Yelp Challenge 2015 318/365 Came here, like most people do for one reason and that's to change my last name. Super easy process, was in and out in about an hour, then went to the DMV afterwards. Lots of different walks of people here, visiting for different reasons. Kind of depressing in a way anf makes you cherish what you have. Documents are available online to fill out and print making the experience even easier. To save time have your paperwork ready. #793 read more

I do not appreciate two things: 1. The sign in sheet ask for you full ssn if feels like there is no privacy when entering sensitive information it's in the open for people to see. 2. There is a security guard that comes off as a.... As a female enters, he asked to check her purse which is fine but when he make comments like your boyfriend is outside and can probably kick me ass.. My thoughts are what kind of person would say something like that in a professional environment? And secondly what makes you think it's okay to classify me as women that would have a boyfriend especially that I am gay! When I corrected him about the comment he made, he continued to make more comments. Agh! To avoid the discomfort of the situation he should just make sure the place is safe and refrain from making comments that make people uncomfortable. read more

First place to be after your name change or when you get your maiden name back!! The Anaheim office was fairly busy yet very organized. I arrived around 8:30 am so business was starting to pick up. You check in at the self help kiosk located by the security desk, take your number and have a seat until they call your number. In the waiting area where there are rows and rows of seats (I take it, it gets ridiculously busy in this office) with flat screen tv's, and federal government brochures and other information at the advertisement stands to keep you busy while you wait. The lady at the counter assisted me with my name change (divorced and obtaining my maiden name). Submitted my judgement from the court and marriage certificate to show proof of maiden name, provided her with my current driver license and passport to show proof of married name. The representative will record and read a declaration then ask questions to complete the name change process. Took less than 15 minutes!!! Helps to check online to see what required documents are needed before going to the office!! The receipt you get from social security can be used at the DMV!! DO NOT GO TO DMV WITH THE JUDGEMENT, THEY REQUIRE YOU TO PROCESS AT SOCIAL SECURITY FIRST! Thanks to the lady at Family Law courthouse in Riverside for this tip!!! Saved me tons of time and frustration!! So nice to know there are quite a handful of awesome strangers out there who have no idea how much they've helped anyone person! Those are the ones I'll never forget!! read more

Fast and easy! BUT you need to have an APPOINTMENT so make sure you call before you go. They aren't taking walk-ins at this office.

Came in to get a replacement SS card. Very quick service, I was in and out in less than a half hour! The woman who helped me was incredibly nice and helpful. HOWEVER the entire time I was in the waiting room, which wasn't long, one of the security guards, Who I tried to see his name tag but he told me "I didn't need to know his name and to leave if I was finished here.. " he was consistently belittling everyone who walked in. Openly speaking poorly about those who couldn't speak English. Seriously so incredibly rude to everyone, the other security guard was trying to get him to cut it out, but This didn't stop him it only made him worse. Saying things such as I "I don't fucking speak Spanish, why should I?! They need to speak English! They live in America" and other things as well. Totally not ok. So when it comes to how quick you'll get in and out I'd give it 5 stars but because of this guys attitude Id give this place a 2. They really need to get rid of this guy, it'll make this place so much more pleasant. read more

The only number I'm given is the 866 657 3134 and there's a busy signal same on the toll free number. I can't schedule an appointment only either. No one is useful. I need a new card with my updated name to apply for Riverside County Sheriffs Department and I might not even get the job because I can't get helped here. read more

HEADS UP!! You will need to Mail in your documents as this location does NOT have an accesible Dropbox. They do have a Dropbox inside BUT the building is locked and you need an appointment to go in. Very inconvenient since IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS are required to be sent! read more

Came in at 9:15 wait for 5 to 10 mins outside then get a number wait another 5 mins my number got called tadah I'm out. Just came in to update my social but this branch is way too good to be true , everybody in this office work so fast and efficient. They have their own parking spot. read more

I sent in my birth certificate along with my passport in the same envelope. Birth certificate came back. Passport did not. I got another letter asking for my passport or some other similar document. I called them asking what happened and apparently no one scanned it on their end so theres "no evidence" they ever had my passport.... when I sent it in the same envelope as my birth certificate that they scanned and sent back to me. I tried to take the issue higher up but they stopped me in my tracks. Wouldnt let me talk to anyone higher than the manager. There needs to be some kind of investigation opened on this office. This incident is the result of either misconduct or negligence, and they're not willing to admit anything or even give the benefit of the doubt. Now I am out of a passport and must reapply for one at $145. Great work you're doing over there guys. read more

I've told and have been seeing that I need to call to make an appointment before visiting. I've been calling for days now and I just keep getting a busy signal. The only number that is provided to call is 866.657.3133. Am I missing something? Or is there another number listed some where to call & schedule an appointment? read more

Having to not need social security benefits yet, visiting this location and watching the two idiot so called security guards disrespect and practically harass people as they wait is just so uncalled for. No one really knows their rights and neither do these two idiots. When they approached me and asked questions they know they can not ask, they felt challenged. Plainly they got close to me and said "this one has an attitude". Then said they can keep me in line longer or all day until I leave on my own. What kind of shot is that!? Who do you report these mall cops too? They're "contracted" by SS office and Paragon Security is in Seal Beach with no yelp page. Ironic right? So many people dependent on their benefits, they're not there asking for hand outs! It's their money and these two make it VERY uncomfortable. read more

It's more organized than in some offices, the wait was not that long,still observing the social distancing for the good of everyone

I had to go to social security for a name change due to a recent marriage. I wasn't looking forward to going but knew I needed to get it done. I actually got there after they opened on a Thursday. There was no parking and I had to park down the street. That really isn't a huge deal for me. So I got to the office right at 9:00 a.m. and I stood in a small line. Maybe 10 minutes. Then as I approached the door a man inside instructed me to go to window 9 and I was helped immediately. I was in and out in 10 minutes. Shocking!!! Total time at the office 10 min outside and 10 minutes inside. I highly recommend coming to this office. They are so efficient. I just wish the DMV worked this well. read more

I went today to the SSA to change my last name. I walked in without an appointment and got out in 30 minutes. Very quick! Ms/Mrs Chan was very friendly and helpful! read more

This review is for the "security guards" that act super tough. Bad bad bad service with all the older people here. They are extreme rude and not patient at all. They ask to "inspect" your bag, and when you try to open YOUR own purse they respond "I know how to open it just give it to me." I can deal with it but when they start disrespecting older people that's where there's a problem. SS OFFICE please hire better individuals who are a bit more sympathetic to dealing with people. read more

I will go out of my way to come to this office instead of the Santa Ana office. VERY EASY PARKING and FREE. Clean and open waiting area. FAST And dare I say.....Friendly! I had to come in for a new card because I'm an idiot and lost mine somewhere along the way. I waited for about 10 minutes, sat down with a friendly man at a window, chatted for a bit, and walked out feeling as though I just had great service at a cafe. Is it possible? A government building has provided pleasant customer service? Now I'm not saying that I'd take my lunch break here or anything, but I would definitely recommend coming here instead of the Santa Ana office. Sure it may be a little bit out of the way if you're coming from south OC, but it's well worth it. How worth it is it? Well, I have to go back to take care of some other stuff and I'm almost looking forward to it. Yeah, it's just *that* easy. read more

Wow, 13 minutes. Seriously??? Seriously. I lost my Social Security Card and dreaded making the trek to Corona's site knowing that I would be in a line that wrapped around the building. I decided to head over to Anaheim because basically, I'd rather be waiting in traffic knowing I was in my air conditioned car versus waiting in line where I felt like I was going to burn. (Luckily it wasn't hot but still...) I printed the application online, filled it out before coming, and walked into the office with all the required documents needed. From the time they opened at 9am to having my business fixed it took them 13 minutes. Mind you, results are not typical. 1) I brought everything needed 2) I came in early, like 850am (and in Corona there are 50 people out already waiting and pissed) 3) You can make an appointment to speed the process up even more 4) The lady handling the people's needs was just much more methodical and friendly 5) If you can, come early. That's the way to go. Don't expect to come in 10 minutes before closing and expect to be cared for. Be smart and come with all the requirements. read more

NOTE: This location CLOSES at NOON (12:00pm PST) on Wednesdays. With that said, with any Government Office, the best thing to do is go early and get it done as soon as possible - if you procrastinate and decide to go later in the day, then you're going to have to sacrifice your SWEET time. This SSA Location is fairly new, so hence, it's CLEAN. Believe me, I went to one in LA County once, and I still shudder at the thought. read more

This is a review for not only the whole office but especially for Mr Rudy Reza. First off, I was scared coming in because I've never had to go to the Social Security office in my 30 years, and had completely expected it to be a negative experience a la Californias horrible DMVs. As other yelpers have said, parking lot was pretty full, but not at capacity so immediately I figured I'd have a hefty wait ahead of me. I was wrong. I needed a replacement SS card for a new job, and was in and out in 30 minutes. No appointment made, just walked in. Rudy was very relaxed/relaxing he was also very concise about the whole process, making someone clueless like myself feel a bit more comfortable. He was very genuine and made the process easy, which is how I like to operate. Its no wonder why this Social Security office has a 4 star overall yelp rating. Obviously in an environment like that theres bound to be some low ratings but overall id say 4+ stars is an accurate measure. Thanks Rudy for helping me out this was such a pleasant experience that demolished my horrible expectations! read more

I came in on a Friday afternoon, shortly after 2:30 pm without an appointment. Reading the reviews prior to my visit, I knew I had to expect a long wait and bring a magazine or a book to read. I waited for 40 minutes before my number was called. Not bad. I've visited this location in the morning earlier that week and there weren't any open parking spaces available so I took my chances in coming back later in the week during the afternoon. I found a parking space right across from the entrance. Bingo. There were two guards upon my arrival where they casually checked the contents of my purse and showed me where I can check in at the electronic kiosk to pick up my wait number. There are lots of seating to choose from. It took only less than 10 minutes to speak with a customer rep in person to help expedite my maiden name restored back and also, get a new replacement card with all of the documents I had to show as proof. The lady who helped me was really friendly and personable. read more

Timing is everything with any government owned establishment. I had no appointment and I got here about two hours before closing. Only 3 windows were open and many people were waiting. On the last hour, ALL windows opened to speed up the process. Bottom line: This place is pretty organized. Anyone needing SS related assistance should come here. read more

I was having trouble getting any help at other offices for some verification of my SSN and getting an appointment for a replacement. I called Anaheim and Mrs Chan was very very helpful, made sure my verification is sent out as soon as possible. Also that I got an appointment as soon as possible. Thanks to Mrs Chan. read more

I had a great experience at this location. I needed to get a replacement Social Security card, and I wanted to talk to a live person. The building is new, and it was easy to find. Parking was easy to find too ... parking is off the street in the lot right in front of the main entrance. There was a guard who patrolled inside and outside of the building, and he was nice enough to answer questions that anyone asked of him. I walked through the doors and noticed a whole lobby of people just sitting and waiting until they were called to a window. I wasn't sure where I was supposed to go, and I guess my "I'm lost" look tipped off the guard. He pointed to a new and fancy looking machine that was near me. I looked at the machine then looked back at him, now with a "Hey ... I'm REALLY lost!" look on my face, which told him loud and clear that I've never been to this place, nor have I ever seen a machine like this one. He asked what I was here for, showed me to get a number from the machine, instructed me which form to fill out, and advised me to listen for my number over the speaker system. I filled out my form and waited along with at least 40 other people, and I wondered just how long I was going to have to wait. Oh ... bring your own pen to this place, unless you don't mind using a pen that has been there for who-knows-how-long that's been used by who-knows-how-many people. I'm not qute a germophobe, but I DO know that anything left for masses of people to use can be a breeding ground for who-knows-what. Fortunately, I had a pen in my pocket. :-) While waiting, I figured out (without asking anyone lol) that there were at least two different sets of numbers based on whatever the visitor came in to do, and that there were at least two workers for each set of numbers, so I hoped that my wait wouldn't bee too long. While sitting, my admiration for the workers here soared higher and higher. I observed some of them getting yelled at and they still kept their cool were very professional. I only waited for about 20 minutes until my number was called. The woman behind the bullet proof (I assume; I wasn't going to test it) plexiglass was very helpful and efficient. It took her only about 10 minutes to get my business done, and she told me what to expect in the near future. Helpful, professional, knowledgeable cool headed workers and easy parking ... I couldn't complain about anything (except for the shared pens ... ewww)! read more

This place is sorta like the DMV. If you can, handle your business either online or through to mail, so you can avoid coming here. I mailed in a copy of my naturalization certificate to get a new social security card, since I had my name legally changed. They mailed it back to me, making sure that they highlighted the part about not making copies "without lawful authority". I must have misunderstood what that means, since I was under the assumption that getting a new social security card gave me the lawful authority to do so. Nope. They want the original. I did not want to mail the original since if it gets lost, I have to pay $300-something to get a new one, which can take several months. In fact, the folks at the US district court (where I was naturalized) told me it was fine to make a copy and mail it in. This is where I go the info from. Anyway, I went into the office with my original certificate, since they mailed me a pamphlet saying that I needed to bring the original certificate showing my new name. I get there, and I show Mr. Rivera the following: my passport with my new name, my old SS card with my previous name, and my driver's license also showing my previous name. Mr. Rivera tells me that he needs both on one document. I showed him the letter they mailed me stating that to PROVE MY LEGAL NAME CHANGE, I can show my "CERTIFICATE OF NATURALIZATION SHOWING A NEW NAME. I was a bit frustrated walking out of there, but I understood. I called the USCIS to tell them my situation, and discover that they have not run into this issue before. They tell me that the certificate of naturalization should suffice. They also do not have the document I requested and advise me to write a letter to the US Department of Homeland Security to tell them that the Social Security office will not accept my naturalization certificate as proof of my name change, and that I need a petition for name change sent to me. I called the Social Security Administration, and was automatically transferred to the Anaheim office. Mr. Lin said that if I come down with the same documents I brought last time, everything should be fine. I asked him "ARE YOU SURE, BECAUSE I WOULD HATE TO COME AGAIN AND BE SENT AWAY." He said the naturalization certificate would suffice. I take another afternoon off of work to go to the office again. The line was a little bit longer today. I waited closer to an hour and a half. I speak with Mrs. Santos and she tells me the same thing Mr. Rivera told me. I asked to see Mr. Lin, but she has no idea who this is. She tells me to call immigration. I told her my story, but she doesn't seem to care. There is no number for the local offices, so you have to go through the centralized call center (866-657-3133). The folks there and the folks at the local offices need to get on the same page, because it doesn't seem like they know what they're doing. They also need to UPDATE THEIR DOCUMENTS. The one star review is because Mr. Lin told me to come back, and wasted my time. Looks like I'll have two legal names for awhile. read more

8:05am, Thursday morning. It's been raining, so it's super cold. I was about the 14th person in line. At 8:45am, they opened early to let people in. I needed to replace a card so I was expecting to have a long day of filling out papers, getting back in line, waiting for them to make copies of some documents. But it was REALLY SIMPLE. Everyone, from security, check-in, and to the lady who helped me, they were all friendly. It took me less than 5min to get my things done, and I was out by 8:59am. This place knows how to make things run smoothly and efficiently. read more

Probably one of the better government facilities I've been to. I just got married and I needed a new social security card because I changed my last name. I came on a Friday around 9:20 am. I was out by 9:35 am. I came right as the first people started to leave, thus, I didn't have to find parking on the street. I highly recommend you do your research online. Fill out the appropriate forms online and bring the correct documentation; it will make your life way easier. In my case, I came with my original marriage certificate, drivers license, and the completed form. I was checked in at the front door and given a number. Literally five minutes later, they called my number. Definitely a good experience! Thank you!! read more

I know a lot of people dread going to any government run facilities, but I'm actually impressed with how well this building conducts business. They're actually pretty efficient considering it's a government building. The only thing that's a pain in the ass here is that there is very very limited parking. If you can't find parking in the lot, there are street parking options available. read more

Super nice staff!!! But you have to wait in a room full of weirdos for about an hour before you're called.... but that's not their fault read more

I had to come here to change my last name after getting married. Parking was terrible and there is street sweeping on Monday so you can't park on the neighborhood street. :( When I got in at 9:05 it was better and more efficient than I thought it would be. I took a number and it was moving very quickly. The office is new and not run down which is a plus. I was out of there before 10am! Score!!!! read more

I feel weird marking the Yay! I'm a fan, I mean it is the SS office of all places. However, I am an idiot that lost my card, that I am sure will turn up 6 months from now while I am cleaning my trunk out or rereading an old book where I used the card as my bookmark. So filled out the application before I got there, right down the street from our house, pulled into the parking lot without disaster, got my number and sat down. As I read a few pages of my book, I was called up and the gentlemen who helped me had a smile and a even a sense of humor. We laughed b/c he spelled one of middle names wrong and fixed it and then I was out of there. Total time including drive time took me about 20 mins to get the replacement on the way. There was about 30 people in there too. I remember that I once waited at the Brea location for almost an hour and half. Sweet ass at the SS office. -1 star just for good measure because the social security office just can't possibly be 5 stars. read more

I had a surprisingly good experience at this office!!! Kind security officer, organized and dressed for business were all of staff and smiles all around! I arrived at 8:15 and the opening officially at 9am so I stood in the already significant line. The doors opened 15 minutes EARLY!!! YES! I was in and out with my business in less than a an hour! Hallelujah! Thanks to all who have been a positive influence on this SSA branch! read more

Once the wait was over, I was called in and attended by a person who actually made small talk with me. I had never experienced that before in a government facility. Other offices are so robotic and employees are usually rude. If you need assistance, my first impression is that the people here would be more than happy to get the job done. I understand they must get worn out because of some people who they have to deal with, but I'm very happy I read the other Yelp reviews and came to this place. The wait time was about 1 hour for me, but I was out within 5 minutes for my name change. I got there at 11 ish am. Out by 12:15. read more

Lost my ssn and have to go get a replacement --' I dread and dread going there, but in the end just gotta do it, I was there around 3, maybe, n that day they close at 4. Good amount of people waiting. Got my number and wait. The wait is long, but I m already expecting that... It's a clean place. The door man was nice enough to help with the number. My turn, the lady who help me was very friendly. The process was fast and I was done under 10 min :)) Going home a happy camper ^^ read more

This location ! Deserve 5stars ! Especial mención to Mrs.Nuyen who was help to me so much ! Congrats guys nice teem work read more

I've never been to a SS office before. Not too bad of a wait for not having an appointment. About 40 minutes in a full waiting room.The person who helped me was so friendly and kind. Pleasant experience. read more

Wow! I'm impressed with the quality service I experienced here. From the moment I walked in the door, starting with the two security officers, everyone was polite. I expected to be waiting an hour or longer but I was in and out within 30 mins! As soon as you walk in the security guards help you out on what to do, which was great since that was my first time, they were very polite! Also, the gentleman who completed my services needed was polite as well and got everything done very fast! read more

I thought I was going to have to deal with a nightmareish DMV like experience, but NO! This was the total opposite. I arrived at 8:15a in fear of crazy lines. I was 3rd in line at this point and the line only got longer. When the office opened the security guard escorted all of the appointment people inside and then allowed everyone in one at a time. I was seated at a window immediately. A very kind lady assisted me and I was out of there in 15 minutes. Pointers - Make sure to have all of your paperwork filled out prior to going to the office - Have all of your documents - if you are changing your name, come here before doing anything else read more

This place is ridiculous! I came on a Wednesday (hours9-12) I showed about 9:30 with a huge line going out the door . There was no parking so I had to park about 2 blocks down and walk. As soon as I get in line The security NOT A COP asked to search my bag which was fine then asked me and my boyfriend to show him our IDs what's the purpose of that ? The whole time we stood outside in the sun waiting to get in the building the security (he was tall / short hair) was being so rude to everyone Elderly people would ask him question and he'd responsed so rudely as if he was annoyed to help them out. The workers here are so unhelpful here . We waited 3 hours to tell us they couldn't help us read more

My husband and I arrived around 7:35 a.m and there were already about 6 people in line. Security guards began checking bags around 8:50 a.m. and an employee also began handing out ticket numbers as we went inside to check-in. They were very friendly, organized and fast. We decided to come in a day before 4th of July to change my last name and to our surprise, it wasn't as busy as we thought. Biggest recommendation since this is a government facility is to try to arrive early, because they get busy. We were out within 15 minutes, thanks! read more

I felt they need bigger space. People are standing outside in sun. If some one ask any questions about anything security guards starts laughing on them and make fun out of them. There was a old Indian lady want to ask something from them security guards were so rude. I couldn't believe what a saw. Plz do something with these unprofessional security guards. read more