The lady at the Alameda County branch canceled my sons survivor benefits despite him still being a student. She and her supervisor were biased against him because he homeschooled and did not do the state testing, which by law is not required. Representative Barbara Lee and HSDLA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) advocated for him. It took nearly a year for SS to respond and pay what is my sons benefits by law. This ignorant biased decision by these two SS reps in te Oakland office created unexpected for stress for the last year. Because we didn't plan for this huge loss in our income, we struggled and stressed. Lots of tears: Thank you to Barbara Lee and her intern Lily and HSDLA! read more

Horrible, rude security guards at the lower level of this office! They are too comfortable being rude and yelling at people coming in. To make this location more inviting, the security guards working at the entrance need to be replaced. read more

The Social Security office staff was fabulous and efficient! The armed guards on the 4th floor were amazing and helpful. Why am I leaving 2 stars? Because the 360 22nd Ave building Security Guard that is stationed at the entrance of the building on the ground floor is completely rude and unprofessional! He had a terrible attitude and called me a "Karen" for simply asking him if I was at the right place. Something is terribly wrong with this person and he should not be working with the public. He came unhinged. I could not believe my ears. Everyone has a bad day, I am sure, but this was over the top unprofessional. This guard should 100% be fired. And this "Karen" is letting everyone know. Be forewarned to be treated like garbage and called names if you simply ask a question. Maybe the SS office can post their name on the elevator sign for Floor 4 so we do not have to deal with this guy? This is a building management issue. He has been reported. read more

I submitted an appeal, which went to someone named Ms. Lin. I tried to follow up on my appeal by phone (I never received any written response); I left numerous messages at her extension, but never received a call back. When I talked to other people in the office, they were helpful, and things were fine when I actually had to go into the office once, so this complaint is specifically about Ms. Lin. But it seems that there is no way to get my appeal to be taken away from Ms. Lin and given to someone who will actually help me. I asked to have my case reassigned to a responsive agent; we'll see what happens. BTW, someone mentioned to awkward location of this office. Yes, it is very hard to find and there is no convenient parking. They should move it. read more

Not sure why the reviews are so poor for this place. I got to the office around 8:45am on a Wednesday and a line was already forming at security. After you go through security, you go to a kiosk to input your personal info, reason for visit and get a number. At 9am, the windows start opening and the Social Security workers start calling out numbers. I waited for about half an hour, which really wasn't bad. I had come for a name change and had my form, ID and marriage certificate ready. The man who was helping me was friendly, quick and efficient. After about 5 minutes I was all set and out the door. It's definitely not as bad as DMV as some people claim, but come with a book, reading material or fully charged phone. read more

Whoa. That was easy. I sthought there would be fingerprints, potential frisking and at least 5 pieces of paperwork. BUT it was actually pretty Painless. I walked into their office, entered my SSN at one of the free-standing kiosks, and sat down to wait for what I thought would be a stressful experience. (I was prepared to beg.) I lost my social security card in my early twenties, and I have operated without it for the last decade because I'm a terrible adult. I expect that this office has the potential to be very stressful for anyone who ISN'T just applying for a replacement card - at least it seemed that way. But my visit was over and done with in less than an hour, and my card showed up about 4 days after my appointment. This was my most casual encounter with the federal government. Possibly ever. A+ for everyone. read more

This Social Security Office is not well managed. Their over the phone wait times are very long. The location is not exact online. Quite frankly a very unusual location for a SS Office. Overall a very stressful process to receive the support anyone may need from these establishments. California is very disappointing. No wonder most citizens are homeless. Thanks a lot USA read more

Stopped by to inquire about survivor benefits on 12 20 19 arrived at Noon, I was out by 1pm they even had a medical emergency (gentlemen short of breath) Guards were kind and soft spoken Note: They have airport type security so no knives, pepper spray etc! My number was E43...the employee at window 12 was professional, informative and compassionate. She provided an initial password so going forward I can handle everything online. Efficient friendly fast!!!! SSA you're doing it right Thanks read more

This office was once located at 1111 Jackson Street, Oakland, CA. I'm not sure when they moved to this location, but it must've been a few months ago as my husband received a letter from them, notifying him of the change. Their hours are from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. However, one is allowed to enter the building at 8:30 A.M. and wait outside of the office until 8:45 A.M. Security officers will open the doors for security check. Thereafter, one goes to one of the two kiosks to enter one's SSN to retrieve one's ticket (similar to DMV's concept), have a seat and wait for ticket number being called. Once that's done, then it's another wait for one's name to be called. My husband needed to sign up for Medicare Part B, effective immediately, before visiting CALPERS to finish up his coverage for health care. Also I need to change my health care coverage from the group one with employer to CALPERS coverage for retired employees. Even though the process took slightly over an hour, the two employees assisting us worked as quickly as possible to get the paperwork done and sent us along our merry way. Tis not an easy job to work at this office and I laud them for doing the best they can. From a former state government employee to a federal government employee, keep up the good work and I certainly appreciate your service as a civil/public servant. read more

They could not be more rude. Refused requested info then hung up on me then wouldn't answer the phone.

The people who answer phones lack empathy. There are challenges everyone is facing due to the shelter in place and this team could use a bit more empathy. read more

I waited patiently to be called, I know it's hard to work in these types of environments. However I did not expect to find the level of TRANSPHOBIA I received from Oakland, California. The man who serviced me was already in a bad mood for having someone interrupt us. Then he asks why I'm here. I'm explained that I needed to do a name change. I gave him documents, he snatches them from me and says "What's this?" I say they're court documents. He says no they're not they need the stamp. I said these are certified digital court orders from Texas. He tells me no they're not and asks for stamped copies. I say they don't do that in Texas. He then proceeds to tell me to go to a California court and get them there. I explained that I can't because I was not born in California. He then says, Well I don't know what to tell you. I need stamped copies. NO WHERE on the website and this is a FEDERAL entity, why would my documents need to comply with State standards? I was told I could speak to a supervisor, but the wait was hours. I cannot get my license, do my taxes, travel because of this Transphobic Federal employee. I saw him being gentle to an Asian woman who needed help with translation, but I show up and answer politely to him only for him to yell and public humiliate me.... and the only thing I can deduct is my androgynous demeanor... hmm sounds Transphobic to me! read more

I've been to this office many times over the years. I almost hate it as much as the DMV for it's inefficiency and jaded workers. We have been waiting in line for ~45 min outside before the security at the entrance of the office. Hot, stuffy, and filled with ailing elders. This is how the social security administration operates? Even if this was an unusual procedure, there wasn't any air, there wasn't any updates. Just a bunch of miserable old and sick people without any clue as to why they were in a line of 2 dozen other people in the hallway instead of the air conditioned, seated waiting area. Just really ironic that the sick have to wait in these conditions in order to get help with their disability (my mom is blind). Going on an hour of waiting now. read more

The administrators need to check customers' ticket! My number was never called and someone happened to walk in and claimed my number. I don't think this is professional enough as the whole department representing the Federal system as a whole. Please work on the management. Thank you. read more

Total time spent changing name: 1 hour and change. Got up hella early, got to the building about 8:20 to a line of about 15 people. Doors open at 8:30 and they let you up to clear security and check in. Through security, checked in, and waiting by 8:45. Number called by 9:20. Handed her my application, marriage certificate, and passport, and was out of there ~7 minutes later! Boom! Everyone was really nice and helpful from security to the agents. COME EARLY. There was several other people I had talked to that tried to come previous days mid day and waited for 4+ hours, so first thing in the AM definitely is worth it. read more

This five-star review goes to Ms. Lewis who took the time to help me today with such a gracious and compassionate heart. My husband died three weeks ago after six months in the hospital. Not only have I been overwhelmed with grief, but also having to learn about all the legalities that along with death. Yes, there is a long line at the office. Yes, there is a wait. But people like Ms. Lewis make everything better. read more

Very smooth experience. Went to do a name change after I got married. Got there around 9:15am on a Monday and waited about 10 minutes to be called to a window. Finished in about the same amount of time. This is what the experience is like: 1. Getting there - take public transit if you can, there is only metered parking on the streets. Or, if parking at a meter stresses you out because you don't know how long you'll be, park in a nearby lot. They lots are about $6 an hour with an $18 maximum. 2. Enter into the lobby at 360 22nd Street. Take elevator to 4th floor. 3. The entire 4th floor is the SS office. Go through security (metal detector & bag search). Go to your left and get a number from a brown colored kiosk box. Use the touch screen to answer a few questions. A ticket will print out with your number on it. Example "A160" or "E189" 4. Sit in waiting area. Your number will be called over a speaker and it will also appear on a television screen at the front of a room. Go to the window you are called to when it is your turn. Tips for a good experience: 1. Prepare as much as you can before you go. Fill out forms ahead of time. Find out what you need to bring by looking your desired service on their website here: https://faq.ssa.gov/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=34019&_referrer=https://www.google.com/ 2. Bring a book or a fully charged phone/ipad/laptop or be prepared to people watch. This is not a good time for a nap. If your name is called and you do not go, you will lose your place. 3. Do not wear a lot of metal or bring your rifles and machine guns as this will delay your progress through the security section. 4. If English is not your first language, bring someone to help translate if you can. 5. Street parking is limited and metered. If you don't mind a walk, you can take public transit because Broadway/22nd Street is only a few blocks from the SS office. Or you can park for free near Lake Merritt, this can be a longer walk. 6. The street the SS office is located on is hard to find when you're driving around in a car. Just get a close as you can, park, then walk. 7. Visit on a day that you do not have strict timing restrictions. And go early in the morning. The office opens at 9:00am. Be aware that the hours are different on Wednesday. 8. If the website does not provide you with answers, you can also call them toll free: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) 1-800-325-0778 (for deaf or hard of hearing) Good luck! read more

I will never forget going here. Efficient, friendly and fast! I parked in a long term parking lot assuming the worst. At 9:00 am I was clearing a short security line and at 9:27 I was walking to my car. DONE! Whomever the manager/supervisor is should be put in charge of the Department of Motor Vehicles for California. Can you imagine how great that would be? Thanks to the nice lady at window 8! read more

When I arrived here during typical opening house they alert closed. This is the frugal American government. Hours Mon, Tus, Thrust, Fri 9 Am - 4 Pm Wed 9-12 Wow really! These hours are in effect in all Social Security branches from Vermont to Nevada and everywhere in between. At least the person at the door said it was closed read more

Social Security - The lame hours. You better read this. :( - Public Services & Government Near Me - Oakland, California

We arrived before they opened their doors. The staff was pleasant,organized, and helpful. I was in and out very quickly. Best to get there bright and early. They open at 8:30am read more

I don't think I've ever sworn in a Yelp review before, but here we go. As a govt bureaucracy, my expectations were low. I'd gone the week before and had been there 20 mins, but it was "too soon" after my naturalization. After 20 mins or so, the guy took my number, and I was told to wait. And wait. 1 hour. 2. 2 1/2. 3 1/2 hours! The security guard finally had me go up to a counter anyway. All for a 5 minute change of status. I finally left after 4 hours, hopefully having achieved my change. What kind of fucked up incompetency is this? I missed lunch, and by the time I got out at 3.30pm, most of my usual places were closed, so I had to settle for a shitty bland sandwich from subway. My experience at the DMV was far, far better. At least I wasn't told to pull up my pants like one guy. read more

I recently got married, and was going through the process of changing my name. This is step 1 before you can get your new driver's license, passport, etc. A few weeks ago I attempted the San Francisco location- and it was a total nightmare after 30 minutes and I didn't even get a number. So I walked out in frustration because that location is so badly managed. Fast forward to trying again a few weeks later on my day off. I had zero expectations and came prepared with snacks, water and my kindle. I came on a Thursday afternoon at 1pm and was totally impressed! After going through security, my entire experience took a total of 20 minutes. And the lady that helped me was nice! One thing to note is you won't get your card on the spot - it takes 5-10 days. I would still come with some water, snacks, and a fully charged phone if I had to go through this again, as a just in case. But otherwise this was a great experience. read more

Seems impossible to give this office 5 stars but I was in and out in 20 min on a Wednesday morning. The woman behind the counter was kind and helpful and the fabulous clerk at the next counter wore a T-shirt that said 'ain't no wifey'. Great experience which I never ever thought was possible to say about such a place! read more

In and out in 20 minutes, and the clerk who handled my question was courteous and efficient. A much more pleasant experience that I had feared. read more

I have had many visits for many years. Some staff are good, some make mistakes. WHAT is obvious is there are not enough staff. If you have a simple issue, things go well and quickly, but for the majority of people there, their needs are more complex. For example, if you work and need to report your wages, and do so every month, so that your SSI check will be correct, it doesn't do you any good. There are enough staff hours to input the information that is mailed in. So, you must get to the office in person, early, and wait without an appt. My visit today started at 8:00 am( they don't actually start addressing clients until 9), waiting in line, received an initial screening about 9:30, got put into another sku to wait for somebody from "the back" to help. Waited another HOUR, asked it if was going to be much longer. Was told "she called you", "NO, she didn't, let me put it in again. Waited maybe another 20 mintues,got to someone who helped for some of my needs(SSI), but another person(SSA) would have to address the other issue. Waited again, about 20-30 minutes. Got my issues addressed and someone will call me back. This is the person who will take care of the last piece. I left the office at 11:15. and not all my concerns are finished. What I am told from the staff: "they used to have 1/2 day/week to process the work on their desks. Those hours have now been taken away and they have no time to input information into the system. Not much consolation, but it does explain where it falls apart. What's to be done: call your congressman/woman about the lack of staffing and maybe also call the Better Business Bureau. This is only going to get worse as more baby boomers apply for Social Security. read more

it can be a hit or miss when waiting for someone on the phone to help you during a pandemic. i recently had the worse experience for the first time... they lacked empathy, were rude, asking dumb questions & sarcastic. they're supposed to be helping the people in need but instead i get sarcastic chuckles over phone? i did not understand what was so funny when i'm just trying to help a family member. if they had a bad day, they shouldn't be projecting that to their customers. it made me get into a bad mood too after the phone call. i was so confused with the whole process, but i had to deal with because i didn't want to call again & waste time. you're not the only one stressed out, we should be helping each other out as a community. it's not hard to be nice & patient to others especially during a time like this. i understand it's difficult to trust someone when we can't go in person to the offices but i was pretty straightforward with what needed to be done. i honestly was just so speechless with the "help" i received. i was not satisfied at all, but i did what i had to do. my anxiety was going up high, just by speaking to this person. very disappointing... read more

I recommend to stay away from Oakland office. Please do them a favor and lighten their load. You can visit another nearby office and get done in less than two weeks. Or go to Oakland office and wait for 8 months for your application to have any effect, including 5 months for the Baltimore central office to react to your written grievance about Oakland office. Oakland office botched application twice, did not know how to retrieve the uscis response, insults and makes people cry. read more

I came here the day after Halloween, Wednesday morning: I got there at 8:20ish and about 6 people were in line in front of me. The office doesn't open til 9, but we were allowed in at 8:30. My number was called about 9:10 and I was out of there by 9:20. I was there only for a name change after getting married. My new social security card will arrive in the mail in about 10 days. I brought food and drinks, headphones and was prepared to stay a few hours, but ended up not staying long at all. Too bad I asked for my whole day off at work. read more

The wait wasn't horrible and the customer service was really good. I was treated respectfully and all in all the whole transaction took about an hour. read more

Five star to Lyn in window 17. She is very professional and efficient. Top notch employee. Place is always busy. Expect 2 - 2 1/2 hrs wait. You have wait to see someone first to determine the purpose of your visit. Then you have to wait again for another person to handle your needs. Our first visit there was on a Wednesday about 10 am. Not many people where there. We had a name change request and a application for benefits and a name change. We were told no processing of applications today because they close at 12pm on Wednesdays. Lyn helped us and was able to process our needs. Very professional and top notch worker. read more

I considerate myself to be a respectable person. One that understands policies and procedures. I work for a law enforcement agency so I definitely understand. However, I regret going to this office, (Social Security) in Oakland, CA. The CONTRACT "SECURITY GUARDS", one in particular needs to be properly trained when viewing the personal property of others. I understand that in the day and times we are living in today, "Security Checks" are very important. However, at this Social Security office they have not gotten updated with screening people personal items, e.g. purses, bags, etc. the proper way through "Visual Scanning. There was an "Archie Bunker" looking security guard there, when checking my purse, I felt like there was a searched warrant going on in my purse the way he was tugging his "BIG RED PUFFYHANDS" and pulling things out of my purse. I felt violated. When I mention to let me open my purse wide enough so that he can see what's inside of my purse, he grabbed tightly hold of my purse and told me that "I CAN LEAVE" if didn't allow him to do his job. Because, I misplaced my sons social security number, I allowed the insult of having this man violate me by touching my personal private items inside my purse. When, I mention that I work at a Law Enforcement agency and that we don't do things this way, Archie Bunker, and another "CONTRACT SECURITY GUARD" chuckle at me as if I had a reason to lie. Which I have no reason to. In Closing, if you don't want to be disrespected and personally violated, its best to order anything that is as simply as a Social Security Card replacement online. read more

This place is ridiculously slow! Come prepared with snacks, books, phone fully charged and water because it will take forever! I showed up at 9:04 (they open at 9) and there were about 12 people ahead of me. My number was called within 10-15 minutes upon arrival and i felt like things were going well. Little did I know that I was called only to see what I was there for and then was told to wait till they called me. And wait I did, during which I read my book, read emails and people watched. After an hour and a half I was starting to think they had forgotten about me. At the 2 hour mark, I got up to make sure I wasn't overlooked. At that same time, my name was finally called! Hallelujah! I was done by 11:30. Now, who knows how long it would take if I showed up late. The place filled up quickly by 10 am and there was not a single chair available that they stopped letting people in to the room, which is quite small. The staff were for the most part pleasant which is a surprise since I heard people being extremely rude to them for one reason or another. All in all, I recommend taking the day off so you don't feel stressed about having to rush out of there as well as park at a flat rate lot so again, you don't have to feel rushed because your meter is going to expire, because it will! Final note: Try to refrain from drinking much water so you don't lose your spot! read more

We've already been waiting for 2 hours. My dad, who doesn't speak any English, went to the restroom and didn't know he had to go around to come back in. So a security told him to go around and thought my mom had went outside, too. When I told him she didn't, the white security guard yelled and said he should tell me to go outside and go around, too for arguing with him. What the hell? Since when did explaining and translating become arguing? The first security guard was being cool about it. He was explaining about the rules. I wish I know where I can file a complaint. read more

This office is one of the busiest in the area and is gets swamped here. All I can say is people come in and sometimes aren't seen for a while because honestly there are a lot of people to come here and it takes time to handle all the claims. Some of these folks who are making claims saying that security have no right to look in their personal belongings; YOU ARE WRONG!!!!! It is posted by the door, Hence the !!!!!INSPECTION SIGN!!!!! Here is the US code to back it. 41 CFR 102-74.370 look it up and read it! So what if you work for law-enforcement agency that doesn't give you any special privileges...smh So what if you're a security guard someplace....if you're not contracted by the same entity then chances are you don't know what responsibilities these guys do and don't have. In the end of the day they're still security guards however they're operating within the codes and under the directives of the US Government. Also if the reps behind the glass arent always immediately smiling or blowing sunshine up your ass it's because you may not know who was in front of that glass in the seat you're sitting in before you were sitting there and what they did to that rep or if they even cussed the rep out for not immediately giving them what it is that they came there demanding was rightfully theirs. The reps have hard jobs and people don't realize that. In people from all different walks of life come to these offices and people from all different walks of life work in these offices so if you live by the Golden rule and treat others how you want to be treated there is a chance that people will treat you with respect and will not "take away your dignity" Also,If you don't like what I wrote, you can go eat a bag of poop! read more

I went there this Friday morning to apply social security card for my new born baby it 30 min to finish the whole thing so fast !

I arrived at 11:15 and was nowhere near having my name called by 12:45, so I gave up. They'll put your ticket number up on the TV but then you have to make sense of the garbled sounds for which window to go to. Really? You can't show the window number too? And the atmosphere could best be described as a cross between the DMV and an airplane. Babies crying and folks coughing on you. No thanks. I won't be going to this location ever again. read more

My visit to this place was very unpleasant. Most of the people there smelled like they had not showered in days. It was extremely ghetto and weird. I had to change seats about three times because people that smelled or were extremely loud kept sitting by me. The service: The lady that helped me was nice. But the wait was awfully long. read more

Remarkably helpful and compassionate!

Quick! Friendly. Professional. Beautiful Building.

As far as government service offices are concerned, this one in downtown Oakland is as good as it could be. Not saying that it's amazing, but the environment is tolerable and the employees are helpful when needed. My experience was smooth, as I went during the best hours and I was in and out in 20 minutes. read more