Very slow service, waiting hrs for a simple name change. People are not being called at all to the kiosks.

The SSA representative (Sandra) was awesome. Sandra was very professional, very knowledgeable, super helpful and had a very pleasant demeanor. The security guard there was horrible. He definitely has a Napoleon syndrome complex. I was running late and the security guard instead of advising me to slow down firmly, he started yelling at me, demeaning me, and belittled me for close to 2 minutes. In my entire life no police officer has ever been so rude and demeaning to me. He treated me like I was a criminal. Wow. I know I was wrong to run but there was no one on the street in front of me so why treat me like a criminal. I won't go to that office and I'll warn all my senior citizen friends of this Napoleon syndrome security officer. I guess he gets his jollies shouting at senior citizens. In fact, due to this experience by this irate security guard I had to see a doctor because my heart was acting up after this incident. My wife advised me that we should see a lawyer to rectify the situation. read more

Never be able to reach the office, they automatically shut down your call without providing option to get called back

I walked in and was seen right away out in minutes Questions answered I had appointment read more

What a joke i waited for an hour on the phone with Social Security because the on line app doesn't work then i head to the nearest office they make me wait for another hour only to find out i have to wait for a month to claim my benefits. Thats why our government isn't working..........: who is going to fix that? read more

This was the second time I visited this office. The first time I arrived I was met by a security guard who was rude and obnoxious and treated me as if I was a threat to the staff. I have never been there before and was shocked at how I was being treated. I asked to speak to the manager and she came out and was just as rude and told me to leave. I went back today and they had a new security guard that greeted me and made me step outside, as he did to every other customer. He then treated me like a dangerous child and asked me a series of rote questions, demanding a series of behaviors that I not threaten the staff or treat anyone with disrespect, disregarding the level of disrespect he was showing me. I went in and met with the staff, who were relatively polite. As I left I saw the same security guard treating a nice lady coming into the office in the same manner as he had treated me. His name was Jacob G. and clearly intimidating this young lady in the same way he tried to intimidate me. I obtained his name and told him he was rude and impolite. That I was a customer and a tax payer and did not deserve to be treated in this way. I explained I had been in government service and never been treated in this way except this SSA office. He rudely spoke to me as he walked away. I spoke with the young lady as we left, she was similarly frustrated at being treated like a criminal. The management of this office is terrible. Use the Campbell office instead as they are professional and polite. As I told Jacob G. I will be filing a formal complaint with the Office of Inspector General of the Social Security Administration. k read more

Horibal the fake police officer told us to sit on the dirty rug for 30min and then 20min and we missed our appointment due to this guy. No WiFi for Silicon Valley that is a no go. Dirty, no electronics (phones, iPads, Apple Watch I hate this place because the watch they asked to put in a locker was scratched when I came out. Do not go there ever read more

See all

Limited parking space. The entrance security guard showed very poor attitude. Other than that the officer is OK.

Stopped by to get a replacement SS card. I came in at 2:30pm on a Thursday and was surprised to find it packed. The wait was about an hour for me. I had my paperwork ready so once my number was called it only took 5 minutes. The lady at the counter was courteous and very efficient. The security guard was very friendly too. The parking lot is small and had about 3 empty spaces when I came in. PS - If you are like me and keep losing your social security card, get a new one soon! The lady told me they will start charging for it next year :D read more

Everything from making an appointment to going into the office to get my work done was a very seamless process. The office staff was polite and very efficient. Making an appointment and having all the necessary documents made it a very quick and pleasant visit. read more

Granted, it's an older building, with limited parking available, and the wait is long. Still, their customer reps work hard trying to move the line along, helping people resolve their issues. Everyone is courteous and polite, including the security guard at the door. He's mindful of older people state of mind, helpful in finding an available seat, and directing them where they need to go. I had to bring my in-laws to resolve an admin issue. This building is a small aged structure. There's metered parking around the block on Allerton, Fuller, Warren streets and Brewster Ave, but that's not a viable option if you expect to be in line for couple of hours. There is also a small underground parking - more of a carport situation - made of several parking spots, and luckily, there was a disabled spot open, which is what we were looking for, cruising around the block at first. The first floor is occupied by San Mateo County Probation Pretrial Services, which I found a bit odd, but whatever. The system may look confusing at first, once you go upstairs to the second floor, have your bag checked by the above mentioned guard, and collect your ticket in the Que. from the vending machine. You see, the number you get does not really indicate your order in line. There's a computer screen displaying which window is receiving which ticket currently. So I gathered there were at least three different lines. Perhaps one for those with previously scheduled appointments (or people who received invitation letters in the mail with their appointment date and time), another for those resolving specific common issues or following up on a previous one requiring additional documents, and then one for the walk-ins like us. We ended up waiting for about 1.5 hrs, all the while observing our government at work. It turns out most questions were quickly addressed, every visitor not staying with a rep for too long once they get to the window. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated, and most importantly, we had our matter done, which is what I cared about. read more

See all

One advice: Make an appointment. I went to the Social Security office on Tuesday at 1:14 pm. I did not make an appointment as I thought it would be an easy in and out - Wrong. When you arrive, go to the computer touch screen and follow the instructions. You will get a number printed out. I waited for about 47 minutes before my number was called. The Social Security personnel was nice but you can tell he had better days and he did mention that's why they have a security guard around (with a gun too!) He was very helpful and made my visit an easy one. You cannot talk on your mobile phone in the waiting room, so bring something along with you or go by outside the entrance of the waiting room to talk on your phone. The main entrance is on Fuller street and there is plenty meter parking. With only 25 cents you can get an hour parking, which you may need. read more

First off, metered parking only takes coin. That by itself is crazy. No one carries quarters in their car anymore. Second came in on Wednesday morning on the first week of April at 8:30 AM and I was 7th in line, correction 10th. Got in, checked in at the kiosk and sat down around 9:02. There are four windows opened and a few rooms in the back for appointments opened. I was changing my name to my married name, I was called at 9:12 and out of the office by 9:16. Very easy and painless. Staff was not rude. read more

I got married in September 2012, and one year later I still hadn't changed my name! I purchased a Groupon from MissNowMrs.com, and let me tell you that purchase made it even easier to visit SSA (MissNowMrs allows you to input all of your information and then produces all the forms you need to change your name). I visited SSA at 12:30 p.m. on a Friday afternoon on November 1; I had already filled out my paperwork for my name change, so when I walked in I simply signed in using the computer kiosk, and then waited. There were five other people in the office and there were three employees assisting patrons. My wait time? I KID YOU NOT...four minutes. FOUR MINUTES! I was absolutely floored. A process that I thought would be tedious and difficult turned out to be simple and a breeze! My time at the window took three minutes. I was in and out in under 12 minutes. WOW. Park: on the street; one quarter will get you 1 hour. Bring: your I.D., passport, and forms filled out (if you can) Good luck! read more

slow rude none listening no empathy no understanding been trying to get help over 90 days whereabouts are you people..... help read more

Walked away few minutes to take care of my baby who I had to bring along since I don't have anyone to babysit, they called my number and I waited for 2 hours and was only 3 numbers that passed. They didn't want to help me anymore and asked me to get another number. Making me wait another 2hours with my 4month old baby. This is BS service. Don't recommend with their horrible service. Wil no longer be coming to this location and specially because they have horrible parking as well. read more

This place is useless right now honestly. You're better off not even trying to call. I got 'user busy' at so many times multiple days in a row, I finally get ahold of someone and they say it's going to take a month to get a new card and all my documents back. The person who answered the phone couldn't have been less helpful. read more

The social security staff was very helpful over the phone and it took less than two weeks to get my new social security card. Thank you Redwood City Social Security Personnel! read more

I was very happy with my experience today. Everyone was professional and courteous. I did not have to wait an unreasonable time.

I find it highly disrespectful and unjust that there's about 6 windows here to service people yet, only 3 windows are open? People in wheel chairs, using crutches etc are standing in the hallway waiting to be seated because the workers are "too busy", supposedly. I literally just need a letter stating I no longer get benefits from social security & I've been for close to 2 hours now. I just feel it's unacceptable and something needs to be done about this. Atleast have an express line for people are just coming to get information and get back out so the ones who really need services can be seated and helped. And to add a cherry on top, once you've FINALLY been called to a window, the reps always tend to have attitudes or be rude as if they've been the ones waiting in this zoo-like waiting room. read more

Long wait...arrived at opening and there were 50 people ahead of me. They only opened three windows, and it was 45 minutes until I spoke to someone. After that, everything was excellent. I got everything I needed and was on my way in about 5 minutes. I'd try going in the early afternoon. The wait might be better. read more

Great place to get help personalized help with social security or medicare issues. We went when they first opened, you take a ticket and we waited only about 20 min. with no appt. The staff are very courteous and the security guard up front is helpful and kind to everyone, with parking tips, office procedures, etc. We were lucky and saw "Jess" who we had witness just deal with a very rude client, but when it was our turn, he was as helpful as could be. My husband and I had some complex issues, but he was able to take over both cases and fix everything in a very short amount of time. He went beyond the call, in our opinion, and we were gratetful. Be kind and respectful to the staff here, they can really help you get things done! read more

I spoke with representative today and he told me that I am not eligible for my ex husband benefits till he is dead and only portion and hung up. Rude. I called again and I was informed that five years ago was sign some Barndanson act" which meant they dismissed all long time marriage spousal benefits for woman born after 1954 . Did you know that ??? In my situation I stayed at home and care for children one of the with special need for 17 years and I was reward with nothing and end in poverty. In my case, if retired early I will get approx. only $768 and if I survive and retire in in 67 and if maybe not get fired I got $1090 = I believe I will not be even eligible for low income housing in CA . (Approximately for months ago I called and they told me I am eligible for approx. half of ex husband retirement ...and he will sent me approx. info....I did not receive anything.....) I called again this year and give them my date of birth and social services and I was told they will not be able to informed me how much will be my benefits and instructed me to bring marriage dissolution paper to the office so I call today to make a appointment and this information I got... read more

Quick, polite service. Had to go there to change my name after getting married (was procrastinating about it). When you get to the office on the 2nd floor, there's a touch screen computer where you select what you're there for. It was around 10:30am when I arrived and my number was called 15 minutes later. Since I had all the paperwork I needed already filled out, I just gave it to the clerk (who was quite friendly), showed him my marriage certificate & other documents. The clerk was quite friendly (which surprised me, not sure why) and chatty. I was done 10 minutes later. The entire visit took less than 30 minutes. The building is at the corner of Allerton & Fuller Sts. The main entrance to the building is actually on Fuller so best to park on Fuller rather than Allerton. Not really a big deal if you're park on Allerton though. Plenty of street parking and like the other reviewer said, its only 25cents for 1 hr parking. read more

Most of the employees here have bad attitude towards people! The only friendly one here is the security he is more helpful than the employees behind that window! I'll visit another social security administration next time DO NOT COME TO THIS ONE!!!!! IT'S A WASTE OF TIME read more

1.5 hour wait without a reservation. I guess this is pretty standard. Although I overheard some other poor sap was waiting for 6 hours... Good thing we only need to go here once in a millennia. The security guard even let us borrow a pen, kudos. read more

Social Security - at SS office in Redwood City, lol. - Public Services & Government Near Me - Redwood City, California

Just got married two weeks ago and I'm trying to get my name changed on my SS card. The place is easy to find and there were a few metered parking spaces outside. I believe it's 25 cents for an hour. Being as though this is my first time here I walked upstairs and to the waiting room and looked around since I didn't know what the process was. I happened to see a lady with a ticket in hand and inquired about it. You must visit the kiosk next to the door to get a number. The room was pretty full when I got there. I waited about 30 minutes with 4 windows open only one person was called to the window. As time went on the line moves faster. An hour and 45 minutes later I was called and I did a happy dance... In my head! If you can, call ahead of time to make an appointment! After I went back it took about 15 minutes to answer questions and receive my receipt for a new SS card. I'll receive the card in two weeks in the mail. read more

The staff person who helped me was knowledgeable, efficient, and respectful. I was served relatively quickly. About 20 people in the waiting room when I arrived at 11AM on a Friday. Wait time was only about 25 minutes. Note that most business can be handled online if you setup an online account. Also, another reviewer wrote that parking meters only take coins -- that has changed and the meters now take either coins (25 cents per hour), or credit cards. read more

Went in to get a replacement card. Arrived at about 10:30 on a Wednesday without an appointment. Checked in and got a number. Was called within 10 minutes and was done in about another 10 minutes. Pretty painless for me. Guard and staff were pretty helpful and friendly. I did fill out a paper form prior to arriving, and that seemed to expedite the process (even though the staff person does end up entering everything electronically). read more

Fast, Easy, Smooth. Decided to ride my bike across town to take care of some paperwork. Got there and was back on my way with in minutes. The people at this office were kind and extremely helpful. Way easier and stress free compared to the Downtown San Jose and Fremont offices. read more

I didn't have an appointment and went in at a busy time, so I was stuck waiting for about an hour. Once my number was called, it took about 5-10 minutes to complete the process. I received my replacement card in 6 days. Bonus, everyone was nice here. The security guard was very helpful since I had never been here. read more

I got there 15 minutes after they opened and got called up in about 20 minutes. Not bad. I like this one better than San Mateo. It's cleaner and the chairs are situated more like a waiting room. I had all the proper paperwork and was finished within 10 minutes Make sure you do your homework before coming in or you may have to come back to visit multiple times. There is metered parking out front, and luckily it's only 25 cents per hour. AWESOME! I had one quarter and was out of there in 30 minutes! read more

I lost my SS card.Went to the Redwood City SS office.What a pleasant experience.I was in and out in 20 minutes. Kindness still exists. Thank-you. read more

Arrived at the office on Tuesday around 10:30 AM, without an appointment (as the waiting time on the phone to get one was over an hour!) It was not crowded, it was well organized and there was a nice gentleman who greets everyone at the door and helps them check in. I waited no longer than 10 minutes and the woman who helped me (wish I had gotten her name) was professional, efficient and behaved like a real human being, not an officious bureaucrat. She was very knowledgeable and took care of my problem quickly. (By the way, I took the advice of a previous yelper and parked on the residential end of Allerton with no problem.) read more

Well google stated that Tuesday at 9am it's a little busy so I said ok I'm gonna be there 5 minutes before the office opens. Let me tell you that there were already 30 people in line at 9am. I got a number at 9.22 and I was served exactly one hour later. I wouldn't suggest you going at 9am because the total wait was 1.22h but one other time that I went at 1pm the total wait was an hour. People there are really polite and I had no problem whatsoever. read more

The first time I went to the office I shaved, took a shower and put on my Sunday's best clothing. I assumed you went to an interview as if you were professional. After a pleasant interview, with too many questions about how many years I attended a college, I was told to watch the mail for my results. I was denied and was told I was too educated and could find another job. I can hardley walk or sit or stand anymore. So I apealed it. This time, I went to my apeal without showering no shaving no new haircut and drooled all over because I took my Doctors recomended amount of oxycoton before I walked in. A month later, I was aproved for SSDI. What do you know. I wondered why everyone looked like they just crawled out of the bushes in the park when I went the first time. Now I know why and you do too. LOOK LIKE HELL WHEN YOU GO AND TAKE ALL THE DRUGS YOUR DOCTOR PRESCIBED TO YOU JUST BEFORE YOU WALK INTO THE DOOR. I wore old sweat pants and a sweat shirt with holes in them. I stunk from not showering and kept apologizing for drooling because of the drug intake. NOW, go get what you have worked for all of your life and don't ever bring up the fact that welfare children are on Social Security and why is it so hard for you to get it, they frown on that for some reason especially the ones that are now entitiled because we have Obamer as President. read more

I recently had my social security number stolen and used to open a bank account. I spent many hours waiting at the Social Security office to get a computer printout that stated that I was who I said I was. I was not able to make an appointment to speed up the process because I was not making a claim. Not cool. They didn't really seem to care that the number had been stolen or used....not their area they said. Strange. read more

I've only been to two SSA offices in the area, but I can say this one is way better. I've got married and visited it for a name change. No reservation, just come in on Tuesday 2pm, got my ticket and waited in line. Office was almost empty at that time, plenty of parking space nearby, although you have to pay for it (it's 25 cents per hour, coin operating parking machine). It took me about 15 minutes to wait in line, and 20 more to get everything done. I just had my form filled up and just the documents mentioned in form agenda. The personnel I've contacted was friendly, polite and professional. Overall great experience at this SSA Office. Tip: room is on the second floor, entrances are easy to find, take your documents and some coins for parking. On November 25th there was a construction going on right next to the building: mind that when you're looking for route and a parking space. read more

I just dropped in. Had to wait 15-20 minutes, which seemed reasonable. Guy helping me took my problem well in hand and told me he would follow up on correction to my Medicare application (some screw-up that puzzled us both) and would be sure it got taken care of. Sure enough, the situation did get corrected as promised and in a short period of time. read more

My lovely wife & I went here as part of the name change process after we got married. The workers are courteous, friendly and helpful. The process was certainly quick enough, and the silly but necessary security on the second floor after the elevator was interesting. read more