Social Security in Reno: Where to Find Local Offices and Services

Social Security serves Reno and the surrounding Washoe County area through a local field office and online channels. The Reno Social Security office is located at 50 South Virginia Street, Suite 210, Reno, Nevada 89501. You can reach it by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (the national Social Security number) or visit in person during business hours, which are typically 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, though hours may vary by season.

Most Social Security transactions in Reno do not require an office visit. You can create an account on ssa.gov, the official Social Security website, to check your earnings record, request a replacement Social Security card, or start a retirement or disability claim from home. The Social Security Administration (SSA) also offers video services through some field offices, allowing you to complete certain transactions with an agent by video call instead of traveling to the office in person.

Northern Nevada residents outside Reno—including those in Sparks, Incline Village, or Carson City—can use the same phone number and website, or travel to the Reno office. Some transactions, such as replacing a card or checking your record, never require a visit to any office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Reno Social Security office is at 50 South Virginia Street, Suite 210, and serves Washoe County and surrounding areas; you can also reach Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213.
  • Most Social Security work—checking your record, requesting a card replacement, starting a retirement claim—can be done online at ssa.gov or by phone without visiting an office.
  • Video services are available at some offices in the Reno area, allowing you to complete certain transactions with an agent by video call.
  • Your Social Security record shows your earnings history and the credits you have earned toward retirement, disability, and survivor benefits; you can view it free on ssa.gov.

Checking Your Earnings Record and Benefit Estimate in Reno

Your Social Security earnings record is the foundation of any benefit you may receive. It shows the wages and self-employment income reported to the SSA under your name and Social Security number. You can view your record and get a benefit estimate by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. The account is free and takes about 10 minutes to set up if you have a valid email address and a way to verify your identity (usually a driver's license or passport).

Once logged in, you can see your complete earnings history, the number of credits you have earned (you need 40 credits to be may be able to access for retirement benefits, and fewer for disability or survivor benefits), and an estimate of your monthly benefit at different ages. This estimate assumes you continue working and earning at your current rate until you claim. If you plan to retire early, work longer, or have a significant change in income, the estimate will shift.

If you find an error in your earnings record—a missing year, a misspelled name, or wages attributed to the wrong person—you can report it through your my Social Security account or by contacting the Reno office directly. Errors must usually be reported within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the wages were earned, though the SSA may make exceptions in some cases.

Retirement Benefits: When and How to Claim in Northern Nevada

Social Security retirement benefits are available to you at age 62, but the amount you receive depends on when you claim. If you claim at 62, your monthly payment will be roughly 30 percent lower than if you wait until your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year). If you delay claiming until age 70, your monthly payment increases by about 8 percent for each year you wait past your full retirement age.

You can start a retirement claim online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at the Reno office. The SSA will ask for your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your tax return or W-2 forms from the past two years to verify your earnings. If you are married, your spouse may be may have access to to a benefit based on your record, even if they did not work, though rules about spousal benefits have changed for people born after January 1, 1954.

Once you claim, the SSA will tell you when your first payment arrives. Payments are usually deposited directly into your bank account on the third or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on your birth date. You can change your payment method or address through your my Social Security account at any time.

Disability and Survivor Benefits for Reno-Area Residents

If you become unable to work due to a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, you may be may have access to to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Your family members—spouse, children, or parents depending on your age—may also be may have access to to survivor benefits on your record if you pass away, even if you have not yet claimed retirement benefits yourself.

To claim disability or survivor benefits, you can start the process online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting the Reno office. For disability claims, the SSA will ask for medical records from your doctors, a detailed work history, and information about your daily activities. The review process typically takes three to six months, though it can take longer if the SSA needs more information from you or your medical providers.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The first appeal is called a reconsideration, and you can request it within 60 days of the denial notice. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Many people who are denied initially are approved on appeal, particularly if they provide additional medical evidence or hire a representative to help with the process.

Medicare and Social Security in Reno

When you turn 65, you become may have access to to Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Medicare is separate from Social Security, but the two programs are connected: if you claim Social Security retirement benefits before age 65, you will still need to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65, even if you are not yet receiving Social Security payments.

You can sign up for Medicare online at medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or at the Reno Social Security office. If you claim Social Security retirement benefits at or after age 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). If you claim before 65, you must sign up for Part B yourself, or you may face a permanent penalty on your premiums.

The Reno area has multiple Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap (supplemental insurance) options available. You can compare plans and costs at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Open enrollment for Medicare runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, and changes take effect January 1.

Replacing Your Social Security Card in Reno

If your Social Security card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement online through your my Social Security account (if you have one), by mail, or in person at the Reno office. Online replacement is the fastest option and typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You will need to verify your identity and provide your date of birth and Social Security number.

If you cannot use the online service, you can mail an process (Form SS-5) to the Reno office or visit in person. By mail, replacement usually takes two to four weeks. In person, you may be able to receive a temporary card the same day, though this depends on office workload and your specific situation.

You will need to bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), and proof of age if your identity document does not show your date of birth. If you are explore for a name change on your card, you will also need to provide legal proof of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Changes to Report to Social Security

After you claim Social Security benefits, you must report certain life changes to the SSA. These include marriage, divorce, a change in your living situation, a return to work, or a significant change in your income. You can report most changes through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person at the Reno office.

If you are receiving retirement benefits and return to work before your full retirement age, your benefits may be reduced. For every two dollars you earn above a certain limit (which changes each year), your benefits are reduced by one dollar. Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no earnings limit, and your benefits will not be reduced no matter how much you earn.

If you are receiving survivor or disability benefits, you must report if you return to work, your medical condition improves, or you marry or remarry. Failure to report changes can result in overpayments that you will be required to repay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim Social Security benefits while still working in Reno?

Yes, you can claim retirement benefits at any age from 62 onward while still working. However, if you claim before your full retirement age and earn above a certain amount (which changes yearly), your benefits will be reduced. Once you reach your full retirement age, you can earn any amount without a reduction to your benefits.

How do I know if my spouse can receive benefits on my Social Security record?

Your spouse may be may have access to to a spousal benefit if they are at least 62 years old, or any age if they are caring for your child under 16. The amount depends on your benefit and their age when they claim. Rules changed for people born after January 1, 1954, so contact the Reno office or ssa.gov to learn what applies to your situation.

What happens if I disagree with the SSA's decision about my claim?

You have the right to appeal any decision. You must request an appeal within 60 days of receiving the decision notice. The first step is reconsideration, where a different SSA employee reviews your case. If that is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, and then further appeals if needed.

Do I need to visit the Reno office in person to claim benefits?

No. You can claim retirement, disability, or survivor benefits entirely online through ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by video call if your local office offers that service. In-person visits are not required for most claims.

What should I bring if I visit the Reno Social Security office?

Bring your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a photo ID. If you are claiming benefits, also bring tax returns or W-2 forms from the past two years. For disability claims, bring medical records and a detailed work history. Call ahead to confirm what documents your specific transaction requires.