Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
As your local Social Security service center, East Richmond supports a population of 30,950 beneficiaries. While the majority are retired, the 4,220 disabled-worker beneficiaries make up 14% of the total caseload. This office facilitates the distribution of $54 million in monthly benefits across the region. Whether you reside in 23223, 23150, or other nearby areas, this facility is the primary location for managing your initial disability documentation.
You can visit East Richmond to file an initial SSDI application, drop off medical evidence, or verify your identity for benefit updates. This office does not make final disability determinations, as those decisions are handled by the state DDS. Additionally, this location does not conduct hearings, which are managed by the Office of Hearings Operations at a separate facility. Appointments are recommended to ensure a representative is available to assist you.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $54,228k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
Bring a valid government-issued ID and your work history to your appointment. You should also provide a comprehensive list of your treating physicians with their contact information and copies of your most recent medical records. Be prepared for an interview that typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. Having your medication list and any prior denial letters ready can help the claims representative process your file more efficiently.
Avoid common pitfalls like submitting incomplete work histories or failing to include recent medical records from all your treating providers. Many applicants also neglect to mention mental health conditions, which are essential for a complete disability profile. Never sign any Social Security forms without reading them thoroughly to ensure the information provided is accurate. These errors often lead to unnecessary delays in your application timeline.
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?
Applying for SSDI is a complex process where the evidence gathered at the start defines your entire case record. Most people who apply without professional guidance face significant hurdles if their initial application is denied. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and navigate the bureaucratic requirements of the East Richmond office. Request a free case review to understand how to strengthen your application 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 East Richmond. The East Richmond 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 in person, scheduling an appointment at East Richmond is recommended to ensure you receive timely assistance. Walk-in wait times can be unpredictable, so calling ahead or using the online portal to book a time is the best way to manage your visit.
Yes, you can file your initial SSDI application online through the official Social Security website. However, you may still need to visit East Richmond to submit specific physical documents or verify your identity in person.
If you miss your appointment, contact the office as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing a scheduled meeting can delay the processing of your application, so it is important to communicate any changes to your plans immediately.
You should bring your Social Security number, proof of age, your work history, and all relevant medical records. Having a list of your medications and the names and addresses of your doctors will also help the staff at East Richmond process your request.
An appointment at East Richmond typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. The duration depends on the complexity of your application and the amount of documentation you need to submit or review with the claims representative.