Nice experience but make an appointment. Like the DMV....you get finished a lot quicker with an appointment. read more

Social Security - Make an appointment - Public Services & Government Near Me - Brea, California

I was on hold for over a half an hour and that ridiculous music they play that drives you bonkers kept playing getting louder and louder Played relentlessly. I call on another phone to find out they closed. Why would any human being that's normal be working here? I have the answer. read more

If anyone needs to get their Social Security card, you should really go here. Honestly the smoothest process and friendliest staff anyone could ask for. P.S.O. R. Aragon was extremely helpful and very informative, keeps things in smooth motion with a great attitude. And the SSA rep who was helping me (Ms. M Rijuana) went above and beyond in her commitment to helping me in my unfortunate situation, all while doing with a great attitude. Thank you both, I appreciate your support and will make sure I come to this location if I ever have any issues. I will be telling friends and family also to we this location from now on! read more

Everything went smoothly. I got there half an hour before my appointment time and they took me in right away. The lady that helped me was friendly and informative. read more

Been trying to change my name for months. I kept receiving an "error" for my online application so I tried to make an in person appointment. They don't answer the phone and if you leave your number for them to call you back, they don't. I had to go into the office just to make an appointment. Then they have a "new" policy where they don't take walk in appointments. Very inefficient, slow, and a waste of everyone's time. They had 1 person working. So I waited over an hour just to schedule an appointment ANOTHER month out. read more

Wow I was so shocked at how fast and easy it was to get an appointment and update my name on my card. I unfortunately didn't catch the employees name but he did an AMAZING job he explained everything and had such a nice and funny personality. I was in there for 10 minutes and I got everything taken care of. I did an online application and got my first appointment a few weeks after. read more

Friendly , efficient.. what else can you ask for .. Maria called me for my phone appointment .. it went quick and easy.. actually very surprised .. :-) read more

Recently got married, need to do a name change on my social security card. I live in Irvine but decided to go to this location due to the better reviews, my husband's recollection of it being a smooth operation years ago, and the fact that Brea is somewhat more isolated than other locations so was hoping the crowd level would be lower. First, I had issues with the social security website. Their "find an office near me" links are all broken. Secondly, I couldn't find any easy way to make an appointment online, it seemed I had to call to make an appointment or complete an application first. I tried to complete an application online, but my new middle name is too long for the online application to take as there is a character limit on the text field on the online application! Not wanting to submit an application with my new middle name spelled incompletely, I figured I would just go and try to walk in at the Brea location and see if a human being could help me out. They opened at 9am, I arrived at 9:24am. There was a line out the door of about 18 people. The security guard asked if anyone had an appt, because they could go in first, but everyone in the line was a walk-in. As we got closer to the door, I noticed two signs - one that said that starting January 2025, you would need an appointment for the majority of services, and another that said that if you were getting a new social security card (including name changes), you would need an appointment. (See the attached photos) The security guard/officer, Janice (I think that was her name), was super nice and helpful for everyone in line. She was pulled away helping someone just as I reached the front of the line, so I wasn't able to ask her at that time about the application process (and I wasn't sure if that was really within her job scope). She came back and directed me to the check-in kiosk. At 9:50, I checked in at the kiosk, got my number and sat down. A few minutes later, the security guard asked who was there for a social security card or name change. I raised my hand and she confirmed that one needed to make an appointment first. Another worker came out and said the same thing. I explained how I was unable to complete an online application due to my new middle name being too long. Janice really helped me out and instructed me to complete an application using my initials for the middle name and gave me a paper form to bring back, stating I could put my full middle name on the paper form and it will supersede the application. She made sure I was able to complete an application online and set up another appointment before I left. Even though I wasn't able to get my stuff done that day, I really appreciated all the help I received, especially from Janice! I'll be back in a few days and will update my review with that experience. Update: returned with an appt for 1:30pm. You check in on your phone using a link they text you one hour ahead of your appt, so you don't have to wait to use the kiosk to check in. I arrived and checked in on my phone at 1:18pm. There was no line out the door this time! But plenty of people in the waiting room. My number wasn't called until 2pm. The employee that helped me was very kind and he explained that SS can't take long middle names (more than like 16 characters), but it won't matter because DMV will, and they'll use the marriage certificate as proof. For the SS, I just put my new middle initials. They printed me a stamped confirmation and told me I could go to the DMV after 24 hours (for processing) and move forward with my drivers license change. No payments needed or anything. I was done about 2:10pm. read more

Social Security - Signage as of 12/2/24 regarding requiring an appointment if you need anything done in terms of a social security card. - Public Services & Government Near Me - Brea, California

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Security is a little extra strict but concise, I was in and out of there in 15 minutes, no wait but I had an appointment.

A bit of a wait, but once inside it went rather quickly. The phone call service was efficient and helpful.

The wait is too long with or without appointments even though the location is not bad. But parking spaces are not always available in front of the office. We had to park away in other offices parking area. read more

They are becoming pretty rude and the only agent I have had a good experience with was the operater over the phone when called. The workers are very grouchy and quick to demand and delay you. Wish I would get my pay already and everything done more proper and promptly with the information I need to have it done. read more

I went to take care of business for both myself and my recently deceased wife. I got there early and after a briefing by the Officer ( who was great) I went in, was given a widow number and sent to my window. I won the lotto of great agents because Mr Zamoran was the best. He helped with both my wifes business and mine in an extremely professional and polite manner. I was done and on my way in 20 minutes. Highest praise to Mr Zamoran and the Officer on duty! Thank you both read more

It's really sad that security here is here to be RUDE! Most the people coming here are old and retired, being rude to these people does absolutely NOTHING! Even answering questions seems to annoy the hell out of him!! It doesn't hurt to be kind! Do better! read more

If you have all your ducks lined up when you come, the process is easy and quick! I came here to file a change and made sure to bring all forms of identification and a filled out and signed form. Due to COVID, they are only seeing people with appointments. In the 10 minutes that I was waiting outside, there were a handful of people who came without appointments and the security officer denied their request to see someone and said they had to make an appointment. In terms of making an appointment, the process was pretty standard and I spoke with a live person. It took them 2 business days for a manager to call and confirm an appointment date with me. Overall, a very easy process if you can get an appointment and have all your paperwork filled out and ready to go. The only downside is that there's only one bench outside the office and very little shade. If you come early, maybe bring an umbrella! Also, the doors will be locked from the outside but when you pull on the handles and wait a moment, an officer will come out and ask if you have an appointment and your name. read more

This government office is worse than DMV. Based on Medicare.gov information you can apply at local office. But no, after waiting for over 90 minutes was told they can only make an appointment! They could have posted this change on the wall instead of wasting taxpayers time.?During the waiting period, not a single worker came out of office to answer any questions when waiting room was full and line out of door. This was in April 2024. read more

My advice for your visit, make an appointment! I had an appointment and got in and out in little over an hour (fyi - it still takes time). A long line of people were there without appointments and they were waiting over an hour just to be able to make an appointment, which means they have to come back another time. As of 12/24, they no longer accept walk-ins! All those people said they had tried the 800 number that is recommended on SS website but never got through. I also tried the national 800 number, waited on hold for over 2 hours and never got through. Instead call this number (866) 593-2757 (the number to the brea office) in the morning when the office first opens. You will probably wait on hold a bit but you should be able to get a person who can schedule an appointment. I was able to book an appointment for a week later. Good luck, listen to the security guard and follow his rules, or you will get scolded. read more

This is the most incompetent social security office I have ever dealt with, I could even say the worst government agency I've ever worked with. I have attempted to change my adopted child's ss# 5 times and keep getting the same card with the same previous ss#. They always make an excuse as to why the number didn't change. The supervisor refuses to speak to me in the Brea office even though I've requested numerous times. I made a formal complaint last week and today I received another SS card with the same number. They've made the same mistake so many times that my child's number has been flagged. Im beyond angry that I can't get someone to talk to me or fix something that should not be a problem in the first place. read more

Very small office. I had to sit outside on an early Friday afternoon. But the lune moved quickly and officer at the door was not a gerk. I was in and out quickly after handling two accounts. Don't bring kids or people that are not affiliated with your appointment. If someone has driven you there, they have many places to shop and eat while they wait for you. This will allow seating for people just want to get in and out. read more

This facility was amazing! The employees are the best! A security guard greets you. Then after a short wait the specialist is ready to help. I was quite impressed! Thank you so much! read more

Very courteous and helpful! Applied for Disability Benefits and they took time to show me how! read more

Social Security - Social Security Office (Brea) - Public Services & Government Near Me - Brea, California

Wait was short with no appt on a mid day walk in. Was there for about an hour total for a last name change. Security was friendly and process was painless. read more

Did not expect to get great service and be finished with everything I wanted to do for my parents in a short time, but was pleasantly surprised! This visit completely exceeded all expectations I had. Did not have an appointment and just walked in and got a ticket. 14 parties were ahead of us. I thought this would take at least 1.5 hours but we got to speak to someone in probably a little more than 35 minutes. I had to do a complicated application for my dad and got a lot of help from the staff here. THANK YOU VERY MUCH! read more

This social security office doesn't even deserve a rating I've been dealing with them for over a year all because I answered a question wrong with my phone interview being pressured for a number I had no idea of but the system needed a number for us to go on regarding my 401k which I do not have so I finally got the document I needed to prove everything and I've been trying to get a hold of someone no one has called me back, this is regarding they think that I owe them $23,000 so after the phone interview we had they promised they would not stop any payments and what was the first thing they did they stopped my payments on December 1st 2020 and finally reinstated them July 15th 2021 but they're taking out $100 per check to pay back the $23,000 I don't owe them have faxed information to make it quicker and they're just taking their sweetie time getting back to me and I'm fed up with the awful customer service. Shame on them always thinking we are the bad guys! read more

The inside was sterile and sad like every government waiting room but the staff members were kind and super helpful, wait was not long either which was great. read more

This place was clean, people were nice, and we were in and out (got a new SSN for our daughter) quickly.

This office stinks! They are so incompetent at what they do! The wait times on the phone are ridiculous they need to have a call back system so you don't have to waste your day waiting for them to connect you! So bad! They never give you complete information you need to call back a few times to get all the information you need! So bad! read more

Changing your name is definitely a process but this social security location gave me such an easy experience. The hours made it very difficult for me to get in before closing since I teach I can't always get out of work and make the drive. However I finally made it and the process was so carefree. Once you enter you check in from a computer which prints out your number and you take a seat. You fill out one form and wait for your number to be called. I think I waited 10-15mins. I didn't even have my social security card but with my Id and marriage license I was able to fill for my new card with my married name. It was literally that easy and I was surprised to here... no charge!! I mean through my whole wedding process everything had a price tag so no fee was refreshing! read more

Social Security - Public Services & Government Near Me - Brea, California

Came around 1pm in the Thursday afternoon with no appointment. In spite that there are quite a number of people in the waiting area, the wait time was less than half an hour. The service was good. It only took about less than two minutes to get my business square away. :) There is a gender neutral bathroom and a water fountain in the waiting area. Check the hours of operation first before coming as they have different hours. Yelp.com/list/yelp-100-challenge. read more

Social Security - Wait ticket - Public Services & Government Near Me - Brea, California

Came in on a Wednesday to change to a married name. I was in and out in 10 minutes. Security guard? Friendly! Staff? Friendly! Have all your docs ready and it will be a fast process. Highly recommend this office over the one in Pomona. Avoid Pomona. read more

Went there on a Tuesday for my wife's name change. Got there by 11:20am, stood in line outside the office just to check in. Made it inside by 12pm and then waited for another hour and a half till our number was called at 1:15pm. Luckily, we had all our papers in order and the clerk was very nice and polite. We were out the door by 1:19pm. Cons: Long line (but this is the same everywhere) Pros: Polite staff read more

So I mistakingly left my Social Security card in my wallet...in my car...overnight... And some winner stole it (my wallet, not my car.) Yeah, I've, umm, already opened multiple, bitter-tasting cans of I-Told-You-So; and I seriously can't force down another, so...yeah. Anyway, I am happy to share that if you ever need your Social Security card renewed, it's easy. Begin here: http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/. Complete the application and either send it by mail or walk it in: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/social-security-administration-brea?select=OTjV2v_9kqM6i63I1BwM4w#OTjV2v_9kqM6i63I1BwM4w, http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/social-security-administration-brea?select=OTjV2v_9kqM6i63I1BwM4w#DQK1m3nKpBJGJyuHxXaE5w. (By the way, if you opt to mail, you'll have to include your driver's license, birth certificate, and passport. Yes, the originals, not copies. They will be returned to you.) If you've decided to visit a location--and this one, in particular--you'll find the hours of operation limited, so check the website for times and dates. It actually didn't take long to be helped; I was in and out within 30 minutes. Comfortable-seating lobby; helpful staff; smiling security guard check-in; numbered-ticket, next-in-line waiting; Shazam-ready muzak playing softly in the background... And don't worry if it seems crowded, as not everyone is there for the same thing. The queue moves along. Note: no food or drinks aloud, and you must silence all electronic devices. Tight ship. read more

Social Security - Valencia & Imperial - Public Services & Government Near Me - Brea, California

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Really fast service as long as you come with all necessary documents. ALWAYS check online if there's any documents you need to have with your or applications that you can fill out prior. Came in to apply for a new SS card because I recently got married abs finally received my marriage certificate for the name change. Obviously step one is to go apply for a new SS card. I had my drivers license, marriage certificate and application for a new card all ready to go as soon as I walked in and checked in to grab a ticket. There was probably about 3 groups ahead of me, I got in pretty quickly and they ran all my information for name change. I was in and out within 10 minutes! Gave me my receipt and informed me to wait to go to the dmv for about a week just in case they don't accept the receipt. read more

Not that I'm in the SS Office very often, but I was so very pleasantly surprised at how super friendly everyone that I encountered here was! Security guard and the clerk were all very helpful, friendly and very pleasant to work with. Not really sure how else to review, but felt they needed a nice shout out. :) Hours posted online are NOT the correct hours.... nor are the hours on Yelp. So, kind of hit or miss if you are going to take care of business in the afternoons. Wednesdays they close at noon, that I know for sure. The other days they either close at 7pm, 3pm or 5pm depending on who you choose to believe. Great office, nice doing business with ya! read more

Went in as a walk in to change my last name at 9:10 am on a Wednesday although there were at least 20 people checked in ahead of me they had all windows open and I was in and out within 30 minutes, thwir staff is super quick and very friendly. Would deffinately recommend this office. read more

I'm writing this because the nice young man who helped me was...how do I say this nicely...not very good at his job. At all. I had an appointment to go over some paper work and fix a possible overpayment issue. And instead of just looking at the paperwork and helping me with my issue he decided to "explain" to me that sometimes information doesn't get recorded correctly, that somtimes, for whatever reason an employee at the SSA may make mistakes, and how they don't have enough employees to get all the work done... Blah blah blah. When I told him I didn't need an explanation I just needed to fix the problem, he, for some reason felt threatened, and I was warned that he can have our "interview" terminated at anytime for any reason and that he hopes he wouldn't have to call security. I decided to pull out my phone for audio recording purposes and asked/demanded at least a hand full of times for him to have his supervisor to assist us with our growing issue. He did start communicating to her and when I asked why it was taking so long he again "explained" he was typing with her and read us something out of what I can only assume was an employee handbook about what my rights to record our interaction were. At this point my girlfriend asked me to step outside to catch my breath. I did this as well as told the security guard what was happening and he was more than helpful at doing his part to resolve the issue as best he could. When I went back to the Nice Young Mans cubicle his boss was there and assisting in fixing our issue. Which was all I wanted in the first place. I didn't need to know the inner workings of the SSA and I didn't need to be reminded that security was available and that cameras were all around. I did need help fixing an important issue I was having due to mistakes that were made on behalf of the SSA. I should not have had to ask for his supervisor at all nor should I have to hear some excuse for why errors occurred, ERRORS OCCURRED. Let's just fix it That's all I wanted! Thanks for your help Sam...smh read more

I called this office daily for more than a week in an effort to determine why the social security benefits I waited 2 and a half years for were for the incorrect amount, FINALLY, someone agreed to have a Case worker call me back. The case worker had difficulty determining the reason why they opted to "off set" my benefits & how I could stop the INCORRECT offset. This is unexceptable, early retirees are trying to live on funds lower than the proverty level as it is & they are going to take half of that! Notify Congress & Disability Rights Advocacy & Legislation if you're being given a run around, especially if money is being withheld incorrectly: CONGRESSMAN GIL CISNEROS 431 CANNON HOUSE BLDG WASHINGTON, DC 20515 DISABILITY RIGHTS CA OFFICE of CLAIMANTS RIGHTS ADVOCACY & LEGISLATION 1831 K STREET SACRAMENTO, CA 95811-4114 read more

This was actually pretty damn fast and easy! I thought it was gonna take at least a couple hour But it only took me like 10-15 min in and out very quick and professional read more

I have been trying to do a name change for the past 2 months and they do not answer their phones or are never open to walk into their office. If I finally get somebody on the phone they are very unhelpful and just tell me to "call back later." Such a simple process has become such a headache. read more

The worker that helped me is utterly brain dead and useless. I cannot believe someone so incompetent can work in an office of high importance to citizens. My birth certificate does not match my social security card (I have 4 names that complete my entire identity) and my SS card is missing one of the names, only showing 3 of the 4. I was trying to update my SS to match (for DMV purposes) and this idiot told me that I had to go to court, before a judge, and legally drop the missing name to match my SS card. Can you believe this idiot??? She was WRONG of course and she should not be working in an office where she is giving wrong advice to customers. Unbelievable! I literally had to refrain from punching her in the throat. read more