Now here is something you don't see every day, a 5 star review for an SSA office. Actually, I am shocked that I appear to be the first reviewer here. I recently found myself needing to go here because of the death of my spouse and trying to claim survivor benefit. I expected I would have to put up a fight and wait a long time. I brought every form of ID I could think of, but I left my library card at home. From the time that I placed the phone call, to scheduling the appointment to being in person at this branch, it was Saks Fifth Avenue level of Customer Service. EVERYBODY I have encountered in this process, is so helpful and KIND. It all started with the phone call to schedule the appointment. I swear, if the rep in Columbia, MD on the phone was any more helpful and friendly, she would have invited me over for Sunday dinner. I was GOBSMACKED. She was confused about me wanting to schedule in MD and not PA, but I told her I knew what I was doing. The funny thing is that the secret is out already. Even though I live in the southern part of Chester County, PA, everyone in my neighborhood says to go to the Elkton Office. Don't waste your time going to West Chester. My financial advisor in Greenville, DE said the SAME thing. I related this stellar reputation that the office had to live up to the nice lady helping me, and she seemed initially embarrassed, but at the end, I told her "See, it's true." ""Everyone who told me to come here was right about this being such a wonderful, helpful branch." She agreed. read more