The US federal budget is 23% of the economy. This little office is one portal to a vast system. Of…read morecourse, to scale, is an online system to handle the vast bulk of interactions. I needed an all-so-quaint in-person interaction, on a timeline, I dreaded. I arrived a half hour before opening, I would recommend. Street parking was ample. The pre-opening lineup is ad-hoc. The first point is that it is a secure federal facility inspected politely. No guns, knives, or pepper spray. That is a good idea, I would not let those in my home, and each person is inspected, which takes time. Next is the magic kiosk. The kiosk user experience design is to separate the wheat from the chaff and assign a number to speak to an actual person. The first question is the bureaucratese "did you have an appointment?" I did not, you should. Then you enter your topic. There is ambiguity in topic. I do not think selecting the perfect topic is needed. Then the machine gives you a number and prints a receipt. There are rows of chairs and a video monitor showing the numbers served and audio announcing the next number. When a number comes up, it assigns a window with an actual person with powerful computer access into the matrix. Obviously you need the proper proof of who you are to access the matrix - bring it. RealID, passport, and the like. Your library card is not proof of who you are to enter the matrix. The big thing which cannot be understood is without a previously scheduled appointment, is your question big or small? There is no way to know. It's Brazil. I thankfully found my question was small. Without an appointment, and with a big problem, you are sent away with a future appointment. I had good service from admission staff and with window staff. I believe things can improve every day, day by day, measured. I'm A-OK with this office when you need it, minus 1 for unknown difference between big and small problems and unknown delays for big problems, especially without making an appointment, which you should.

Flummoxed and befuddled. SS is not here to help us but to hinder us from getting money that is…read morerightfully ours. I've yet to have an interaction that was easy, helpful and successful.

In my experience, any interaction with a government agency is about as fun as having teeth pulled…read more However, both of my visits to the Multnomah County building, the first to apply for passports for my two baby sons, and the second to make a correction to a typo in one of them (not the fault of Mult. Co, BTW), the gentleman working window 8, whose name I have shamefully failed to note, was friendly, patient, and helpful, answer questions and ensuring that all forms were filled out properly, and all fees and required documents clearly specified. What could have been a painful, confusing process was mitigated by his professional attitude, knowledge, and patience. Many, many thanks to this gentleman!

Probation kept my sister on for years charging her excess fees then losing her payment receipts…read more I'm not impressed & would never work here. When I called to assist no calls were ever returned. When my father wrote letters to arrange housing for her, they never responded. We wanted to relocate her case to Sacramento to help her ourselves, but the courts had to be contacted directly as probation failed to forward our requests. IM NOT IMPRESSED!

Visited this office the day after the Fourth of July. Expecting there to be lines waiting to get…read morein, we arrived at 7:30 thinking of an 8:00 am opening. There were 10 people already in line in front of the building. We all realized shortly after 8:00 am, including the dozen or more in line behind us by now, the SSA opens at 9:00 am - Whoops! Standing in line for an hour and a half to get into the building wasn't so bad, but the citizens in line behind us were offensive and made the wait miserable. Discussions of ethnic slurs, racism and profiling were openly made without concern or respect for others in line. Open boasting of jail time they and family had spent in the past seemed like trying to top each other. Sad. Also, people were going up to the door, expecting to cut the line shorter for themselves, without any respect for those of us who had been waiting a long time. It is a shame what our society has developed into. When the security officer came to open the doors, he was informing us they would check for weapons, tear gas and any other items not allowed. One of the group behind us interrupted him by shouting out, "just let us in" and was promptly met by two security guards being polite but firm with him. Finally we were inside and waiting in line again to use the one and only kiosk to sign in/register why we were there and get a number. It went pretty fast, and the person at the first window was very nice, efficient and also translated for those in front of us. We were given a form to complete and within 10 minutes our number was called. We were directed to a window down a long hallway and was helped by the nicest woman. She asked how our morning was, knew exactly what she needed to do to help us and explained the details and timing of the next process. We were out of the office at 9:42 am and couldn't be happier with the customer service at this office. I commend those agents for putting up with that environment on a daily basis. They changed my attitude about what American Citizens can and should be!

Horrible service. The lady was putting words in my sister's mouth. The lady gave no help and…read moreinformation on what next steps are. Totally unprofessional.

Impossible to get a hold of through the website. You end up calling numbers nonstop. I recommend…read morefinding your local SS office phone number and calling to schedule an appointment or to keep them moving on your application for Medicare. Which probably won't be around much longer

I was not expecting a two hour wait and was grateful to meet some very nice people also waiting…read more One of them had been there the day before but was being harassed by the security guy so came back that day hoping it would be someone else. He was A LOT and seemed very much wanting to be a bit in your face. I was trying to be nice and that did not seem to have an effect on his snatchy nature. Me and the other two I was talking to were just chatting and he kept coming back and looking around as if we might be shooting heroin together. It was way weird because the office is small and you can see the whole room from his desk. But it is like the DMV though I guess you can make an appointment. I do not know if that is helpful - one of the people waiting said he had done that and it was not helpful. The person working there was a sweetheart and even gave me a heads up about the person working on my stuff so that was appreciated. It has been a long time since I had to have them do something. Again, like the DMV, once you get a person they are usually quite lovely and just doing their jobs but appreciate a smiling friendly face so try not to take your wait time out on them since they are overworked just like the rest of us.

I recently changed my name on my passport and had to update my Global Entry which requires an in…read moreperson visit. I called ahead this morning and was told to just come in anytime with my documents. When I arrived, I waited per the instructions on the office door. After about fifteen minutes as the attendant was calling another person in for an appointment I was asked what I was there for. They then told me "be prepared to wait. We don't call global entry customers in until between 2-3. It was noon, and I had got a ride from Vancouver just for this. Waste of gas money and my valuable time. This sort of bureaucracy is why people want to defund these departments.

We walked in and despite the fact that walk-in appointments were supposed to be from 1400 to 1500,…read morethey were able to accommodate us within an hour. Totally helped make our international trip a lot smoother. Would recommend.

Ok so after spending 2 weeks in the clark county jail In Vancouver I have to give this jail 2…read morestars . Now I figure considering it's a jail that's pretty good. Clark county was awful . The food I wouldn't let my dog eat ,the staff are complete assholes when they don't have to be . Do not reccomend getting caught doing anything in clark county that will get u put in jail plus just drive to portland your less likely to get caught and if u do at least the jail there isn't too bad as far as jails go. The food is edible ,your get kool-aid with your meals and the staff all in all are nice as long as your not fucking around and being stupid .Its much cleaner then clark county and the male staff are much hotter by far ladies just saying .

Every time I've been arrested in Portland the booking prosess has been smooth and expedite. Staff…read moreis nice enough if you are. They will let you go with a court date as long as your not violent or wanted someplace else and even then they try to work it out and give you a court date for there too. Doing away with the cash bond system is working out here and I'm more likely to show for court in this system then the old. Would give more stars except for it's jail so.

Would be 5 stars, but I can't recommend the chef. The concierge (TSI) desk staff were professional…read moreand courteous. I cannot say enough about employees Russell and Baker. Above and beyond service and a benefit to the establishment. Really everyone on staff are attentive and obviously committed to making your stay a memorable experience. My room was cozy and well appointed. Some may find the rooms too rustic, but I found all of my needs met. I was also treated to a beautiful view of the Portland skyline. Imagine waking up at 5 AM to see the sun rising over the city? It seemed as though some of the other guests never wanted to leave! In fact, I encountered several repeat visitors. My stay was brief but one I am not likely to forget. So, if you visit Portland for rioting or to commit general tomfoolery, you too will have the benefit of their hospitality.

I had a friend that was a regula here. We decided to call it the Multnomah County Inn to make it…read moresound kinder and friendlier. Didn't really help. Visiting was a pain in the neck. You were shook down like you were being incarcerated yourself, and forget wearing anything with a V neck ladies. They send you home to change. Surly officers. Basically a living hell. I don't recommend a visit in any capacity.

I am a Disability Representative. I have attempted over a dozen calls to this SSA location to ask…read morevery important questions regarding the status of clients' disability claims and they have NEVER answered the phone. I've spent countless minutes on hold only for the phone call to drop abruptly or have a voice tell me that all representatives are busy, please try your call again later. Unfortunately, the National office is even harder to get through to so your best and likely only bet is to physically go into the office. It's a shame that Social Security makes it so difficult not only for disability claimants to ask questions but for representatives and attorneys to effectively advocate for their clients.

The customer service in this office is outrageous 2 years ago my brother and I were trying to get…read moreguardianship of my mother who was put in a caregiver home in the uk my mother is incapable of taking care of thinks we produced a POA however since it was done in the UK they would not accept it they said they would send a letter to her nursing home to verify even though we had a letter from the home giving the information. I also asked if the Medicare would help cover for the nursing home expenses and they said no as they do not do international I told them I would like to cancel the insurance premiums then as she will not be returning to the US come to find out not only did they not cancel this but they did not send the letter and then apparently her funds were stopped as a letter was sent to her and she did not respond OMG I cannot believe this happened I just found out that her social security stopped I got a letter from the nursing home and going through the process of getting it reinstated and canceling her Medicare which then saves her 185 per month the female that was on duty 2 years ago is disgraceful fortunately they will back date her social security for the last 5 months however they cannot refund her the 185. for the lady 2 1/2 years West Linn office is a disgrace do not go to that office go anywhere else but there

Winters in Portland can be really tough for me because of the cold, rain, and grey skies. I have…read morelong been the poster child for Seasonal Affective Disorder, however in 2025 I'm hoping to change that. To hell with new year resolutions, I'm just challenging myself to find activities that make me happy during the dark and stormy months. I've been doing macro nature photography, antiquing, and finding as many opportunities to play in the water as possible. I recently stumbled upon some photos and reviews from the East Portland Community Center pool and I was amazed to find out folks use lazy rivers in pools as walking tracks! Sure, dear reader, you may spend time in gyms and know this to be a "thing," but it's news to me! Well, I tried it out this week and it's quite possibly my new favorite activity! I get to spend time in the water, make new friends, and burn some calories while I'm at it. The community center is vibrant and bustling with all kinds of folks doing activities they love, which makes me really happy. I'm incredibly impressed with how much of a well-oiled machine Portland Parks and Rec is. They are able to get an astounding number of people in/out of this pool each week with swimming classes for beginners, baby and me classes, lap swim sessions, aqua aerobics, current channel walking, free swim, hot tub usage, and so much more! I love seeing my tax dollars being put to use so effectively. This week I've paid for three individual sessions because I wanted to make sure this new interest isn't a passing fancy, but after a few days as a regular at the pool I'd like to take this relationship to the next level. I'm getting a monthly pass tomorrow! So here's to new activities that make us happy in the new year. That's not a resolution, it's just a good way to live life.

I love it here and so do the children. We had a birthday party which was super fun and they were…read moresuper accommodating to my family