Having just retired, I wanted to understand the process a bit more. I waited in line for 15 minutes, up to the window in less than 10 and with the help of a very nice woman with the greatest smile, walked out knowing I was going to be just fine. Thank you for a seamless visit read more

The security guards at the front door is extremely mean, and very poorly trained in customer service. The Hispanic women yells pushy. greets the customers with a angry attitude. Very disappointed at this office read more

Very nice people all around! Although, it is upsetting that we can't do walk-ins. I wish we were able to do walk-in appointments and wait, even if it takes a while. Waiting on the phone for 120+ minutes and potentially getting disconnected is such a pain. Please change it for those in the future! read more

Social Security - 02/24/25 - Public Services & Government Near Me - Lakewood, California

I needed to talk to someone and called. they were extremely professional, and I did not have to wait long for them to answer.

Greetings I did not have an appointment My wait time was about 30 minutes Everything was so very quick and easy Pleasure to be there The staff was amazing and I was able to get all of my business done I am so grateful read more

I visited this office , felt like I was going to prison the security guard felt like the warrant to the prison the ladies that helped were very professional and courteous, but why does the security have to be so rude , and I was going to check emails why here and she barked you can't be on your phone , can I breath or is that not allowed . Very disappointed with that service of security guard I'm dreading having to retire in a couple of years and having to go back read more

Allow walk-ins as they used to! We went to get info about Medicare as we are nearing 65, but were turned away stating they only see people with appointments now. We peeked in and there was no one there except employees. Seriously? Government employees with nothing to do. Wow. Oh yeah, they did go out of their way and gave us the number to call to make an appointment. We called from the parking lot hoping to get a same day appointment -- yeah, right! the recording said the wait time is 190 minutes!! We waited and waited and waited only to be disconnected. In today's day and age you would think there's a better way!! read more

Very low effort, they do not want to assist you. They somehow do not have proof when you visit or paperwork being dropped off in a secured mail box. A manager or supervisor is the only one that handles it and has the key, yet lose paperwork with sensitive information on it that was dropped off in this secured mail box!? They will just repeatedly say, I don't know what to tell you. So my question is; is someone throwing paperwork away? Because that's how it sounds like to me. Why work somewhere to be of service for people but become so bitter? After going back-and-forth, I was able to get the help that I needed only because I had proof of being there. Make sure you take pictures that are times stamped of when your visit because they will deny seeing you. Make sure you get the person's name correctly because they will act like they don't know who you are talking about as if there is hundreds of people working there in that one location. --- only the security team are nice and helpful!! read more

I've had to visit this office a few times in the last few months and I've always had a very pleasant experience. It begins with the security at the door. They are always helpful and professional and I appreciate that. Today a woman named Nepo helped me. I was really in a bind because I had waited too long to file something with Cal PERS. I was really stressed and she jumped right in and took care of what I needed. She was patient, reassuring and professional. They are the unsung heroes who help people when they really need it the most. I have observed them interacting with the elderly, and others who require patience in a respectful manner. I just wanted to say that I really appreciate their entire staff. It seems like a really well run office. Lakewood is lucky to have this resource in our community. read more

I went to this office around noon and it was no wait. I think this was a good time to go on your lunchtime. Everyone was friendly and I was able to get my questions answered so yes this location was clean as well. I recommend this location if you need to just run in. read more

There by 9am on a Tuesday and out by 9:50. Quick, efficient and friendly staff. Mr. Lee was very helpful in explaining my Mom's widow benefits - it's taken 9 months, 4 office visits to the Anaheim location and countless phone calls where she kept receiving inaccurate information and letters. Even though the news was not what we wanted to hear, Mr. Lee thoroughly explained everything, and now we can move forward knowing where my Mom stands. read more

What the heck?! I checked in for my appointment at my car and walked in for my last name change appt. The dude and lady at the front were awesome. I saw my ticket on the screen then it disappeared. I asked the lady at the front and she assisted right away. Looks like they called me before I even had a chance to sit! Love that. The dude who helped me at window 1 was so friendly too! Call me crazy I was sad to leave bc it seemed like such a happy clean environment. Top notch service and efficiency. If you have an issue here then it is probably you. read more

S/O to mr gram his quality of service is everything . he makes going to the social security building not so bad. he's not judge mental , very respectful & kind . too bad all employees aren't like gram as in his attitude toward the public . everyone should take notes gram has excellent people skills . gram doesn't act superior just because he works at social security & i like that . read more

I got to the Lakewood Social Security office at 9:25am as a walk-in (no appointment), waited 10 minutes and was out of there with exactly what I needed by 9:40am. They had many representatives serving customers, which made for a short wait time. The two security guards were pleasant and professional. There was plenty of seating and the office was updated and clean. The person who helped me (I wish I had gotten her name) was also very professional and pleasant. I also made two phone calls to this office leading up to my in-person visit. The phone reps were professional, helpful and friendly. I highly recommend this office. read more

Wow this place is amazing. So efficient. Everyone always thinks that you have to get here super early in the morning before opening, like the DMV. But the morning is always packed with the line going along the side of the building. If you wait a couple hrs there will be basically be no line. Came at 1150 on a Friday & got out at 1202. I had to wait out the door for a couple min in the sun but it was basically no time at all. read more

Social Security - No line at all at noon! - Public Services & Government Near Me - Lakewood, California

Every time I drive by this Social Security office during a weekday, I see a long line of people standing in the sun. So my expectations were set for the late-morning errand to change my name. I arrived in the line at 11:20am and made it to the door/security by 12:30pm-ish. Once you're inside, you get a number. They called my number after 1pm-ish and was finished before 1:30pm. That wasn't as painful as I thought. But if you don't know what to expect, I can see how this would be a tortuous process. A couple things I did while I waited: (1) Brought a big bottle of water to hydrate since I knew I'd be standing in the sun for a long time, (2) brought snacks in case I got hungry and (3) got chatty with other folks waiting in line. In fact, I learned a few things from those folks. One woman brought her own folding chair to sit in line. She even loaded her tablet with movies to watch. Another couple brought an entire meal to enjoy. I discovered that you can bypass the outdoor line if you make an appointment. I wish I knew about that tip earlier. That said, if you do wait in line, I suggest timing it so that the sun is slightly west and the building casts a shadow. It makes a big difference to wait in line in the shade rather than in direct sunlight. Once I made it to the window, the process of changing my name didn't take very long. The woman said I would receive my card in 8-10 days. This was a Monday afternoon. My new card arrived by Friday. Like I said, not as painful as I thought. The staff was even surprisingly nicer than I expected. read more

Excellent service, I arrived a few days ago to renew my SSN card and all procedures was done within 10 minutes without and appointment, I stop by just to ask for an appointment but, it was not necessary. read more

Quick and easy! Was in and out within the hour. I went after 2pm. The lady who helped was also very nice.

I encountered a rather uncomfortable experience with the security guard. It's noteworthy this happened during pandemic restrictive times, and I surmise the security guard wants to control the inflow of people to one at a time. When I went in, I went through a metal detector scan, after which I went to speak to someone behind the counter and completed the purpose of my visit. On my way out, I was halted by the security guard from exiting because he was in the middle of giving instructions to a person he was scanning, and he gave me a look, more of a glare. Apparently, he didn't want me to just exit out while his attention was elsewhere. I can think of justifications why he wants to do things this way, most likely to avoid having people rushing in while he was distracted. I'm okay with that. My problem is in the manner he did it. I think he should be taught to handle this more courteously. I think he should instead apologize to the person he's inconveniencing rather than give him/her a bad look. He should be reminded who is paying his salary and that he's there to serve, not to lord over people. read more

Happy Monday to Everyone. We had a great experience today at the Social Security Office. First of all we got there about 6:30 AM and had our lawn chairs and blankets so we were comfortable. Once the Office opened we were greeted by security and then by Supervisor Ms Cruz. I was able to receive assistance with my third party form at window 5 but I also needed to get help for my Brother but he was walking slow due to having 6 strokes and the young lady at window 5 said she couldn't wait he would have to get back in line and pull a number. I then asked Mr Alvarez to assist him and he told me if his supervisor said it would be okay no problem he would assist him. So I asked Ms Cruz and she stated as long as my Sister was still being assisted it would be fine. Thank You so much Lakewood Social Security Office for YOUR ACT OF KINDNESS AND UNDERSTANDING. read more

I was in and out in 15 minutes without an appointment for a name change. I had low expectations but security and workers were friendly and quick! read more

Great customer service, fast and clean location! Security officer was courteous and clear with his direction. I arrived at 8:30 and was out by 9:10 am. Office opened at 9:00 am. I was dreading going to SSA office but this was a great experience. Good job to all the public service employees!! read more

I had some personal business to attend to at Social Security and while this review isnt for the office or its people itself, it is for the security guards in the front. I know the security checks have to be done but it was very unprofessional and my daughter and I felt very violated. #1 as they used their metal detectors on our cleavage area they purposely pushed it against our skin! I know for a fact that is not the proper way of operating it, #2 when they got to my daughter her bra set off the machine, in that situation i insisted for a female security to further evaluate but they insisted they had to do a hand sweep of he breast area! At that point i just wanted to get in and get my errands done. I asked to talk to their manager but they would not comply. In conclusion i highly reccommend any females avoid this office because of the very unprofessionalism of the security guards doing highly suspect things almost akin to sexual harassment! I felt very violated in that moment, i know our security is important but at what cost? What they did was totally uncalled for! I will be following this up with the office and the manager of the security guards. read more

I happened to learn that there was a Social Security office in Lakewood when I googled the address for the Long Beach Blvd. office. I read someone's five star review on yelp which alerted me to this office! No one at the main number told me about this office and I was unable to make an appointment due to the timing of my need for a name change card. I would have to agree with the review I read in that I arrived early at 8:20 and was out by 9:45. The staff was friendly, I had a seat and the process went smoothly. Thank you for posting these reviews and having them appear on Google so readily! read more

I have called and called these people about receiving my disability packet and they claim they didn't received it but I faxed them my packet and was told that they got it. Then I got a second notice threatening to cut off my benefits. Now I'm about to contact my Congress person about this bullshit. read more

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

I came here prepared to wait for a while. No I didn't bring a chair but I just mentally prepared for the chaotic of a state office. I got there 30 min before opening and I was at the end of the line already. I got in 3 hours later because they only let people one by one in! Even if there are a bunch of chairs inside empty. I found that pretty ridiculous might as well let us in and sit? Once your inside it's quick I signed and luckily had my application for my name change ready and was called right away up. I want to acknowledge how amazing the lady who assist me was wow she was so sweet and patient. I left and in the car realized my zip code was wrong on my proof I walked in did have to get bag checked all over again but the lady saw me and quickly fixed her typo she was kind and apologetic. read more

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

Where do I start.....I feel totally disgusted in being pat down by a male security guard (Farfan) as I can't be wanded down in specific area due to medical device and if wanded device deactivates and can be life threatening. I asked for a female security and was informed they don't have any. I asked them to wand me where needed except over the medical device and was informed that I would be denied access to the office if I didn't get wanded completely (which again I can't due to device) or pat down. I had no option than to get pat down. It was extremely uncomfortable being touched by a random male all over body (yes breast and buttocks) to "check" if no explosives/ weapons etc are on body. Talk about SSA really messing up and making clients uncomfortable. I strongly suggest they hire a female security at the door to avoid situations like this and having males touching females!! read more

I was called to window number 7 the lady wasn't very nice she had a bad attitude. I ask her do she need my papers to give to a social work she said NO! She also rush me to leave I say bye to her but I didn't look at her . No starts for horrible service. read more

This Office is way better in getting appointment within a couple of weeks versus Torrance where it is usually a couple of months. The wait, when you have an appointment is usually within 10 - 15 minutes. All the staff that I have talked to have been very helpfull including the phone calls. Don't waste your time calling the 800 number where you can wait up to 2 hours and get someone who can't answer your question. read more

It was 45 min wait so, way better Thant the other office in Inglewood, quick check in and the person on the window was very useful and honest. Thanks read more

Wow, if I ever need to claim medicare benefits or social security, I'll definitely be back at this place. Came here to replace a SS card with no appointment on a Monday. True to Yelpers reviews, it was a fast and friendly experience! Came in and the security guard pulled a ticket for me. Went to the CVS next door to do some shopping, came back and about 10 minutes later I was up! The other people waited in clean chairs, and it lacked the chaos/melee you often find at the DMV. The guy who handled my application was extremely nice and relaxed. Unlike the DMV where the tension and stress is so palpable that I worry about open-fire spraying or dealing with fits of repressed rage, the application processers seem very relaxed and friendly. I wish all government-sponsored administration offices were as nice as this! read more

Great experience at this social security office. I went this Monday morning 30 minutes before it opened to get my last name changed after marriage. There was maybe about 25 or 30 people ahead of me. Once the doors opened at 9am it took me about 10 minutes to get inside and get my ticket. There was two workers who helped everyone sign in quickly and receive a ticket. Note that they check inside your bags/purses and cell phone use inside the building is strictly prohibited. Once inside I waited around 15 minutes for my number to be called, and once called to the window the name change process took about an additional 15 minutes. I was out the door by 9:40. The gentleman who assisted me was very friendly and I had an overall very pleasant experience here. read more

Social Security - The line 30 minutes before opening on Monday (but it moved extremely quickly upon opening!) - Public Services & Government Near Me - Lakewood, California

Went here to change my name due to marriage. Went in, and the place looked worse than it was. Every seat was packed and people were standing around the border of the room. I had tried calling earlier to make an appointment but the operator wouldn't allow me to make an appointment for my need. I ended up waiting 50 minutes without an appointment at 2pm on a Friday. I'm just glad I didn't wait half a day which is what I've heard from friends & family. The staff were nice, and there's lots of parking. If you get a number before closing time, just stay inside the building and you're ok! If you're outside once they've close, you're screwed. They call the numbers and there's a flat screen inside, but they do not call numbers outside like In-n-Out, so better to be safe and just hang out inside.. read more

I don't know why this place has such good ratings. This is my second visit and it's worse than my first one, which wasn't that great either. The lady who helped me out came off a little rude. The reason why I'm back here is because apparently social security couldn't confirm my citizenship to my school so my school financial aid office needed further proof. Anyway, after waiting outside under the sun for an hour, we get notified by the douche bag, I repeat, douche bag, security guard that we can grab our tickets and wait outside. However, if they call our number and miss it, it's not their problem. He said it wasn't his job. SERIOUSLY? You can't help out by simply saying numbers being called?! I swear that's just pure jerk move and laziness. His tone was annoying and rude as well. This place needs to seriously renovate and remodel like the DMV or something. AND GET A BETTER, MORE COURTEOUS SECURITY GUARD. Ugh. read more

I came here around 4 pm on TUESDAY to get a duplicate social security card. Considering that I only had to wait for 10 minutes was amazing!. Thank the LORD i found this place because I have other stuff to do than to sit around in room full of smelly, perverted people. SUGGESTION: i would not go on a MONDAY or a FRIDAY due to the fact that they are the busiest on those days. =) read more

New building, small waiting area, hella wait. Be patient as you wait in line along side with former mentors and hard working people. Just be thankful you made it this far to collect and are still able to collect. Came here for a correction and was directed to make an appointment and to look online....except for one thing; I did look online to get here......thanks Ms. Nonhelpful....... read more

QUICK FACTS: DAY OF THE WEEK: Monday TIME: 2:00 pm LOCATION: Nicely located LINE: No Line CHAIRS: Roomy A/C: On and Adequate WAIT TIME: 10-15 minutes Okay so I turned my GPS on hoping to locate this office on this random weird weather day. ..Normally I do errands whenever I can and Monday happened to be an opening on my calendar this week.. Off the 91 freeway a couple more miles, you'll pass some residential houses and there you see on your right hand side...CVS. O__o..You look around and there's Angeles Vocational school of [I didn't get what], a taqueria, a dental office, a nail spa, and some other random stores, or maybe a threading area, as well, if I missed it. Situated among one of these little office spaces is the Social Security office. It looked like a notary place from the outside and had a the feel of a Century 21 office..You know, when people come in and go with a purpose..all quick and easy. Considering Monday is a busy office day, I didn't really hope or expect for so much about getting a good day at the Social Security office. I came in and filled out forms I needed and got my number..My number was G153 and when I came in, G147 was already at the window.. I must have waited 20 minutes or less, but not more than. . I went in WINDOW 3 with SEBASTIAN and I must say, mad props for him for giving me all the patience in the world!.. He was super nice and very helpful!..He must have spent a good hour with me. LAURA is also a very helpful gal..She would pop in&out of our little desk and offer help that she can, photocopying and processing computer stuff, all smiles. =D I'm amazed at the dedication of the staff at the Lakewood Social Security office. I mean still looking good after lunch, all pro, suited-up, and all smiles. Not only were the ones that helped me out, but mad props to the whole team..I've seen how they were with their other clients and they were very professional, very helpful, and very patient. I live in Anaheim and I wouldn't mind going down here for future stuff. read more

I was skeptical about going to the SS Office. I chose Lakewood over Long Beach after reading the reviews here. There were about 20 people ahead of me when I got there at 8.15am. The line got longer as we waited for the office to open at 9am. I didn't have an appointment. Couldn't find a number to make one over the phone, so I took my chances. I was taken in ten past 9, welcomed and given a number by two very courteous ladies. I agree with a previous reviewer that the waiting area gets crowded pretty fast - it's small. The guy who handled my application was courteous and polite, and made me check my information to make sure he hadn't made a mistake! i didn't expect to be be out of there by 10am. Overall a very pleasant experience...and I got my card in four working days! read more

I was expecting a long wait and showed up to stand in line 40 minutes before they opened. I was out the door 15 minutes after they opened. Everyone was working their hardest to be as expedient and effective as possible. Wonderful. FYI: I learned the hard way - after playing phone tree for twenty minutes with the main SSA system before reaching a real person at this office - that they do not take appointments for simple name changes. read more

I don't think this experience is great by any means. I came to get a new social security card for work. As per recommendation by the reviews, I got there at 8am. People were already standing in line, maybe about 10. However, after 8am the line gets real long and real fast, so I also second getting there no later than 8am. Once the place opened it took no more than 20 minutes. Nonetheless, this was for a new social security card, it could be longer for something more complicated. On another note, parking is plentiful. Bring a book, some headphones, a chair, and an umbrella if it is going to be sunny. read more