Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As your local Social Security service center, the Portsmouth office is a vital resource for the 33,345 beneficiaries living in the area. With 15% of the local caseload consisting of disabled-worker beneficiaries, the office supports a diverse group of residents across 8 ZIP codes. The facility oversees the distribution of $54 million in monthly benefits, totaling $644 million annually. This office remains a primary point of contact for you as you navigate the transition to disability support.
You can visit the Portsmouth office to file initial SSDI applications, drop off essential medical documentation, 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 DDS, and does not conduct hearings. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment to minimize your wait time.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $53,644k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
To prepare for your appointment, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a detailed 15-year work history. You should also provide a comprehensive list of your treating medical providers with their contact information, along with any recent medical records or test results. If you have received any prior denial notices, bring those documents as well.
Avoid common pitfalls by ensuring your work history is complete and accurate for the last 15 years. Many people delay their own cases by failing to provide recent medical records or omitting information about conditions that impact your ability to work. Never sign any forms at the office without reading them thoroughly to ensure all information is correct. Providing incomplete or inconsistent data can lead to unnecessary processing delays.
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 claim, and the evidence you present here will define your record if an appeal becomes necessary. Most people who apply without legal guidance find themselves facing a denial that could have been avoided with proper preparation. An attorney can help you understand your options and ensure your application is as strong as possible from day one.
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 Portsmouth. The Portsmouth 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 the Portsmouth office, it is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment in advance to reduce your wait time. Appointments are preferred for initial applications and complex benefit updates.
Yes, you can file your initial SSDI application online through the official Social Security website. However, if you prefer in-person assistance or need to verify specific documents, you can still visit the Portsmouth office.
If you miss your appointment, contact the office as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing an appointment can delay the processing of your application, so it is important to communicate any conflicts immediately.
You should bring a government-issued photo ID, your 15-year work history, a list of your doctors with their addresses, and any recent medical records. Having these items ready helps the representative process your request more efficiently.
The duration of your appointment depends on the complexity of your application and the specific services you are requesting.