After hearing stories of people having to wait hours in line at the Social Security office, I mentally prepared myself and took a half day off at work to get my name changed. I knew I would have a shorter wait time if I waited in line first thing in the morning, but I didn't have that option. I arrived at 12:30 PM and upon arrival, a security personnel directed me to the back of the line to wait for a number/ticket. He was very helpful in directing the line and getting things moving. And even helped people at the kiosk so that everyone was assigned the right ticket number (you're assigned a number based on what you're there for). It was definitely crowded and I was beginning to worry that I would be stuck there for hours. But thankfully I only had to wait 45 mins. You're not allowed to talk on the phone in the waiting area, which I appreciated because with a crowded room, you need to be able to hear the numbers being called out. So if you have to talk on your phone, just step outside. Otherwise, as long as your have your phone on silent or vibrate, you're allowed to play on your phone. By the time I was called up, I had my paperwork in hand along with my DL and Marriage License ready to go. She was courteous and friendly and was done processing within 5 mins. The nice thing is that you get a receipt showing proof of your name change. IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NAME CHANGE: the SS office allows you to change your middle name without any issues. I wanted to change middle name to my maiden name. However, if you go the DMV to try to change your middle name, you cannot do so without having to go to court and file a petition. I argued that the SS office allowed me to and they're reasoning is that different departments, different policies. After much research, apparently in the state of TX, you cannot change your middle name without showing proof of change on your birth certificate or unless you file a petition in court. It's costly and time consuming. So now I have a SS card and a DL with two different middle names. I wish the SS office would have warned me about this! read more

I was in and out in 20 minutes The staff knows how to organize the place and the lines so people can the needed service asap Great experience read more

I got married so I needed to get my last name changed. The line for name changes is a lot shorter than the other line (which I'm not rlly sure what it's for) and only had to wait for about an hour. The waiting room is small and quiet but before you get to go in, you would have to wait outside because of safety capacity. You cannot make any phone calls inside and be sure put your phone on silent or vibrate. I made sure to bring my SSN card, a form of ID, and marriage certificate. The security guard was very nice in guiding me where I needed to go and the one changing my name was very helpful by giving me all the answers I needed. I was super surprised on how much of a breeze it was! They do take appointments too so I guess you would be able to do that online for a shorter wait time. read more

Maybe it was my timing. Maybe it was the fact that I was only going in to get a copy of my SS card. Or maybe... it was that I've dreaded going into a Social Security Office for years. For reals, guys, I never changed my name when I was married because I didn't want to come here. I got here right when they opened. I had already pre printed my application and brought in my proper documentation for identity verification. I walked in and saw a relatively full waiting room and started to get anxious. An amazingly sweet security guard smiled at me and pulled me over to the ticket machine and gestured in the line I needed to wait in. I only waited around 5 minutes to be seated with the man at the window. As of August 1st 2014, you can no longer get your card printed on the spot. Identity theft reasons. I panicked a little because I needed this for employment purposes. The gentleman was very kind and understanding. He gave me a signed receipt that had my name and a brief paragraph saying that I was verified and awaiting my card to be mailed. He also gave me the form that explains the card distribution changes and a website that employers can use to verify your status in real time. I was in and out in 20 minutes. I've spent some time in various Government Services offices, and this has to be, by far, the best experience I have had. Ever. read more

So my experience here wasn't that great. It took me over 4 hours to wait in line to have my name changed to my new married name. Let me put that into prospective for you, I waited 1.5 hours OUTSIDE the building in the heat, and sun to only get inside the building to get a number and wait 2.5 hours before I was called in. There's only 6 Windows, and they're not all open...for some reason after 3PM, suddenly they do this sweep where the back door opens and all of the DOZENS of workers in the office start to help move the line along - why wasn't this the case in the first place??? I waited 4 hours to only have them take 8 mins to process my paperwork. That's very insufficient and insulting in my opinion. HERE'S a tip: Get there right at 3PM...you won't have to wait that long because they want to finish their work by 4. read more

Seems like government services have become quite speedy over the years, my last trip to the DPS was a breeze, this trip no different. Even though there was line, I was in and out of this place in 30 mins. read more

I was expecting to be at the SS office for at least 4 hours but I was pleasantly surprised that I was done in 30 minutes! I showed up at 8:45am this morning to beat the line. Well, there was already a line. However, if you LISTEN TO THE OFFICER directing the visitors, there are actually TWO LINES. I needed to replace my lost SS card so that line moved much faster than the other line. In short, here are my tips: 1. Show up early. This office opened at 9:00am. There was already a long line by 8:45am. 2. Have your government issued photo ID with you. I had my passport. A driver's license would also work. The paper temporary TX driver's license is also acceptable as long as I it's readable. The guy in front of me got a hard time because his temporary DL was very hard to read. 3. Listen to the officers and the workers so that you can get processed quickly. Good Luck!! read more

I can't believe that I am giving a government agency 5 stars. Other than the crazy heat in the morning and the wait outside until the place is opened everything else was awesome. They are not kidding about getting people in and out of this place. Way better service and speed then the location in Jersey Village. They lined everyone up according to services you needed and from there you came into the building and was met with a rep. immediately. Took me less then 10 minutes after they opened to get a new social security card. Thanks for making this an easy experience. read more

It's a newish building behind some car dealerships near NRG stadium. It's very busy and the staff has a hard, fast paced job taking care of all these people. Be sure to put your phone on silent or the officer will remind you to make it silent, and photos aren't allowed in a social security office. maybe bring a water and a iPad or book because it could be a very long wait. I've noticed that everyone is friendly that I've come into here, and there are all kinds of people/nationalities. Pro tip: if you show up in the last hour (or so) of business it's usually much faster than the morning hours. Overall I really dislike coming to the SS office but Medicare/insurance issues keep bringing me back. I reviewed it because I think that the job these people do deserves kudos for their work. read more

I got married recently and need to go to SS to change my name. I arrived at 9am with my documents when they were just opening and there were two lines. There's an officer outside to guide you which line you are supposed to get in. Luckily, the line for name changes and first time applicants was much shorter than the other. Once they let us in, there are people to direct you where to sit prior to being called. Everything was quick and efficient, I was in and out within 30 minutes. read more

I could not get an appointment - all booked up for the next 60 days. I researched what documents I needed to have with me. Completed & printed the documents to take with me to the office. I went to the office at 8989 Lakes @ 610 Dr, Houston at 8:30am knowing they did not open until 9am. There were about 52 ppl in line in front of me-they handed out tickets & my number was #53. The guards came out to give us instructions, separate us into 2 groups for those who only needed a card or change of citizenship from the rest of the crowd-guards were extremely courteous, efficient and clear instructions. The weather was nice so no issue to wait in line outside. The doors opened at 9 am. We went through triage process to determine our issues. By 9:25 am I was sitting before an SSA rep. I gave her my story & supporting documents [it helps to come fully prepared with correct documents]. By 9:35am I had my issue resolved and was out of the door and on my way home. read more

Took my lunch break to run up there. I was very skeptical as I had to stand outside in the line for about 15mins. However, I got there @ 12:12pm and I was out by 12:45pm. Both security guards were nice people needs to keep in mind that they are just doing their jobs and trying to maintain order!! read more

there isn't even an ssa here!!! this office does not exist at this address and i wasted time and gas for nothing!!!!

Tried calling for an update for my sister 07/006/20. All I got was the run around and very rude people that just hug up on me. My question is is this how they treat people who have a mental disorder. Just makes me sick to my stomach. read more

My husband and I had to go to SSA for him. The wait time was minimal due to the fact, I am guessing because we did not need a Spanish speaking person. I was very disappointed with the people waiting in line. I have been taught to allow older people and disabled people to get first choice in a seat this did not happen. My husband is disabled, uses a cane and we stood up for the time we were there. read more

Best government entity I have ever stepped foot in. They were very organized and informative. From the begging they direct you to where you need to go without you even having to ask a question they are asking you!! I have spent up to 4 hours at other SS offices so I was already dreading my visits! I even took study material to prepare myself for the wait. But the staff was so efficient my visits only lasted 30 minutes! They saved me 87% of my time that's like better than saving money by switching to Geico!!! read more

This was my first time going to a SS office & I'm so impressed! I got there ten minutes before they opened and was discouraged by the long line that had already formed. It became clear, though, that there was a line for new/replacement SS cards (which I needed) and one for everything else. We were quickly given tickets and at 9 the line for everything else was let in first. Less than 10 minutes later my line was let in and I was speaking with a representative about 5 minutes later. Everyone was courteous for the most part and SUPER efficient. I'd say I was there a total of 30-35 minutes. I'd recommend this location if you get there first thing in the morning. read more

Don't let the long lines outside intimidate you, they were very efficient and I was in and out in less than an hour!

I would go to any other SS office besides this one. They are perhaps the smallest office (only 8 windows) and they make you wait outside. It doesn't matter if you are 100 years old, in a wheelchair, or have a newborn baby- they do not let you inside until it is your turn (a couple with a newborn baby walked up and the security officer told the mom to go wait I'm the car with the baby). I Waited for about 45 min outside (still hadn't even pulled a number) before I went to a different location. Was in and out of other office in about an hour. STAY AWAY from lakes of 610 location, it's worth driving 10-15 miles to a bigger more efficient office, plus you don't have to wait in the 100 degree weather. read more

My first brush with the American Public Services administration and I was impressed with their systematic way of managing the work load. Instructions given were crisp and clear. Be there at least 15-20 mins before they open. They segregate people in different queues based on the nature of application made. I reached around 8:45 and was out by 9:15 :-). Kudos to this office. Fingers crossed for my visit to DPS :D read more

I went at 2:15 on a Tuesday. I only waited 10 minutes, and it took 10 minutes to get me processed. The lady that assisted me was very polite and pleasant, and also reminded me to take care with my documents, so that my personal information didn't get misplaced. It was actually a great visit! Much better than when I went years ago! read more

Horrible experience!!! Came on a Monday around 1 to change my name after getting married. Stood in line for an hour outside before the line moved at all. There were 2 crazy long lines with no signs or staff to direct you which line to be in. This office is open such terrible hours that when they are open, they should try to do their jobs much better. read more

I went here to replace my SSN card. Large relatively clean facility with ample parking, easy access off I-610. They stay very busy but keep it moving. The process: you need to check in at one of the two computer stations immediately inside the door to get a ticket number. BUT a security guard might tell you to go stand in a long line (often outside) first & call you inside to use the computer later as there becomes more room inside the waiting area. They split people at least into either "R" for getting a replacement SSN card or "A" for talking about benefits. For A's have a seat & they'll call your number as best I could tell. For R's don't sit down!!!! One of the guards specifically told me & a bunch of R's to sit but the other guard eventually said "OMG why are you sitting, you could be done & gone by now!" Minus a star. 2nd guard bumped us to the front of the line. The admin agent was great- fast, friendly, efficient. I was there a little over an hour. read more

After reading other reviews, I was expecting to be in and out in no time, and that's what I experienced. There is a separate line for getting duplicate cards, first-timers' and other services. I was in and out in about 20 minutes. Fastest service ever experienced in a government office! read more

Typically my preference when I need to go to the county tax office and the like is to go early, know what's going on and wait for the place to open, and I did the same thing here. I went to the SS Office to change my name due to marriage. I got to the office about 8:15am. If you are just changing your name, you do not have to get there that early but if you are coming for benefits and such the line is much longer so I would recommend getting there early. People begin lining up very early in the morning, but then about 8:45 the officer on staff split us into three lines based on why we were there: 1. Benefits 2. Name change/SS card and 3. first time citizens receiving their SS card. Once our line was allowed to enter the office just after 9, the process went super fast. I was matched with a staff person almost immediately. I had my application already filled out, my passport for id, and my marriage certificate. They printed me a receipt showing my name change, and I will receive my card in the mail in a week or so. Was out about 9:20am. Thank you Officer Thomas and all staff for making the process so smooth! read more

When you arrive in the USA to head a new company you like everyone else need a SSN. What you don't need to do is be headed like cattle by a couple of gun bearing security guards who think they are running a gulag. Frankly they are darn rude and outright aggressive. In the real world the SSA at this location needs to have their procedures reviewed. One line for aged and disabled, one service for those seeking benefits and a line for people seeking to get a SSN so guess what - we can pay tax. I have worked all over the world and America ... This is third world. read more

I was very happy with the efficiency of this location. I went in their busiest day, Friday, and got there a half hour before they opened. The security guard did an amazing job at lining people up according to what they were there for, giving us tickets, and keeping us out of the sun. The woman who helped me was smart, quick, and kind. I was not expecting this trip to go so well and im very happy to be writing such a positive review. read more

Wow! In and out in 15minutes! Organized and definitely streamlined processes! Good job government office. Just get there before it opens at 9am. read more

Only took 20 mins to get my name changed here around 12 pm on a Tuesday! highly recomend