Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As your local Social Security service center, the Norfolk office manages a caseload where 13% of beneficiaries receive disability payments. This facility supports 67,830 total beneficiaries across 21 ZIP codes. With $116 million in monthly benefits flowing through this office, the staff handles a significant volume of retirement and disability claims. The majority of the population served, 77%, is age 65 or older.
You can visit this office to file initial SSDI applications, drop off medical records, verify your identity, or update your direct deposit information. Please note that this office does not make final disability determinations, which are handled by the state, nor does it conduct hearings. If your claim reaches the hearing stage, you will be directed to a separate office of hearings operations.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $116,100k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
Bring a government-issued photo ID and a detailed 15-year work history to your appointment. You should also provide a comprehensive list of your treating physicians with their contact information, along with any recent medical records or test results. Include a list of your current medications and copies of any prior denial letters if you are reapplying.
Avoid delays by ensuring your 15-year work history is complete and accurate before you arrive. Many people struggle because they fail to provide recent medical records or omit details regarding conditions that impact their ability to work. Never sign forms without reading them thoroughly, as errors can lead to processing setbacks. Providing incomplete information often forces the office to request additional documentation, which slows down your claim.
Working while you apply? Check how much you can earn on SSDI this year — SSA's earnings limit is the first thing it looks at.
Was your claim denied? Decode the letter — what the sentence means, what to file, and by when.
Should you bring an attorney?
The application stage is the foundation of your entire disability claim. Most people who apply without professional guidance find themselves facing denials that could have been avoided with a stronger initial filing. An attorney can help you organize your evidence and ensure your medical records clearly support your claim. A free case review can help you understand your options before you submit your paperwork.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
If your SSDI claim moves to a hearing
About two-thirds of initial SSDI applications nationwide are denied. If yours is, your case moves to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at one of the regional hearing offices that handles appeals from Norfolk. The Norfolk field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While you can visit for certain tasks, scheduling an appointment at Norfolk is recommended to ensure a representative is available to assist you. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can vary significantly.
Yes, you can initiate your application online, which is often the fastest way to start the process. However, you may still need to visit Norfolk to provide original documents or verify your identity in person.
Missing your appointment at Norfolk can lead to delays in your application processing. If you cannot make your scheduled time, contact the office as soon as possible to reschedule.
You should bring your photo ID, a 15-year work history, a list of all your doctors and their addresses, and any recent medical records. Having these items ready helps the staff at Norfolk process your request more efficiently.
A typical appointment at Norfolk for a disability application lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. The duration depends on the complexity of your case and the amount of documentation you need to review with the claims representative.