Efficiency Is Winning I had a positive experience at this Social Security office, especially considering the reputation these offices sometimes get. I live in Downtown San Diego but I needed an appointment within 2 weeks. Q: How long did it take to make the appointment? A: The phone call to reschedule the appointment took about 45 minutes, which honestly was the least efficient part of the process. This could definitely be improved. Q: Was parking difficult? A: Not at all. Parking was easy and convenient when I arrived. Q: Did they take walk-ins? A: Yes. The security guard asked whether I had an appointment or was a walk-in. When I arrived around 10:30 a.m. on a Friday, there was only one person waiting for walk-in services. By the time I left, there were about seven people waiting, so it definitely became busier closer to 11:30 a.m. I don't know the wait time for walk-ins, though. TIP: The first seatingrow closest to the kiosk is the waiting row/line for walk-ins Q: Were you seen on time? A: Yes, actually earlier than my appointment time because I arrived early. That was impressive. Q: What was the office environment like? A: The office was clean, organized, and calm. Even the bathrooms were clean. Q: How was the staff? A: Excellent. The security guard was firm but personable and maintained order without making the environment uncomfortable. I was helped at Window 6, and although I unfortunately didn't get the gentleman's name, he was , thorough and professional without judgment. Q: What was your appointment for? A: I was submitting documentation related to conservatorship and was also able to get a copy of a benefits verification letter during the same visit. TIP: be clear on your appointment description because that will determine how much you can get done in one appointment. Q: How long did the actual appointment take? A: About 30 minutes total, and it moved quickly because I brought all the required documentation with me. Q: Was check-in easy? A: Yes. There is a self check-in kiosk, and you may also receive a QR code by text. I used the kiosk without any issues. Just make sure you have your Social Security number available. Overall, I would recommend this location. I need an appointment in San Diego within 2 weeks and this was the only location that was available The actual in-office process was efficient, organized, and much smoother than expected. My biggest recommendation would be: bring all your documents and mid morning appointments may be best. Parking lot was full at 11:35 a.m. "Efficiency matters when people are navigating important life situations." read more

Social Security - Exterior - Public Services & Government Near Me - Oceanside, California

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First I just want to say the security is a nice guy and tried to be very helpful. That being said the SSA in Oceanside has been remodeled inside from the last time I saw it it now looks like a jail. And the worse is that unless you have an appointment your not getting nothing done that day. I was the first person in the door when they first opened and they told me that what I needed to get done could not get done in person and that they were scheduling me a phone appointment because what I need done can only be done over the phone now. The next day very early in the morning I get a call from the SSA telling me that my phone appointment was being changed to a in person appointment because I needed to do it in person. Lol I told them I was in there the day before and their employee working intake told me I couldn't do it in person. So they told me just to come in person which I did but yea someone gave me false info and made me make 2 trips when I could have got everything done in the 1st trip. But they just want to push people out and force them to schedule appointments. read more

Made an appt ahead of time, brought everything they told me to and got there a little bit early ~ was such an easy experience! Christian (?) helped me out and was so quick and friendly, and the gentleman working security was so kind and helpful. I think as long as you come prepared, this place is a total breeze :) Thanks for the help today everyone! read more

this place sucks, staff very incompetent and rude. they don't know anything they are doing. Have been trying to get a SS card for my kid for months now, just to call and find out that all those times an application was never submitted and have no record of it. Worst fucking place ever. read more

TRUST THOSE WHO YELP REGULARLY... I just came to drop off a document for my elderly, dissabled mother, but left and came back because of the horrible parking situation. When I returned, I had to wait to park, then wait in a long line at the door, then the "security guard" escorted me to the drop box location inside... what on Earth do they think they are protecting? Between Social Security, Wal-Mart, and Goodwill... I'm not sure which has better people-watching. NOT RECOMMENDED, unless you have no option read more

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

Way better than STATE Disability The two are night and day Social Security answers the phone and will even call you back and keep your place in line STATE Disability doesn't even consider picking up the phone They make me weep for our disabled citizens The most vulnerable The most in need ... shame on them read more

I've had nothing but the BEST service at this office. The people are extremely helpful, and knowledgeable! Thumbs up to them! MORE parking spots are needed however! read more

Just a heads up to everyone: We went there today and were told they're now meeting with people BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. They no longer take walk-ins. read more

Went to the office today with an 11:00am appointment, got there about 10 minutes early and was seen right at the appointment time. Had all the paperwork for my name change through marriage and was in and out in 20 minutes. Didn't get the guy's name but it was window 4! So efficient and office was clean. read more

I have been to several social security offices in my day, but this was the best run office I have ever been to. The agents actually know what they are doing and, BONUS----------they actually speak fluent English! The offices are private and quiet so you can have a conversation. I would recommend that you make an appointment, but even without an appointment the wait was not too bad. read more

The last few months I've been trying to update my mom's address with the social security administration. Hours on the phone waiting. The website wasn't helpful because my mom couldn't remember any of the information she used to sign up. Thankfully this office was able to help me. Please don't close -- we need you. read more

I wanted to take the time to write a review for a wonderful angel that works at this Social Security Office in Oceanside. Miss Castillo did everything she could to help my Mom. She was very kind, polite and understanding. She is an excellent worker and I hope she gets a promotion! We need more people like her. Thank you so much Miss Castillo! - Karole & Leandra read more

Visit was precovid. Plan on spending an entire day here if you don't have an appointment. Had to come here for a replacement Social Security card. Thought a Tuesday morning wouldn't be too bad but I was wrong. The place was packed. People were standing because there weren't enough seats. I managed to score a parking spot and a seat. And from the numbers, it looked like only 7 people in front of me. But that's where my luck ended. Numbers aren't called in order. :( Got A31 - it was on A24 when I got here. 40 minutes later they're on A34, skipped all the numbers in between. Now they've jumped back down to A25. WTH? But once I got to the counter, I was quickly helped. Hence the two stars vs one star rating. Total wait time was long..... read more

Make sure you make an appointment, that is the key. Otherwise stand outside in line and it can take hours. I made an appointment via phone. Got there and there were people waiting, that's the none appointment line. The appointment line is on the left or just go in (skip line) and tell the guard you have an appointment. He'll then direct you to the kiosk to get a number and check in. You sit then wait until your number is called. Go to window and bam, done. I did a name change due to marriage, so it was quick. Fill out form online first and print out. read more

Oceanside Social Security employees that I dealt with were friendly and helpful. The office was clean and the security guard was helpful and nice. read more

This is the definition of poorly run and nonexistent customer service. They don't allow you make appointments online; Even the DMV allows that. You have to make appointments over the phone. You are on hold for 20-30 mins and they hang up on you and say call back later. Once you do get an appointment, it's really not an appointment, it's a cattle call first come first serve. Everyone in leadership should be fired for allowing such a ridiculous and nonsensical attempt at providing "service." Typical Federal government problem leaving me just fine attitude and approach. Your tax dollars at work on full display. read more

Gabriel was super helpful!!! Awesome service pleasantly surprised. I arrived early on Friday and was helped immediately when they opened

I want to shout out to Mr. Morales at the Oceanside Social Security office. He was extremely helpful and kind! Answered all my questions, and I left feeling so much better about applying for my spousal benefit. read more

ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR, NO RETURN SUPERVISOR CALLS! HELP GET RID OF DEMELO AND VARGAS. File a formal complaint and post a review if you encounter a problem to help ensure upper management knows about the complete lack of any proper management, and Ms. Demelo is replaced! She is the director of the office and is clearly the source of the problem. Don't expect a return call from a supervisor even when promised. We have been waiting waiting weeks now. Representatives behave in the rudest fashion possible. Mr. Vargas is probably the worst. He is immature, threatening, aggressive, and plays games to keep you waiting. read more

The guard (Navy Reservist he said) who works at the front is extremely friendly and very helpful. Obviously no one likes going to government buildings or filling out paperwork, but I must say, this office is very proficient in the way they run things and all of the employees are extremely friendly and helpful. read more

Whoever the female attendant that just answered the phone and sarcastically made a comment then hung up in my face, you're a fucking cunt and should be ashamed of yourself! The lack of organization amongst the social security offices is absolutely ridiculous. I have already attempted to mail my ss-5 form and marriage certificate. It never made it to the office and is now lost in the mail. This dumbass asked me why was it sent back to me, I told her idk, I don't work for the post office. She literally said "yea, same here, same here" then fucking hung up in my face. You are a sorry excuse for a federal employee! Changing my name has been the most frustrating process in all of this! I'm so sick of these useless employees! read more

I was dreading going to social security, dreading waiting for hours, etc. I was pleasantly surprised that each person I had an interaction with was courteous and very helpful, especially Carlos, the agent who helped me with my issue. read more

I have to Praise Mrs.Traber an Amazing help at the Social Security Office! She was so Helpful to me, listened and Went the extra Mile for me!! Thank You Mrs Traber You are a Professional,Helpful and inspiring Stare worker who deserves Praise!! Thanks So Much read more

A horrible institution that drives people insane with their lies and gross negligence. Policies that back you into a corner and leave you for dead. Procedures that are retaliatory with idiotic and unreasonable time lines. Shame on everyone who works there especially those creating and enforcing procedures that harm rather than help desperate claimants. Giving the desperate hope only to pull the rug out from under over and over and over due to unsubstantiated denials and abuse of power. How many are homeless or dead or both due to your unreasonable policies? SSA summed up in one word IMMORAL. read more

This place is a joke. I called to ask if I could drop off name change documents and they said sure, between 1-3 Mon to Fri. So I go one day at 1 and the office is closed, 15 people standing outside waiting. One guy says he called the main number and they're supposed to be open. Another girl calls the same number and they tell them the office is closed for the day. No notices or anything, just says open 9-4pm. So I go back 2 days later around 12:45 and there's another group of 10 people waiting outside since it's closed and locked. 1pm comes and goes. I try to call to see if they're open but the automated message says they're open and I can't get a real human to answer. Anyway, I never was able to drop off my documents. Do yourself a favor and avoid this place at all costs. read more

What a great experience! Jason went over and above in helping to correct a wrong name on a Soc Sec card and ordering a new one; answered other in- depth questions about Medicare with ease - so helpful! all the while with a pleasant and professional attitude. Had an appointment and was seen right on time- in and out in 27 minutes read more

Social Security - Happy customer leaving the O'side Social Security office .... - Public Services & Government Near Me - Oceanside, California

Waited 15 minutes to talk to a representative and then the lady who answered ended up hanging up the phone on me... Very poor customer service. read more

Wednesday...the 2nd of the month, and the day after many people are supposed to get their checks. They were closed yesterday for New Year's Day, but today, which is not only one of the busiest days of the week anyway, not to mention the month, as the giver emend is notorious for messing up checks and sending out their litany of letters informing people that their livelihood is being stripped away from them for this reason or that... Hours are usually 9am-4pm...for all but one day. I'll give you a guess what that day it is only open until noon... You guessed it! And because they've got their proverbial boot on the back of the necks of the people who exist in the trenches of poverty and "not enough" (food, money, everything, because SSI pays nothing, SSDI will fight even harder than SSI to deny benefits outright, and who cares if the elderly population cannot afford to heat their homes during this unusually cold weather we are having? I guess I'll just be back tomorrow...once I know they'll be open a full day after just having an extended holiday weekend off! Anyone who says disabled individuals are looking for handouts has clearly never had their benefits cut because their landlord refused to cash their rent check in s timely manner and made it look like we had more money than we did in the account. Oh my gods, this is insanity! Government efficiency at its finest :) read more

Social Security - At the check-in office . - Public Services & Government Near Me - Oceanside, California

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I called the National SS number, gave up after 90 minutes on hold. I then called the local San Marcus office, again on hold for over 40 minutes,I gave up. This afternoon I called the Oceanside office and was connected with a Ms. Torlina, who took care of my problem within less than ten minutes. Great job, great customer service. thank you Ms. Torlina. read more

Wrong information. June 10th 2021. I called ahead of time to make an appointment and get some information because it said online their office was closed because of covid. The rude guy on the phone insisted I didn't need an appointment and they were open 12-3. I repeated the information and address to be sure but of course I show up today and it's closed. The security guard was friendly and gave me some paperwork, the phone number for the appointment line which is not available online, and correct times (1-3pm) that you can visit to drop off forms. I have attached a photo of the number to make an appointment. Where do they find such rude employees that can't give correct information? read more

Social Security - Phone number for appointments. - Public Services & Government Near Me - Oceanside, California

Horrible phone customer service. It's like they take a class on how to talk to down to people like we are incompetent. Get another job if your not happy at your current place of employment. read more

After calling the National Social Security office, waiting for 1 1/2 hours on hold and speaking to Allison, who was a bitch on wheels, couldn't find me, started screaming at me and I had to tell her to calm down, I called my local Social Security office and spoke to Mr. Juarez. Like magic, with the same information I gave the bitch at the National Social Security office he found me and completed what I needed in less than 15 minutes and was really nice. Kudos to Mr. Juarez at the local Oceanside office!!! Thank you Mr. Juarez! read more

The first security officer was so kind and so was the lady at the counter. E Castro on the other hand was so rude and he humiliated me in front of everyone at the social security office. Kindness goes a long way. I'd recommend he learn to speak kindly to people. read more

I decided to go to this office instead of downtown in hopes that in Oceanside there will be plenty of parking and less of a line. Parking was a bit of a wait, the lot is very small and fills fast. I had to sit and wait for a while till someone came out and left. The line inside moved fairly quickly, at 2 pm the room was half empty and all the windows were open to receive clients. The monitor didn't work and you had to listen to your number to be called. I had to updated my SSN and total wait time was around 20 minutes. A customer service representative that served me was very efficient and pleasant. read more

Sorry to be a combo breaker, but I experienced what Glenn C. was worried about. First and foremost, when you're coming from the 78 and get onto El Camino Real, it's on the right side of the street relatively in the middle of the block, going up hill. With moderate traffic, this place is ridiculously easy to miss. You're looking for a little wooden sign that says "Social Security Administration." Hug that right lane and let the other cars go around you, otherwise, you'll have to double back like I did. Now, when I finally did get inside, the place is clean, I'll give them that... but the security guard was useless. When I first walked in, all the security guard did when I approached him is say, "Check in screen is over there." He didn't even hear me out. Sorry, that's considered rude not to even let the person approaching you voice their question, regardless of how redundant you anticipate it might be. I went to the registration screen, which was rather vague on what to appropriately select (I had recently gone on a job interview and had my card was in my wallet when it was stolen, so I wanted to get a replacement). I read online that as along as you brought in a photo ID, or a badge with your photo, you should be able to order a replacement. I got A38 -- the current counter was at A32. "Sweet!" I thought, "Only six people ahead of me. Should be in and out in half an hour." Bull. I sat there for an hour and a half before they got to A36. They do have TV screens that play random facts and information on expediting your business with them, but it gets repetitive fast. An older lady sat next to me since it was getting packed... we struck up a conversation and passed the time away -- when she told me she was there to change her address, I recommended if she had a computer or a trusted family member with internet access, that she should go online and do it, because it would be so much faster. The wonderful woman gave me her ticket in thanks for the suggestion, and as she said, "Anything to get out of here." She was G245, and amazingly, that number was called 15 minutes later. When I got to the window, the man was as helpful as the security guard. When I told him my story of my wallet being stolen, he asked me for a picture ID to order the replacement. I handed him my employee badge from LabCorp. "You don't have a state/government issued ID?" "No, I just told you my wallet got stolen." "I'm sorry, but I need an official ID." "The SSA website says that you can use a work badge from your current employment. Please, I took the day off of work." "Sorry, I need a driver's license or a state ID." Largest waste of time. Thank God Carlsbad PD called me the other day to tell me they got the suspects and my wallet, SSN card intact. read more

Social Security - Waiting area (Check-In/Registration monitor under sign) - Public Services & Government Near Me - Oceanside, California

Nothing much special to be said about this office, the security guard tries to be pretty helpful and that's about all that can be said. The seats are very close together and the wait is long so if you must go be prepared. In addition they have the tiniest parking lot I've ever seen for a place where a lot of people need to go all the time so I might try parking down the hill a bit and walking up that's what we were forced to do. Nothing to see here folks read more

Omg could this get any worse?? No parking , no place to sit, and 2 hours still waiting for any little bit of news. I'm not impressed. The check in was easy but then your left neglected. Another office understaffed. Oh and the security guards , not nice. Rude actually. read more

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

If we want better service go to the Oceanside Social Security Office. It appears they have awesome leadership or really good workers. We spoke with Ms. Guissium (not sure the spelling is correct) but she explained and completed our application with the best customer service we could ask for. She was so courteous, helpful, and willing to repeat herself without getting frustrated. She was and is an awesome worker. Thank you for making it an easy experience. read more

Loved my experience here! After getting married comes a lot of paperwork and crap that needs to get done. I was here 30 minutes before they opened. They opened at 9:00am and I left at 9:09 with a new social security card AND name change. It was fast and efficient and very organized. The guard was even super nice. read more

I can't believe this office......my father passed, they were notified by someone (fine), but when they went to calculate what was owed to my mom after he died, they continued to screw up. We got multiple messages about underpayment, we owed them money, blah, blah blah. Now I need to go and straighten this all out by physically going there because no one will call you back. Very frustrating and disappointing! read more