There is NO SSA office here. It's closed and had apparently been closed for 7 years, according to the sketchy security guard. The building looks abandoned. read more

Super fast and easy name change to my hubby name within minutes. I completed my paperwork online and showed up in person but I read online I could've simply mailed in my forms. The peace of mind of knowing my application was completed was worth showing up in person though. The staff are a little less warm and fuzzy. My clerk greeted me with "I.D." I greeted her with a warm hello but it just fell flat as the clerk continued to process me in without looking up. But to her credit she looked up gave me a very big warm smile once my name change was completed. She seemed genuinely happy for me. The security guards were intimidating but more welcoming of you weren't arguing with them about how your sharp metal tools aren't anymore dangerous than a toothbrush. That actually happened. lol! But overall my experience was easy and convenient...and free. I walked so if you need to bring your car you'll pay a premium parking fee. read more

Social Security - Security check - Public Services & Government Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you have the first appointment of the day, this is what you should expect (well, sort of): PARKING: Paragon Parking (near the corner of Hope and 6th St) offers all-day parking for $12 (early-bird special) if you show up to the lot before 9AM. It's self-parking and a short 2 minute walk to the SSA office. I also saw another underground structure right across the street offering the same early bird special. Expect to pay at least $20 for parking in this area if you show up later in the day. CHECK-IN AND APPOINTMENT: My parents and I had a 9AM appointment scheduled with our case worker and showed up at the lobby by 8:20AM. There was already a small line, of around 15 people, forming alongside the wall. The security guards didn't let us into the elevators until 8:30AM. When we were up on the 6th floor, we waited around 15 minutes in the hallway for our turn at the security checkpoint. Be prepared to take out your cellphone, cables/chargers, belt, and keys (note: I left my pepper spray at home after reading the other Yelp reviews). As long as you follow the security guard's instructions, you'll be OK. We found it funny when one of the Hispanic security guards greeted both my parents with a "hello" in Chinese. After you have passed security inspection, proceed to the kiosk and check-in. You'll need your SSN# for this. If you have an appointment, your receipt slip should show 3 digits. Head towards the "Yellow Seating Area" in the far back and wait to be called by your case worker. If you don't have an appointment, check-in and wait in the "Blue Seating Area". We had a pleasant experience with our case worker. She was straight to the point and helped us to the best that she could with my dad's disability application. Overall, we were in and out of the office in 1.5 hours. SIDE NOTE: My boyfriend came here with his grandpa several months ago and didn't have a great experience with one of the clerks at the window. The service they received was cut and dry. I highly recommend calling the office ahead of time and speaking with a representative about your case, so that you know what to anticipate during the day that you drop in. I was paranoid and called the office three times in the two weeks leading up to my in-office visit. This field office's telephone is (877) 803-6308; press "0" for agent. read more

First off no pictures inside the office because they have posters up all over that taking photos is a no no. To get a My Social Security account on the agency website your identity must be verified. This is done through the credit bureaus. Working in a call center than ran credit checks for potential customers I learned about the complexity of credit bureau practices. You can have credit cards but to establish a credit history things like a mortgage or auto financing is what matters. The alternative is to go into a Social Security office with ID, prove who you are and get an "activation code" to enter on the website to create an online account. BTW by doing that you agree they will no longer automatically send a statement of earnings every few years; but you can still request one -- this process is explained on the website: https://www.ssa.gov/hlp/global/hlp-statement-7004.htm. And, yes, I had to visit this office mostly to get an activation code plus find out about a form a letter had informed me had to be submitted to have my social security disability application accepted for consideration. For my initial visit I called to get an appointment. Besides handling that the agent also explained what documentation I needed to bring with me after I told her what the letter said and she reviewed my disability application status. Once off the elevator follow the signs to the corridor where the office is. There is a sign indicating where the line to wait starts. A guard indicates when the one at the front of the line can enter. Usually the line moves fairly smoothly. There is a metal detector like at airports to walk through after removing belts, wallets, keys and belongings which go through an X-ray machine. Next you go to a kiosk, enter your social security number and indicate whether you have an appointment or not. It prints out instructions on what your # is. It can actually be a number or alphanumeric (e.g 895 or B29). There are many seats to sit in, unfortunately of the uncomfortable plastic variety. You might want to bring along something to read because you might be waiting a while. And unlike for Jury Duty that don't provide a TV etc. to help pass the time. Like a giant parking lot they color code the seating areas. Numbers are called out over the loudspeaker and displayed on large screens mounted on the walls plus personnel call them out. Also sometimes they instead call names out. You are either directed to go to one of the 10 windows or follow an employee through a door. On my 2nd visit I came without an appointment Friday afternoon and the place was nearly deserted. The people who take calls can tell you if it is busy at the moment or not. After about half an hour I was called to the window of the gentleman handling the initial stages of my application. Thankfully a seat was provided to sit opposite him. I explained why I was there. He took my ID and the documentation I brought to make copies of them. He took great care inputting information on the computer and even sought advice from a manager about what he was seeing on the screen. He turned the screen and asked that I verify my earnings records were accurate. After finishing all the processing he outlined what I should anticipate in re my disability application being reviewed (time frame, possibility of being sent to a physician to be evaluated, etc.). I had mentioned the activation code earlier but needed to bring it up again at the end of the interview for him to print out a letter providing it. He informed me I was ineligible for SSI due to my current level of state disability insurance being received but as that might expire before the possible approval of federal disability he gave me a pre-paid envelope with their address and hand wrote on it for his attention. This was to send a copy of the notice of my state disability insurance coming to an end if that occurred while my federal disability claim was still under consideration so he could update my records which automatically would trigger consideration for SSI. He really was working to make sure I didn't fall between the cracks. On my second visit because it was nearly deserted I only waited ten minutes. Because of life circumstances I had allowed the activation code I pickup up originally expire and had to get a new one. The agent handled this promptly and gave me a letter with the code (which also noted a duplicate of the letter would be sent to my address on file) Afterward I had to use the restroom. You get the key from one of the security guards and they are in a side corridor near the elevators. Not the cleanest and the air hand dryer was not working (and still wasn't two months later; have to complain about that). But it was acceptable. read more

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I recommend making an appointment. Came here with my wife on a Monday afternoon to get an updated card for her name change. We waited about 5-10 minutes to go through security screening then another 40 minutes or so in the waiting area. Those with appointments probably only waited 5-10 minutes in the waiting area. I didn't go into the room with my wife to process the name change but that portion took about 10 minutes. We didn't have any issues, but there wasn't anything great about the experience. Employees there were okay, not mean but not necessarily nice. I guess they were nice for federal employees. It was pretty difficult to understand some of the employees when they called out the numbers. We were in and out in about an hour and paid for just over an hour of parking at the garage directly below the building. Parking came out to $21 (ouch at $3.50 every 12 minutes). The high parking price is why I would definitely recommend an appointment unless you find a nearby flat rate lot. It was raining the day we went, so the connected garage was convenient. read more

I literally cannot complain about my visit to Social Security this afternoon! My purpose for visiting was to get a new SS card after getting married. I went to the downtown office since it was close to work and my hope was to get my visit done during my lunch hour. I arrived at the office at about 12:40 pm. I was the first person in line for security and I got through the line immediately. I waited about 10-15 minutes before being called up to the window. I had my application already filled out and completed and also had my passport for identification and the marriage license ready. I had my receipt and was able to leave the office by 12:55pm! I was told I should receive the new card within two weeks. Everyone in the office that I interacted with was kind and courteous. read more

Hard to deal with these people on behalf of my youngest son who is disabled. If you complain you should expect setbacks and hostility Some people who work there really try to help but there are those who really don't care about people. It's a very depressing place to have to visit. read more

as with all government agencies and services, there's always a long wait. this one is no exception. i've been here on two separate occasions, escorting coworkers from india to get them legit and legal here in the land of freedom. the security guards are friendly and so are the agents. there's a self-service ticket counter that generates a number so that the right agent can be assigned to you. that's pretty neat. if you're a fob and can only read chinese, korean or spanish, the placards everywhere are helpful to you too too. it helps to do everything online. applications are in english, spanish, or chinese. the only bad things are the weirdos who lurk around in the waiting area and the long ass wait. bring a book cuz they won't let you use your cell phone inside. read more

Social Security - Public Services & Government Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I feel I managed my expectations appropriately for my experience at this (my first at any) social security office. I finally got my marriage certificate in the mail this past Friday (7 weeks after the wedding) so wanted to process my social security card application ASAP to get my name change on. I went in without an appointment (because I didn't know exactly when I'd have my marriage certificate in hand). I arrived around 11:40AM and was done in an hour. Not amazing, but when you consider a lot of people have much more complicated matters than mine was, and government offices' reputations, I was satisfied. When got off of the elevator on the 6th floor, I turned the corner and the line extended all the way back to the end of the hall way. A lot of the hold up was just the volume of people and only one security screening guy. But I waited only maybe an additional ten minutes once through security and checking myself in on the touch screen, so the people flow actually seemed decently suited to window clerks' speed. Once I sat, operations supervisor Mrs. Santos went around asking the folks who were seated for what they were there and directed them accordingly. She helped a mother with a newly arrived in the country child the mother wanted to enroll in school not to waste any more time waiting there because they unfortunately had to wait a couple of weeks after his arrival. She processed my application personally, and gave me her info because their system would not allow them to print a receipt for me. Later this afternoon, she called me to let me know that she was able to print my receipt and that she'd drop it in the mail for me today. I was really impressed by the level of her service and respect for my time. Mrs. Santos is single-handedly debunking the slow/lazy/ineffective government employee stereotype. She rocks! But being a social security office in DTLA, of course there were some characters in line...and I overheard a scary story about someone who tried to hide razor blades taped together in a belt to try (unsuccessfully) to kill his social worker...so there's that. read more

Fast and professional service..walked in was greeted and seated and waited for my name to be called, in a manor of minutes I was called and served.... Best social security building I been to located downtown Los Angeles.. read more

Mrs. Santos is the best. She seriously made this social security process so fun, so quick and so easy which was completely opposite of what I had thought going in the office. Was shocked by her customer service, being a government building downtown, you'd expect it to be crazy and long lines... But it was the best scenario possible and I really enjoy'd my time. Mrs. Santos is one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met. read more

Unfortunately, the two previously posted reviews here do not give an accurate depiction of the place. This branch is in my neighborhood, so I go to it by default and have dealt with them for years. However, I have been to many offices all throughout the Los Angeles region, and this one is most definitely the worst. The service here is abominable, bordering on abusive. I have seen the security guards yelling profusely at the elderly and disabled, including more than one elderly person, who, through no fault of their own, just simply did not speak or understand the English instructions too well. My female friend, who has a pacemaker that she is life-dependent on, cannot go through a metal detector, otherwise there is a risk it will scramble the electronics of her implanted device. If that pacer stops, she's at risk of dying. The security guards make her go through it anyway. She's told them several times she's more than willing to be pat down by hand, but they tell her the law states a female person can only be pat down by a female security guard, and they don't have one. Considering what's at stake, I think alternative provisions need to be made. What's more, she doesn't experience any difficulty when going to another branch. In other words, the guards just check her bags, ask her to empty her pockets or use a wand on the lower half of her body, avoiding her chest. Simple solution. The representatives are no better. They are callous and demeaning. They talk over your questions, barely letting you finish and talk down to you with barely veiled resentment. They are NOT interested in helping you, particularly if you have anything complicated to resolve. And there is no evidence of ANY sensitivity training whatsoever. People working with the elderly and disabled all day should be mandated by law to undergo sensitivity training which prepares them to accept and patiently account for people's various aptitudes. Some people are clearly "not all there," some do not speak English fluently, others are simply slower owing to age. They do not deserve to be berated or impatiently dismissed. The staff should be prevented from ever seeking employment in a service-oriented profession again. Once they, themselves, are in the untenable position of having to depend solely on the government for their well-being and livelihood (a government employee is not the same as being on the fixed income of Social Security or SSI/SSDI), let's see how well they fare being treated like cow dung. read more

super quick and helpful. went to get a replacement snd it was the quickest thing ever. probably because they're doing appointment only.

Building literally looks abandoned, but the entrance is a side entrance . Receptionist people don't really care but they do help to direct you where you need to go. Security there was supper nice, had to go through a metal detector . People who were there were alittle sketch but I mean it's DTLA everyone is diverse . Workers seem to have had a long day ( I went 1 hour before closing ) . Workers were nice just want to get straight to the point and get over with their day I mean same !! Wasn't packed at all . Place wasn't the cleanest but I mean I got what I needed to do done and it was a whatever experience ! Just don't expect to be treated like royalty and expect some attitude from so workers ( don't take it personal or else they won't help you all you be waiting forever !!) read more

I've been dreading coming to change my name after getting married because of all the horror stories I hear about the Social Security office. My husband was starting to think I was changing my mind :) It's been a year and a half and finally here I am! Anyway, I'm here now and having a totally fine experience, even pleasant! The security guards are super friendly and playful, maybe because it's Xmas week and things aren't super hectic in here. It's noon on a Monday and there are about 25 people in the waiting room. The office was easy to find (the building on the corner of Grand and 6th) on the 6th floor (lots of signs once you get to the floor). Once you get to the suite, wait for the security guard to call you in and then pretend like you're at the airport, put all your metal crap in the bin then go thru the metal detector. Next go to the little kiosk to check in and get your ticket number (I saw there was an option to choose if you made an appointment online which I didn't know you could do!). Next. Wait and watch the monitors for your number to be called. Make sure you come when you have plenty of time to wait. Bring a book or something. Great place for people watching! read more

They are slow. Not helpful. Always defensive. Best to ask for supervisor. They are usually more educated and know how to diffuse situations. Every place they have different rules but supposed to be the same. read more

Well, normally when I read stories about how a cop shot someone who wasn't resisting or attacking them, I'm firmly on the side of law-and-order; but after what happened today I can now say I fully understand how a badly-behaved peace officer can escalate an innocent situation until someone needlessly gets hurt or killed. I had taken my disabled mother to this SS office to submit some paperwork about her health care; I was watching the monitor for our ticket number to come up, but for some reason it skipped our number and went to the next one. Our number did come up later, but by then I was worried that our advisor was going to be annoyed with us for the delay, or that they would think we had left already. Anyway, the monitor indicated we were to go to "Door 3", but there was no indication of a Door 3 in sight, so I asked one of the guards where it was, and he directed me around a corner; when I went there though, it was Window 3, not Door 3. I knew that was not right, because the previous tickets called on the monitor clearly indicated Window numbers. Also, Window 3 was closed. I went back to the guard to tell him this, but he bluntly told me to go back to Window 3 and wait, that he had already given me the answer to my query and if I "didn't like the answer", that was my problem, not his. I was annoyed, but having no choice I went back to do as he said, but then another guard called to me and indicated that I should go to this unmarked door at the opposite corner; so I re-crossed the room, pushing my mother's wheelchair, and on the way gave the first guard, the one that ordered me twice to go to the wrong place, an annoyed look. Also, I did grumble, to no one in particular, that doors should be clearly marked (like the windows). Yes, I did say that aloud, and I'm sure he heard it. And I noted that the monitor now displayed "Door 33". Apparently "Door 3" had been a typo. Well, I was not familiar with how things work at that office, and once I got to the door, naturally I knocked, anxious to get to business without further delay. However, apparently that's not allowed, and the guard rushed over and ordered me to stop, that I was being disruptive, and if I did not stop making a scene he would eject me by force. Actually, he said he'd kick me out and "how would I like that?" So I shut my trap and sat quietly, but he continued to loudly berate me and accused me of "running around, screaming like a crazy man and banging on doors". Realizing that this man was suffering from a case of Petty Power Syndrome, I sighed, closed my eyes and raised my open left hand in a gesture of surrender, but then he barked at me to "get your hand out of my face!" -- all this with my elderly frail mother next to me in her wheelchair, scared out of her wits. Naturally, all this aggressiveness attracted the attention of the other guards, who began to move toward me in alarm. Now, imagine this same scenario happening at a roadside police check point -- I'm certain that by this point the other cops would have had their hands on their weapons, if not already drawn and pointed them at me. I'm going to register a formal complaint against this guard, that's for sure. read more

This office is very clean & well organized. Everyone including security staff is professional & courteous. I went to this office for the first time for my SS retirement benefit. Ms. Rivera was very knowledgeable, personable, & helpful. I had appointment at 11 but took me earlier, & I was out of the office before 11!! I could not ask for better service than they have provided me with. Thank you so much for your help. read more

I was really nervouse going in. I've always heard horror stories about the social security office. I had an appointment at 12pm, got there about 11:30, there was a long line to go through security, but it moved along fast. The security guards were nice and curtiouse. The staff I dealt with were friendly and helpful. The office is clean, and despite my fears going in, I must say I had a good experience. I was done and out by 12:20pm read more

Better than horrible I guess. Make sure u press apply for ss card even for renewal or you'll get the wrong wait card and has to start over.

Very great experience. Street parking was the only horrid thing but that is expected when you are downtown. The guards were all professional, kind and quick. There were about 2-3 disturbances but the guards or officers were quick to tell them to leave or fix the problem making us all feel safe, especially me since I had my 6 week old with me. There is always someone walking around to help assist you. Nicely ran. Thanks guys. read more