov under "my Social Security" to view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, change your address, request a replacement card, or start an process for benefits. You can do this from home at any time, day or night.

Online applications for retirement and disability benefits are faster than in-person applications in many cases because you do not have to wait for an appointment or sit in the office. You can save your progress and come back to finish later. Once you submit, the office will contact you if they need more information.

Not every task is available online — some situations require a phone call or in-person visit — but starting online often saves you a trip to the office.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member what you need. You will receive a number and wait for your turn. A representative will call your number and take you to a window or private area to discuss your case.

The representative will ask questions about your situation, review the documents you brought, and either complete your request on the spot or tell you what additional information they need. If they need more documents, they will tell you how to send them — usually by mail or through your online account.

If you are explore for benefits, the representative will take your process and explain what happens next. Most applications take several weeks to process. You will receive a letter in the mail with a decision.

If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you are homebound, ill, or unable to travel to Wilmington, you have other options. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you cannot visit the office. They can often handle your request over the phone or schedule a video appointment where a representative meets with you through a find video call on your computer or phone.

You can also mail documents to the office. Write a letter explaining what you need, include copies of your documents (never send originals), and mail it to the Wilmington office address. Include your name, Social Security number, and a phone number where they can reach you. Mail takes longer than in-person or phone contact, but it works if you cannot reach the office any other way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Wilmington office?

No. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment. However, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment if you prefer to avoid waiting, or if you need to discuss a complex case that requires more time.

How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?

If you explore in person at the Wilmington office, you can receive a replacement card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you explore online through my Social Security, it may take longer depending on your state's processing time. The office staff can tell you the current timeline when you visit.

What if I need to explore for benefits but do not speak English?

The Wilmington office provides interpreters for many languages. Call 1-800-772-1213 before your visit and tell them what language you speak. They will arrange for an interpreter to be present when you arrive, or they can conduct your business over the phone with an interpreter on the line.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes. You can bring a family member, friend, or representative to help you. If you bring a representative who is not a family member, you may need to sign a form giving them permission to discuss your case with Social Security.

What if I disagree with a decision Social Security made about my benefits?

You have the right to appeal. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit the Wilmington office to ask about the appeal process. You have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to file an appeal. The office can explain your options and help you understand what evidence to gather for your appeal.