Where the Winston-Salem Social Security office is located

The Social Security Administration office serving Winston-Salem is at 801 West Fourth Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. This is the main walk-in location for Forsyth County residents and handles in-person appointments for retirement, disability, and survivor benefit matters.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on federal holidays. You do not need an appointment to visit, but wait times can be long during peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon. If you want to reduce your wait, arriving before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. is usually faster.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The building is accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you cannot visit in person, you can handle many matters by phone or online instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Winston-Salem Social Security office is at 801 West Fourth Street and is open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no appointment required for walk-ins.
  • You can reach the office by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ask questions or schedule an appointment before visiting.
  • Many Social Security tasks — checking your earnings record, requesting a replacement card, or starting a retirement claim — can be done online at ssa.gov without visiting the office.
  • Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it; if you are applying for benefits, bring documents proving your age, citizenship, and work history.
  • If the office is too crowded or you cannot visit, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times or request a callback appointment.

What to bring when you visit in person

Bring a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and your Social Security card if you have it. If you have lost your card, bring any document with your Social Security number on it, such as a tax return or bank statement.

If you are applying for retirement or disability benefits, bring documents that prove your age (birth certificate), citizenship (passport or naturalization papers), and work history (W-2s or tax returns from the past few years). If you are applying for survivor benefits, bring the death certificate of the person whose record you are using.

If you are requesting a replacement card or changing your name, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are usually not accepted.

How to reach the office by phone

Call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone at Social Security. This is the national number and will route you to the Winston-Salem office or a representative who can help with your matter. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. Wait times on the phone can be 15 to 45 minutes depending on the time of day and day of the week. Calling early in the week (Monday or Tuesday) and early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) usually means shorter waits.

When you call, have your Social Security number ready and be clear about what you need — whether you are asking a question, requesting a form, or wanting to schedule an appointment. If you cannot reach someone, you can request a callback and Social Security will call you back within a few days.

Using the online portal instead of visiting

You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to handle many tasks without calling or visiting. With an account, you can view your earnings record, print a benefit verification letter, request a replacement Social Security card, and start a retirement claim.

To create an account, go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account," and follow the steps. You will need to verify your identity using information from your credit file or by uploading a photo of your ID. The process takes about 10 minutes.

Not all matters can be handled online — if you are applying for disability benefits or survivor benefits, or if you need to discuss your specific situation, you will still need to call or visit. But for routine requests and checking your record, the online account is faster and available 24 hours a day.

What happens during a typical office visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called, then meet with a representative at a window. The representative will ask what you need and may ask questions about your work history, family situation, or the benefit you are requesting.

If you are applying for benefits, the representative will take your application and collect the documents you brought. They will tell you what happens next — usually that you will hear from Social Security by mail within 2 to 4 weeks. If you are missing documents, they will tell you what to send in.

If you are there for a simpler matter — getting a replacement card, updating your address, or asking a question — the representative can often handle it on the spot. Bring everything you think you might need, because going back and forth takes time.

Nearby Social Security locations if you cannot reach Winston-Salem

If the Winston-Salem office is not convenient, there are other offices in the Piedmont Triad area. Greensboro has an office at 2309 West Meadowview Road, and High Point has one at 1005 North Main Street. Both are open the same hours as Winston-Salem and handle the same services.

You do not have to use the office closest to you — you can visit any Social Security office in North Carolina or anywhere in the country. If you are traveling or moving, you can handle your matter at whichever office is most convenient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to visit the Winston-Salem office?

No, the office accepts walk-ins during business hours. However, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment if you prefer, which may reduce your wait time. Some matters — like applying for benefits — may be faster with an appointment because the representative can set aside time for your application.

What if I cannot visit during business hours?

You can call 1-800-772-1213 anytime to ask questions or request a callback. You can also create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov to handle many tasks 24 hours a day. If you need to apply for benefits and cannot visit during the day, calling to schedule an appointment is your best option.

How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?

If you apply in person at the office, you can usually get a replacement card within 1 to 2 weeks. If you order online through your my Social Security account, it takes about the same time. You will receive the card by mail at the address on file.

What if I do not have all my documents when I visit?

Tell the representative what you are missing. They will tell you what documents you need to send in by mail or bring back. You do not have to complete everything on your first visit — Social Security can process your application once they receive the missing documents.

Can I apply for benefits over the phone instead of visiting the office?

Yes. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell the representative you want to apply for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. They can take your application over the phone and tell you what documents to mail in. Many people start their application by phone and never visit the office.