Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As of December 2024, the Norfolk office serves 8,785 SSDI recipients, which accounts for 13% of its total beneficiary population. The office covers 21 ZIP codes, with ZIP 23320 alone supporting 1,205 SSDI recipients. This SSDI share is higher than 65% of field offices nationally. In total, the office manages $124 million in monthly benefits for your community.
You can visit the Norfolk office to file an initial SSDI application, drop off required medical records, verify your identity, or update your direct deposit information. While you can often walk in for basic services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure a representative is available. Please note that this office does not make final disability determinations, which are handled by the state, nor does it conduct hearings, which occur at a separate location.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $124,055k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a detailed work history covering the last 15 years. You should also provide a complete list of your treating physicians, their contact information, and copies of your most recent medical records. If you have received any prior denial notices, bring those as well. Plan for your appointment to last between 45 and 90 minutes as you review your application details with a claims representative.
Avoid submitting an incomplete work history, as this is a frequent cause of processing delays. Ensure you include recent mental health records, which are essential for a comprehensive evaluation. Do not sign any forms until you have read them thoroughly and understand what you are authorizing. Finally, ensure your list of medications and dosages is current to avoid discrepancies during your interview.
Should you bring an attorney?
Many people apply for SSDI without legal guidance and only seek help after receiving an initial denial. Working with an attorney early in the process ensures your medical evidence is properly structured and your application is complete. A free case review can help you understand your specific options before you step into the Norfolk office.
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. SSA routes appeals from the Norfolk field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. 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 walk in for basic services like replacing a Social Security card, scheduling an appointment is highly recommended for SSDI applications to ensure you are seen promptly.
Yes, you can start your application online, but you may still need to visit the Norfolk office to verify your identity or submit specific physical documents required for your case.
If you miss your appointment, contact the office immediately to reschedule. Missing an appointment can delay your application processing time significantly.
You should bring your photo ID, a 15-year work history, a list of all treating doctors, and your most recent medical records. Having these ready helps the staff process your claim more efficiently.
You are not required to have an attorney, but many people find that legal representation helps them avoid common errors that lead to denials. A free case review can clarify if your specific situation would benefit from professional support.
