I wasted 3 months at this place trying to get my SSN. They kept telling me that the immigration status I claimed to have was wrong, and that I'd have to get it fixed at the immigrations office in SF. I went all the way to SF to check, and turns out it had already been corrected and everything should be working. But this SSA office was somehow referring to outdated records, and they apparently had no way to fix this problem, so they just kept telling me to go back to Immigrations and get it fixed (AFTER I'd already done so). Attempts to call the people that I spoke to went unanswered, so I had to keep showing up in person, and waiting in line to even talk to someone about this problem. So after 3 failed applications, I gave up and bused all the way to the office on 560 Kearny St, in SF. The SF office didn't encounter any issues with my immigration status, and I received my SSN within a week. This is why I can't stand government organizations. Nearly everyone working there is too uninformed to handle anything that's slightly out of their regular daily script. They also couldn't give a damn about the people needing their services, even answering a phone call is too much effort. read more

My in-laws needed help with some administrative error. As we arrived, we were greeted by a kind security person who made an effort to make sure that my in-laws has a place to seat. Then, we were accepted almost immediately by Mrs. Ramon. She was knowledgeable, kind and efficient. She took the time to answer our questions and put everything back in order in a very short amount of time. read more

Greetings: I am forwarding a "Letter of Gratification on behalf of Miss Emily Parker" for her EXCELLENT Customer Service. Miss Emily is very patient with questions, very knowledgeable when answering questions, considerate and very kind. I believe Ms. Emily is a huge asset to the Social Security Administration and adds tremendous value. I believe Miss Emily deserves "Five Stars" for her devoted Thank you very much Miss Emily for your assistance and may you have a lovely day! Ms. Bobbi read more

About 10 people were called between 12 and 1. Not sure when all the 40+ ppl waiting will be processed and people continue to come in after 1. A few numbers were called out of sequence and so it is risky to walk away to the restroom. One plus is that everyone gets to punch in their business for the day and ID on a self service kiosk to get a queue number. If only the machine will give an estimate of the wait time like restaurants do, then people can at least step away for some time. I got my paperwork in place and so the processing was painless and took about 5 minutes. read more

Office closed. Called 800 number and wait time is 50 minutes? WTF

I was very pleased when we had to go to social security office @ Mountain View. Service was very efficient; we were in and out much faster than any other location I've been to. We worked with Lindell who processed our needs kindly and quickly - hard to believe it - it was a GOOD experience! Changed my outlook on govt. locations! read more

Got there 30 minutes before opening on a Friday, and there were about 15 people ahead. About a 25 minute wait after the doors opened. Not bad. FYI, there is no wifi, and they don't allow phone calls indoors. read more

I had a miserable experience at the Mountain View office trying to correct my birthdate in the SSA's records. (SSA records said I was born three months earlier than I actually was.) On my first try a week ago a very nice middle aged woman on the staff told me my US passport and Calif. driver's license were considered proof of identity, but not proof of age; I needed to bring in my birth certificate. Yesterday, for my second try, I returned to the Mountain View office with my original birth certificate from San Jose Hospital and a "Certified Copy of Birth Record -- State of California Department of Health Services, Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statics." The sullen older one-armed man who waited on me said that the birth certificate from San Jose Hospital wasn't a birth certificate (at least for the purposes of the SSA) and the "Certified Copy of Birth Record" wasn't a document that he was used to seeing and didn't have a state number that he wanted (even though it did have my state birth certificate number in the upper left corner). He said that I needed to get a copy of my state-issued birth certificate and return for a third try. Instead of doing that I went to the Campbell SSA office, showed the staff there the same documents that I'd shown the Mountain View office, and they made the correction to my birthdate without comment. The lesson for me is that if I can't do it on-line, I'll use the Campbell office for any of my future Social Security needs. On a side note: one of the postings below indicated a recent poor experience with a security officer at the Mountain View office. My limited experiences the security officer who was there when I was were nothing but positive. I spent a long time in the office on the two days that I was trying to correct the records. During that time the young man who was the security officer was great. He cheerfully helped first-timers use the numbering machine and answered other general procedurally questions. Yesterday an apprehensive-looking older customer came in and the security guard spoke with him in Spanish for a long time after which the man seemed far less anxious. If I was scoring my experience based solely on the security guard and the woman staff member who I initially interacted with, I would have given them five stars. read more

Official SSA OFFICE HOURS closed at 3:30pm. (NOT 4pm - many websites have wrong info of closing hours . best is to go to socialsecurity.gov or ssa.gov . It is official website. I was at Fremont office. So many people read the wrong websites and showed up after closing hours. Most of them were upset because they was led to the UNOFFICIAL soc sec website on Yahoo which posted incorrect closing hours. The guard there showed to me their official website correct closing hours at 3:30pm. I was lucky that i barely got there 5 mins before the closing hours, otherwise i would be very dissapoint too because i travelled from Milpitas and the traffic was reallybad. So try to get there before 3:30pm ( i know so many people had to pick up their kids from school and barely made it ). read more

This place wasn't loads of fun but it wasn't that bad. It's pretty much exactly what you could expect for a Social Security office. I went to change my name since I got married and I was in and out in about an hour (even after getting a ticket for the wrong thing first - I accidentally got a ticket for the line for "new social security card" instead of "replacement social security card. Thankfully, "replacement" goes much faster). I only had my marriage certificate and my drivers license but that was enough and once they called my number it was only a 5-10 minute process. read more

Went there for a replacement SS card and was pretty smooth process. Gentleman who took my application was pretty good, I asked him few questions and he was pretty prompt and polite in responding. The only complaint would be that when I tried calling them , someone told me they are open 9 to 3 on all days, but turns out it was wrong. I once wasted half a day of pay, reached there at 1 on wednesday and found them closed. Also, he did not tell me about appointments :( . A minor blemish though. read more

I visited SSA office in Mt. View on 5/18/13 to activate my retirement benefit. I did not wait very long and very happy to see a smiling face. Ms. Emily Parker is very pleasant, courtesy, detailed and professionals. Her attitude on extending her professionalism is very much appreciated. She is an absolutely outstanding and wonderful young lady. Thank you so much, Emily! Sincerely, Hwaiyu read more

If I could post this with no stars and tear drops instead I would. Since 2011 I've been trying to get an error resolved. I've tried several times but it gets so difficult to get the problem across despite it's simplicity that I've been told "it's not my job not our issue". I've tried other means apart from phone calls to clarify and even went to the office in the event I could speak to someone. I never got past the window and when I tried to show the document it was the same reply. I made many calls to other agencies and each time I've been directed back to social security. I usually give up because of stress and dissappointment and shelve the issue. I gave it another attempt on Friday 1/7/16 around 3pm. The call was answered and I gave all my identity info. The conversation took on a surreal experience....as follows. opening with the admin. Admin "Hello, how can I help you" (I've forgotten her name tooooo bad). (spoken flat, bored, irritated and burned out) Me, "Yes, I'm confused about the errors on my paperwork and it's failure to be reflected on my New Benefit Amount form correctly as it always claims it pays me more than is being deposited into my account. And also this year there is a withholding for what seems to be a Part B. I have my drug plan with an HMO". (She went to the info in the computer). Admin, (irritated) It's not part D it's for Part C. Me, "I think that my HMO manages my D and C. I don't understand" Admin, (further annoyed) Well I've told you what it is........(louder) It's Part C. Me, "OK, I know things can get confusing with dates and numbers in a verbal explanation but if you have a pen handy and can take it down it will be easier". Admin, (pissed off) We don't have pens. Me, "You don't have a pen? Why don't you have a pen???????????????????? Admin, "They're considered a safety hazard". I'm astonished! Me, (calmly) "Well, what if i send a couple of documents would that help". Admin, "We don't take paperwork". Me, "You don't take paperwork????????????????? How do you function for the needs of people with issues of Social Security?" Admin, (reiterating)"We don't take paperwork!!". Me, "Well, I still don't understand the statement on the New Benefit Amount it seems ambiguous" I thought it was having a drug plan with Medicare and nothing about Part C. Sorry I assumed it meant only Part D. but my HMO that takes care of both". Admin, (completely pissed off with my lack of understanding) "Well if you still don't understand contact.............State Health Services Advocacy in Sacramento maybe they can explain it to you". (the only thing missing here was stupid) Then came the hang up........................... Astounded, I just looked at the mouthpiece of the phone wondering what just happened. I thought for a moment looking at the advocacy service address but thought that my issue was too small for them to contemplate so I waited a few minutes and called back in hopes of speaking with someone else. Another admin took the call and tried very hard to figure out the error but in the end said she would send a referral to "final resolution" and they would call me back in 2 days. I got the call but it was from the "Committee on Aging" who told me that I should call SOCIAL SECURITY!!!!! Now, maybe you're thinking that I made this all up since it sounds so out to lunch but it's absolutely true and I've too many other fish to fry than invent this. PS. The following week I called to ask to speak to a supervisor. The admin wanted to know what it was about and though reluctant (given that it's a ludicrous story) I told him. I asked again for a supervisor and was put on hold.................PERMANENTLY...........until the phone went dead. Not sure where to go now...............still that's how it's been since 2011. Truth is stranger than fiction. I would recommend never calling the middle of a Friday afternoon because if the same person picks up she might just call you stupid. read more

I had a great experience today. Although the street sign is easy to miss, I found ample parking, simple log in to obtain wait number and plenty of seating (plus clean bathrooms). I was dreading going to a US Government (such as the DMV) office but the friendly and knowledgeable staff made this a helpful experience. Without an appointment, I waited only 20 mins to speak to a SS representative. She took her time, ensure my information was correct and worked with me to help me understand the benefits. Have to give the place and the staff 5 out of 5 stars and I would highly recommend going to this location if you need help on SS matters. read more

The reviewer who noted that calls were not returned was spot-on. I called and was told that an email would be sent to the person handling my case,and he would call me back. Requested that agent's extension, left a detailed message with my phone number, but NO RESPONSE. On the other hand, then followed the advice of another reviewer and called the national office. They called back within the hour, I actually spoke with a human, and my issue was settled within 5 minutes. Mountain View office not doing their job. Shouldn't be drawing a salary, particularly one I am paying for. read more

Long wait, too many people, service is very slow. I guess because it is run by the government.

This is about as good as it gets for a government agency. The wait for me to get a social security card replacement was about an hour. I understand this is typical. I arrived at 10:20am. I was done by 11:30. Some people report arriving at 8:30am and being out by 9:30am for a replacement social security card with no changes, but I also know (from people I've spoken to in the last week) that sometimes it isn't a quick in-and-out. Sometimes even arriving at 8:30am there is still a line 20 people deep waiting for the office to open and you wait an hour anyway. Someone I recently spoke to arrived at 8:30am and it took 2 hours. Another person I spoke to on the same day arrived at 8am (an hour before they open) and was first in line and was able to get in and out of there asap. So, it just depends on your luck on the day. Most days are busy, so hope for the best and expect to wait 1-2hours. If you have more complicated queries, expect to wait longer. Bring a book for sure and be respectful since everyone in this office is constantly under stress and pressure and they hear the same problems on a daily basis and quickly get tired of impatient individuals. read more

We went there on Wednesday and arrived at 8:30am(office starts at 9am). There were 4 people in front me. By 8:45am, there were 10 more behind me. So i would recommend to go early. I got to know that you can take appointment as well(no idea how can that be done since i didn't see anything like on ssn website. May be you need to call them. Appointment holders were given 1st preference(there were only 2 such people)). We went in at 9am and were out by 9:30am. Awesome experience at a govt office :) Staff is friendly and process was smooth. Enter the office, on left side there is a kiosk to grab your Token. When this Token is displayed on screen, go to the counter displayed on screen or else they will call you/announce your token #(no worries, they are friendly). Make sure you fill the Application form before you show up at window. Application form is placed somewhat hidden(next to TV, make a right or ask the guard). read more

The phone number listed on this website has been disconnected. Conveniently located, good parking. Don't pay attention to the numbers "Now Serving" on the screen in the waiting room. They don't correspond. You can ask the security guard what number has been called in your category, if you step outside (no cell phones allowed inside). The wait was not very long for me. read more

5 stars for service and 1 star for rude security officer. it averages out to be 3. I am here waiting for my turn when I heard the officer suddenly shouting at this senior citizen, 'CALM DOWN'. For a split second I thought the office is under attack or something until I turned around and saw that this officer is shouting at an old person who is sitting on the chair, totally harmless. It brought all the images of using excessive force by police. This completely helpless old guy was inaudible in front of this security officer. After that this officer was patrolling in the room with a smirk on his face. What an accomplishment to shout on unarmed, senior citizen completely unprovoked. I went there without an appointment, very easy location and plenty parking. I had to wait for 1 hour and i was serviced quickly. read more

The Asian lady who assist me & my old mother was very rude. She never said "Hello" or "Hi" to us and she looks very upset with bad mood from beginning. She asked me some questions very fast. I could not answer because I was surprised her attitude and it was too quick. Then she said "Do you understand English? Which languages do you speak?" I told her "I understand in English. Could you please be gentle? You are yelling me and you sound very hush!" Also I said "Your attitude is very bad."She never apologize, never change attitude. I really had a bad experience there. My old mother was very sad to be treated like that. read more

The Mt. View Office of Social Security does not call you back. If you call and eventually get to talk to a person, they ask your issue and then transfer you to the phone of someone to help. A person never answers but there's a message that asks for your name, SS#, and phone number, and which says they will call back by the next business day. I've tried on five different days and have never received a call back. I finally checked Yelp responses and took the advice to call the national phone number (1-800-772-1213) where you also get a message they will call you back, AND THEY DO! read more

Went to this office because I was in the area. Was told my application had error and that this office would request a copy and fix the error. After 1 month, I went to my local office and was told that nothing had been done to fix the error and I had to give permission to transfer my application to the local office. My office in San Rafael fixed the errors. If I had not spent another afternoon in a SSA office I would still be waiting for my application to be put through. More than 2 months have passed. The Moutain View office is terrible read more

This is the busiest office in the Bay Area, according to one of the staff. They don't take appointments, except for filing disability claims. Don't forget that on Wed they close at noon, 3 o'clock other days. If you call, you'll get a phone menu, read more

I went to replace my card due to marriage. I got there around 1130am and the waiting room was packed. I thought I would have at least a 30 min wait. I actually waited 10 min, got called in and submitted my paperwork. I was finish in a total of 15 minutes. I think your wait depends on what you need done. It was a nice and fast experience read more

Very helpful and professional! I called and spoke with Marcia (not sure on spelling, but pronounced mar-see-uh) who was amazing! First of all she answered the phone on the second ring and began helping me right away. She didn't have an answer for me but said she would get back to me by the following day at the latest. I didn't have to wait that long. She called 30 minutes later with the answers. AMAZING SERVICE!! read more

As a student, there is no way I can come to the times between 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. They are closed on weekends and close early on Wednesdays, which leaves me with even less times to do my needed paperwork. The first time, I arrive with a slip of paper that says that they will service me on that day, only to be turned down because my paper is "no longer valid." The second time, I arrive at 3:05 PM and am turned down once again because I was four minutes too late. I have told them about my circumstances, citing the fact that I am a student, live too far away from the Administration building, and have limited time constraints to get my paperwork done. The service has been repeatedly condescending and after my third attempt, I am finally glad to be rid of this place. read more

Have been there many times. It really is hit and miss. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, with the doesn't leading. Most of the people I have dealt with ask questions using jargon without explaining what they are telling you and expecting you to keep up. It takes persistent questioning to get all the answers. I always call ahead now and ask for an appointment because if you don't, you might as well kiss half your day off. read more

Pretty inhumane seating arrangement. You're basically sitting on top of everybody else. It gave me severe anxiety and I had to leave several times. However, I was actually handled, or at least I think I was, which was impressive. read more

I went to the Mountain View Social Security (SS) office to become a Representative (Rep) Payee. On the phone the SS people told me I had to go in person, so i did, and I had all my documentation, as specified on the SS web site and phone information. After waiting on line and working through a half hour of questions, I was told I could not proceed without already having a Representative Payee bank account already established. They told me to go to my bank and set up the account. Then I could come back to this SS office and start over. I questioned this, and the person who was helping me checked on it, and insisted that I go to my bank, and then return and start over. I asked again, and the person checked with her supervisor and gave me the same answer. I went to the bank, and they said I needed to have BE A Rep Payee to open such an account! So I need to go back to the SS office and again work with them to become a Rep Payee. But this is just repeating what did not work before! I think the bank was right and the SS office should have been able to make me a Rep Payee since the bank agrees with the on line information and the phone information. Working with this Social Security office puts me in an endless loop. read more