Social Security Administration

If I could post this with no stars and tear drops instead I would. Since 2011 I’ve been trying to get an error resolved. I’ve tried several times but it gets so difficult to get the problem across despite it’s simplicity that I’ve been told «it’s not my job not our issue». I’ve tried other means apart from phone calls to clarify and even went to the office in the event I could speak to someone. I never got past the window and when I tried to show the document it was the same reply. I made many calls to other agencies and each time I’ve been directed back to social security. I usually give up because of stress and dissappointment and shelve the issue. I gave it another attempt on Friday 1÷7÷16 around 3pm. The call was answered and I gave all my identity info. The conversation took on a surreal experience… as follows.
opening with the admin.
Admin «Hello, how can I help you» (I’ve forgotten her name tooooo bad). (spoken flat, bored, irritated and burned out)
Me, «Yes, I’m confused about the errors on my paperwork and it’s failure to be reflected on my New Benefit Amount form correctly as it always claims it pays me more than is being deposited into my account. And also this year there is a withholding for what seems to be a Part B. I have my drug plan with an HMO». (She went to the info in the computer).
Admin, (irritated) It’s not part D it’s for Part C.
Me, «I think that my HMO manages my D and C. I don’t understand»
Admin, (further annoyed) Well I’ve told you what it is…(louder) It’s Part C.
Me, «OK, I know things can get confusing with dates and numbers in a verbal explanation but if you have a pen handy and can take it down it will be easier».
Admin, (pissed off) We don’t have pens.
Me, «You don’t have a pen? Why don’t you have a pen???
Admin, „They’re considered a safety hazard“.
I’m astonished!
Me, (calmly) „Well, what if i send a couple of documents would that help“.
Admin, „We don’t take paperwork“.
Me, „You don’t take paperwork??? How do you function for the needs of people with issues of Social Security?“
Admin, (reiterating)“We don’t take paperwork!!».
Me, «Well, I still don’t understand the statement on the New Benefit Amount it seems ambiguous» I thought it was having a drug plan with Medicare and nothing about Part C. Sorry I assumed it meant only Part D. but my HMO that takes care of both”.
Admin, (completely pissed off with my lack of understanding) «Well if you still don’t understand contact… State Health Services Advocacy in Sacramento maybe they can explain it to you».
(the only thing missing here was stupid)
Then came the hang up…
Astounded, I just looked at the mouthpiece of the phone wondering what just happened. I thought for a moment looking at the advocacy service address but thought that my issue was too small for them to contemplate so I waited a few minutes and called back in hopes of speaking with someone else. Another admin took the call and tried very hard to figure out the error but in the end said she would send a referral to «final resolution» and they would call me back in 2 days. I got the call but it was from the «Committee on Aging» who told me that I should call SOCIAL SECURITY!!!
Now, maybe you’re thinking that I made this all up since it sounds so out to lunch but it’s absolutely true and I’ve too many other fish to fry than invent this.
PS. The following week I called to ask to speak to a supervisor. The admin wanted to know what it was about and though reluctant (given that it’s a ludicrous story) I told him. I asked again for a supervisor and was put on hold… PERMANENTLY…until the phone went dead. Not sure where to go now… still that’s how it’s been since 2011. Truth is stranger than fiction. I would recommend never calling the middle of a Friday afternoon because if the same person picks up she might just call you stupid.

I was informed via mail I would receive $ 1,000, at least, starting this month. I phoned today and was told I won’t receive anything this year. Not sure why I was misinformed, but I’m not happy about it.

I went to replace my card due to marriage. I got there around 1130am and the waiting room was packed. I thought I would have at least a 30 min wait. I actually waited 10 min, got called in and submitted my paperwork. I was finish in a total of 15 minutes. I think your wait depends on what you need done. It was a nice and fast experience

5 stars for service and 1 star for rude security officer. it averages out to be 3.
I am here waiting for my turn when I heard the officer suddenly shouting at this senior citizen, ‘CALM DOWN’. For a split second I thought the office is under attack or something until I turned around and saw that this officer is shouting at an old person who is sitting on the chair, totally harmless. It brought all the images of using excessive force by police. This completely helpless old guy was inaudible in front of this security officer. After that this officer was patrolling in the room with a smirk on his face. What an accomplishment to shout on unarmed, senior citizen completely unprovoked.
I went there without an appointment, very easy location and plenty parking. I had to wait for 1 hour and i was serviced quickly.

This is the busiest office in the Bay Area, according to one of the staff. They don’t take appointments, except for filing disability claims. Don’t forget that on Wed they close at noon, 3 o’clock other days. If you call, you’ll get a phone menu,

The reason why I’m such a fan? I presumed this would be DMV-​like hell, it wasn’t!
It does depend on what you go for, I went for a SS card replacement and I was there all of 20 minutes (if that). Most people were there for their first SS card and the wait was around 1 hour.
All in all, go for it! It was a quick stop on my lunch break and I work in Palo Alto.

I think the speed depends a lot on what you’re trying to do. I was trying to get a replacement card. Got there at a bit after 9 and didn’t even get enough time to finish my form before I was called up.
There were a lot of people there so I’d guess if I was in a different line I might be late to work.

Went there for a replacement SS card and was pretty smooth process. Gentleman who took my application was pretty good, I asked him few questions and he was pretty prompt and polite in responding.
The only complaint would be that when I tried calling them, someone told me they are open 9 to 3 on all days, but turns out it was wrong. I once wasted half a day of pay, reached there at 1 on wednesday and found them closed. Also, he did not tell me about appointments :(. A minor blemish though.

Two star for convenient location and parking (convenient for me anyway). First tried the 800 number, after 45 min on hold figured I might as well just stop in to the office as it is a half mile down the road. Signs posted on first floor directed me to 3^rd floor for SS Office, the signs on first floor make no mention of the hours with are 9 – 3 M-​Tu-​Th-​Fr and 9-​NOON Wed (of course I was there on a Wednesday).
SUGGESTION TO SSA: Post the hours on the FIRST floor by the elevator. I am sure that the woman I encoutered with elderly parents and the young pregnant woman with a toddler would have appreciated knowing that the office was closed before they schlepped up to the 3^rd floor. People assume a government office would be open during normal business hours (???).
BTW, Finally called the 800 again and got a call back 45 min later, the very simple question I had could have been documented on their website with two sentences saving me all of this time… but I guess then the folks in the SS office would not have job security.

The Asian lady who assist me & my old mother was very rude. She never said «Hello» or «Hi» to us and she looks very upset with bad mood from beginning. She asked me some questions very fast. I could not answer because I was surprised her attitude and it was too quick. Then she said «Do you understand English? Which languages do you speak?» I told her «I understand in English. Could you please be gentle? You are yelling me and you sound very hush!» Also I said «Your attitude is very bad.“She never apologize, never change attitude. I really had a bad experience there. My old mother was very sad to be treated like that.

Office is on the 3^rd floor, and despite the number of people there, my ticket number was only 2 people behind. I came fully prepared with all the docs needed and then some, so even with some of the issues on their end with accepting paperwork, I had everything ready and they were very patient and helpful through the whole thing. I had to replace my infants ss card, and had to go to my car for extra paperwork that they asked for and then ended up not needing — in the process got sassed at by the security guy for leaving my baby bag at the Window, which I asked the employee if that was fine, and they told me yes. The security guy told me it was a federal offence for leaving my baby bag there, and then thanked me for returning??? I had my 8 month old baby in a sling, diaper bag, binder, and now extra folder, and he was giving me THE worst time on top. Besides that staff was great, just be extra prepared for any hang ups, and its relatively easy. Just wish their security, and staff would be on the same page and consistent about security. I consider a fed offense a big deal so those rules should be posted or communicated to prevent people from being wrongly sassed!

My appointment today is at 1:00 pm but this office on El Camino Real in Mt View was closed.
Now I am looking for another location to try.
Very POOR customer service.

This place wasn’t loads of fun but it wasn’t that bad. It’s pretty much exactly what you could expect for a Social Security office. I went to change my name since I got married and I was in and out in about an hour (even after getting a ticket for the wrong thing first — I accidentally got a ticket for the line for «new social security card» instead of «replacement social security card. Thankfully, «replacement» goes much faster). I only had my marriage certificate and my drivers license but that was enough and once they called my number it was only a 5 – 10 minute process.

If you can, make an appointment or complete online. Otherwise expect 1.5−2.5 hour wait!

Despite being located in the heart of Silicon Valley this bureaucratic beast defies the laws of evolution. The staff seems to constantly be on break as people on both sides of the windows seem equally excited to be here. From the cracked formica counters worn with the burdens of countless lost souls, to the cramped windowless waiting room this place will make you miss the war torn country you just fled… You have been warned!

Synopsis of online instructions:
Going eastbound on El Camino Real, u-​turn at Americana, and it’ll be in the office building immediately after Shell Station to your right. The parking lot is horseshoe-​shaped. Use the front double doors or the rear entrance. Climb the stairs or take the elevator to the third floor, and find Suite 350 in the middle of the hallway.
My take:
Use the self-​service kiosk to print your ticket, then prepare to wait for a spell. I’d suggest bringing a magazine, a book, and a water bottle. No food or drink, though. There are about 40 seats in the waiting room, and forms and info placards are situated around the seating area for your perusal. Bathrooms are across the hallway. Doors close at 3pm, but if you are already inside with a ticket, you can stay until your number is called.
Ticket numbers begin with an alphabetical letter and follow with a numerical ending. I suspect the different letters help organize customers by their requests. Numbers are not called in numerical order, but by the office’s discretion, based on the complexity of your request.
The waiting room is surrounded by a wall of help desks and a side door. Ticket numbers that are called usually flash red on the TV screen at the front, and other numbers that are currently being served are also posted. Clerks also step out of the door or call from the window to call out ticket numbers. Pay attention, as sometimes numbers called are not posted on the tv screen.
I came in around 2p, and was called up an hour later. The lady who helped me was courteous and helpful, and I was finished filing for a name change in about 10 minutes.
Remember to research what paperwork and legal documents you need to have with you ahead of time. I was able to print out my form online and fill it in ahead of time, which I found helpful. For a government office, the wait wasn’t bad, and the staff is professional and organized.

This office is actually close to the border of Sunnyvale, east of Hwy 85. Came here just before noon on Friday to do a name change and was in and out of the office within 40 minutes. I was afraid they would break for lunch and I’d be waiting a long time, but I noticed about 6 reps assisting people past the usual lunch hour.
Parking is not a problem. I parked in the back and, as I predicted, there was an entrance into the building from the back. I took the stairs up to the 3^rd floor instead of taking the elevator. There are signs on each floor stating that the Social Security office is on the third floor.
When I walk into the office I notice the security officer sitting to the right of the entrance and the waiting room was 80% full of people siting on chairs. I look around wondering where to go to first, then I see a big screen located 10 feet ahead of me. I walk to it and touch «English» and proceed to answer a few questions about what kind of service I was there for. A receipt spits out with a number and the time.
About 15 minutes later, a woman at a doorway calls my number and I go into the «inner» office to sit at her workstation. I learn from her that replacing cards are a simple process and they get taken care of quickly. She was friendly, answered my question about appointments (available for certain services), and let me know that it wouldn’t take much longer to finish. She then handed me a confirmation sheet and wished me a nice day and a good weekend.
As I was walking out of the waiting area, I noticed that the some of the same group of people that were there when I arrived were still waiting to be served. So, it really depends on the type of service you need at this office. If possible, make an appointment if your case may be more involved than replacing a social security card.

HEADS UP — Unilocal hours are wrong! They’re actually open 9am-​3pm daily except Wednesday 9am-​noon. You have to be in the room by 3pm sharp to be serviced.
Their hours suck, but at least everyone is doing their job and doing what they can to help you out. I was in and out in about an hour on Monday at 9:30. I heard from the security guy that there’s a line at 8am waiting to get in right at 9… don’t know if worth it. But anyway, just be patient and no problem. Similar to DMV but at least people are friendlier.

Service here rocks!
Having been miffed with the service at the DMV in Sunnyvale, I was hesitant to enter another government services facility and was pleasantly surprised at the efficiency and customer centricity here at this SS office.
I was here by around 9.40 AM and it wasn’t very crowded. Got my token for the queue and waited to apply for my SSN as I was going to begin work on my student visa. I had all the papers and in under 10 mins I was called in for a discussion with a officer and I was done applying in less than 5 mins. In the meantime, as soon as I called I was leaving my belongings in the wait area and the security people very kindly brought me my stuff and told me I should carry all my stuff into the discussion area.
I was very impressed by how empathetic, considerate and polite all the staff were.

Nobody likes the idea of going to a government office. When my lil boy’s social security card never arrived, I dreaded going in to request another. Fortunately, that dread was misplaced. I walked in, took a number and was called up almost immediately. After some friendly service, we were completely finished in about 20 minutes. And honestly, the only reason it took that long is because everyone was playing with my little guy. They even gave him a mini chocolate chip cookie. It was a good trip.
I went on a Wednesday, after 3pm. Make sure you have all the paperwork and identification that you’ll need. Call before and they’ll tell you what to bring.
The hardest part was finding the building. It’s very close to hwy 85 on El Camino Real. If you’re on 85, exit El Camino going towards Sunnyvale, not Mountain View. It’s on the 3^rd floor of a building that will be almost immediately on your left. You’ll have to do a u-​turn to get to it, I think.
This is the office I’ll go to if I have to do the SSC thing again.
See ya there!