Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
The Staunton office acts as your local Social Security service center. As of December 2024, there are 3,740 SSDI recipients in this catchment area, with ZIP 24401 alone accounting for 1,150 of those individuals. The SSDI share of 11% is typical for a field office, and this office manages $62 million in monthly benefits for the community.
You can visit this office to file initial SSDI applications, drop off medical evidence, verify your identity, or update your direct deposit information. While you can walk in for some services, scheduling an appointment is the most efficient way to ensure a representative is available to assist you. This office does not make the final decision on your disability claim, as that is handled by the state DDS. Additionally, any necessary hearings are conducted by a separate Office of Hearings Operations.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $62,121k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
To prepare for your visit, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a complete work history covering the last 15 years. You should also provide a list of all your treating physicians with their contact information, recent medical records, and a current list of your medications. If you have received any prior denial notices, include those in your folder. An attorney can help you organize these documents to ensure your application is complete.
Avoid common delays by ensuring your work history is accurate and detailed. You should include all recent medical records and mention every condition that impacts your ability to work. Never sign a document without reading it thoroughly, as errors can lead to unnecessary processing delays. Working with an attorney early on can help you avoid these mistakes and ensure your application is complete.
Should you bring an attorney?
The initial application stage is critical because the evidence you submit creates the foundation for your entire case. Many people apply without legal guidance and only seek help after receiving a denial, which can complicate the process. A qualified attorney can help you gather the right medical evidence and present your case clearly from the start. Consider a free case review to understand how to strengthen your application before you visit the 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 Staunton field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. The Staunton 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 Staunton office for certain services, scheduling an appointment is recommended to ensure you receive timely assistance. You can use the contact information provided to confirm if your specific needs require a scheduled visit.
Yes, you can file your initial SSDI application online through the official Social Security website. However, if you prefer to file in person or need to submit physical documents, the Staunton office is available to assist you.
You should bring your photo ID, a 15-year work history, a list of your doctors and their addresses, recent medical records, and a list of your current medications. Having these items organized will help the representative process your request more efficiently.
You are not required to have a lawyer for your first appointment, but having one can be beneficial. An attorney can help you ensure that your medical evidence is properly documented and that your application is complete, which may help avoid common errors that lead to denials.
