This is a review for the Richmond, CA Social Security Office. I have been there twice, and both visits were A+ experiences. Here are some tips for success: 1- Call the SSA's 800 # to make an appointment for this office. At the same time ask the person what you should prepare to bring with you (forms, id, other members of the family, etc etc); 2- Arrive for your appt 10 min early so you have time to get through the security check (similar to TSA at airport). There is plenty of FREE Parking there! 3- Be kind to the security check people -- they're just doing their job. 4- Have everything in hand for your appt, so when you're called to go to a Window, you're ready. They will first ask for your ID. 5- Both times I visited this office, the window agents were first rate. They answered all my questions and gave me tips on how to proceed afterwards. I really appreciate the competence + excellence of all the people I've interacted with here. read more

Filled out an application online to change my last name. It states to drop off paper work and save time by making an appointment. It does not state on website that they will only see you to show documents with an appointment. Wasted my time going in only to be told I needed an appointment. Spoke to speak to the manager Karina V and she never came out. Left after waiting for 20 min. They were looking at me through their window but didn't come out. I wanted to show them what the website stated as to prevent further issues with other people. It's unfair to the people that come in following directions that their website provides. read more

Social Security - Incorrect directions to the public. Have people wasting their time - Public Services & Government Near Me - Richmond, California

DO NOT TRUST THEM I went to get a replacement SS card for my son (under 12 years old) when I got to the window the I had all the required documents. The Staff member told me he could not process my application because my son needed to be present. I told him that was not listed anywhere as a requirement on the website. I had his; Birth Certificate. Current School ID. ss5 application. My proof of adress (not required) He turned me away . said "He has to be here." I feel discrimated against as a father. I believe this young male staff member with tattoos all over his neck judged me OR he is not informed and unfit to be an employee of the office. Imagine how many people he has turned away. read more

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

REceived a letter dated Feb 26, 2025. stated I need to prove my payroll for the year 2023. I got all my paperwork together went to my local SS office and was told to call their phone number. This would be SS number. There is no number on my letter they sent. Called, got thru very fast, gave my information and they stated" We show no reason for you have to received this letter at all." So I looked them up, found the reviews and also found the number 877-310-7807. I was going to call but after my SS Office saying they did not know of this request I'm not doing anything! SCAMMMMMMMMMM read more

called to get a simple answer was on a waiting list for 2hrs on hold to speak with a machine after waiting the 120min this office is a joke.

Note this location is no longer taking walk-ins. Instead you need to make an appointment. Even for simple things that could have been resolved quickly by the clerk. Two thumbs down for the current administration! read more

So far they have been fantastic. Appreciate all their help and support. They have been very responsive and professional.

This place is so damn depressing. First of all, the wait time here is horrendous. Expect to wait 3-4 hours if you don't have an appointment. So get an appointment. The other issue is, the SSA office provides all kinds of different services but everyone appears to have to wait in the same queue. Someone comes to drop off some papers have to wait just as long as someone coming in to apply for full blown benefits. This place really needs some changes in how they serve different needs. And the place looks like a prison and feels like a prison when you step inside. They have metal detectors like you're going through the airport. Everyone there from the guard to those workers all look like they were dragged there by gun point. Avoid at all cost. If you can do business online do it! If you can go elsewhere try to (but likely will be the same if it's SSA). read more

Solid, helpful and effortless assistance. Thank you SS workers in the Richmond, CA office. I appreciate you.

Something is up with the phone tree for the number 1-877-877-3116. I have spent 2 hours on hold just for the recording to end and there was silence and no one ever picked up. Another time with the same number my call was transferred to a line that asked me to enter my 9 digit mailbox number. I wasn't given an option to go back. Trying to handle business on the phone with this organization is futile. read more

Overall better than expected, got everything done in about an hour. I needed the SSN for my newborn son (we never got in in the mail) and the there was no way of making appointment online or phone (never answer, dropped call ect.) so I showed up early at 8:50, was 8th in line outside till they opened at 9. Once they open, walked through the security check, signed up at kiosk (about 15 min waiting) then waited to be called up another 20 min. Agent reviewed my documents without an issue, left at 9:45. Guess it depends on when you go & who's working, just go early. read more

This office is wonderful!! Today I was in and out, without an appointment within 45 minutes with everything I needed done and extra copies made for my files. The office staff is friendly, very professional and super efficient. The security guards at the entrance could have been nicer, otherwise it was very comfortable. Over the past 20 plus years I have visited this office regularlly while assisting others in various capacities, and it has always been a good experience. A few times when it was crowded the wait time was up to an hour - but as soon as we got to the window, everything went efficiently and smoothly. The staff at this office really know what they're doing!! The best times to go without an appointment are afternoons (2:00-3:00) and later in the month. They close at 4:00 (M-F) right now Oct. 2022. read more

I being calling this office since 10am off and on, drop call fax tone till 2:38 pm (no answer) Very sad read more

No appointment needed...Forget the phone, so just show up in person and get the help you need. Arrive about 8-8:30 am, get in a short line, get through security, then get a ticket # at the Kiosk machine, then wait for your number to be called (1 hour max). The agents are helpful, but you need to come prepared with all your docs and paper work. If you applied for SS online and your application is getting processed at Richmond office, you can get most of your questions answered at your local office. I would recommend applying in person at your local office. It's much easier. It takes time to get corrections made to your online application, so save yourself and just apply in person or over the phone at the National phone number. I hope this helps. read more

long time waiting bad service waiting very long more then two hours no Answer people who 60 and older should not wait that long plus you have to wait 9 months to get an answer this not fair for people who served and work all his life to deserve this kind a service they should have a better management to serve who his life serving this country . read more

16 windows and only 2 being used which means, we'll be sitting in this hell hole til a representative is available. I hate this office so much. I dropped a CD off to this office 3/29. Today, 5/4 I received a call that they never received the disc. So here I am, at this hell hole office that's useless af! read more

This place never answers ! You're on hold For 20 min and the cal Drops every time !!!! read more

I received a letter from SSA telling me that I need to contact them at this office (with phone number and all) to resolve a specific issue. I've been on the phone three times now, each time for over an hour. I did get through once, the other times the phone simply dropped the connection after an hour. The person I got through to suggested that I could get an appointment, OR get a determination for my issue by letter within 7-10 working days, so naturally I chose the letter option. That was over a month and a half ago. No letter. Problem is: you need an appointment now to go in person, and I'm trying to make one. Today have been on the phone for an hour and a half. It's just ringing. I'm about to go in person and see if there's a way to make an appointment in person (they say there's not, but... we'll see). read more

Give you appointment right away to get a copy of your Social Security card must not be too crowded to serve you and what days are they open and time? read more

When you call them they keep you on hold for over 30 minutes while a message repeats "Thank you for waiting someone will be with you shortly" then after they keep you waiting 30 more minutes while the phone rings non stop and finally hanging up on you at around the hour. USELESS read more

Don't bother calling, they will not pick up. Visiting the office , expect to stand outside for an hour since they only let 12 people in at a time. Once inside, there will only be two people working so expect to wait another hour or more before you see anyone. (Only two windows open) I think I came during someone's lunch and they only had one window open. I'd try another office before coming to Richmond. It sucks. read more

Jen helped me make a phone appointment to sign up for Medicare. It was easier than waiting for hours on the phone. Great service. So appreciate that they are nearby. read more

I know, 5 stars. We have had nothing but excellent service at this office. We use to live far enough away from this office that their computer system wanted us to go to the Berkeley office. No way! This is my office on Garrity Way. Now we live close enough that it's not a question. The office is generally very clean. Parking lot is small, so be prepared to go searching for parking. The staff are very efficient, really on their game. I needed to change my last name after being recently married. The intake was quick and so was the interview. Very good service from very nice and knowledgeable government workers. read more

Okay people I don't know why so many bad reviews here! I have to say one thing! If you get up early enough, you'll be out of here in 15-20 minutes. I've been here twice for two different reasons. The two times I came I was there 45 minutes before they opened. I was the first one in line! The place does get busy pretty fast but if you get there super early you'll get out fast too! People inside were super nice and helpful. The two guards at the entry though were a bit too rude. That is why I didn't give them 5 stars.. They were not rude to me!!! However, I saw them being super rude to a few other people (including elders) and that wasn't cool. Yes they didn't heard well what they said and asked them to do BUT we are talking about older people so it wasn't cool they were so rude! Anyways if you go to this office, my biggest advises: 1. Be there early 2.Try not to get on the way of the officers at the entry. For some reason, they act like they are working for like the FBI or CIA lol but hey you need to get things done so what can you do. 3. Be respectful and pay attention to the instructions and you'll be fine and out of there in no time! read more

I have tried calling this office many many times. Sometimes after about 15 minutes on hold, the call disconnects. Other times, the hold music and the recording that repeats stop and there is silence on the phone, but the call stays connected for a very long time, then disconnects. I have tried to call about 100 times (no exaggeration) and got through to an actual person twice. There is also no way to leave a message. The first time I got through (weeks ago), the person I spoke with was no help at all and also said she did not believe me that we did not receive a letter from them asking for more information. I am sure we did not receive the letter. I receive emails telling what is coming in my mail, and I went back and rechecked; there was no letter from them showing up as having been in the mail. The second time I got through (today), the person who answered said, "I'm having trouble hearing you," and immediately hung up. When I call the national office, they tell me to call the local office. When I tell them nobody ever answers, they tell me to keep trying. I have an issue I need to resolve and am not sure what to do. There does not appear to be any way to contact them online. While I was writing this review, I was on hold with them again, as I have been for days, and the call just now disconnected as usual. read more

They don't help for shit. They will have you on the phone for an hour and hang up on you.

I received a letter 3 months ago from this office stating to call them back to resolve an issue. I haven't counted the times I've called, but it's in the hundreds. No matter what prompts I try with the phone system it drops my call every time, same thing every time. Yes, I've called from different phones also.It seems the phone system needs repaired. I've sent a certified R/R letter asking for someone to call me, and no response to date. I live in Wyoming and can't stop in to talk to someone. Other offices I have been able to talk to someone at said they can't help me with the subject of their letter, it has to be this office. Is there a local phone number I can call, or could someone please contact me? read more

This is not the place to go to during Covid. They are also BAD in phone calls. Go somewhere else like Vallejo. This location should be closed or at least hire people with GREAT customer service. read more

Hard to believe that I am giving a four star rating to a governmental agency, but SSA certainly deserves it! Since my father passed away a few weeks ago, I have been helping my stepmother wind her way through the myriad of items that need our attention - pension, insurance, medical insurance, social security payments and the like. The people are SSA were just about the easiest ones to deal with. When we called them to report his death, they already had a copy of the death certified (thank you, efficient funeral director) and proceeded to ask my stepmother a ton of questions. Fortunately for us, an eligibility counselor was available to process a claim and we were switched right over to the counselor. Again, we were asked a ton of questions, but it was a smooth and efficient process. At the end of the call they told us exactly what my stepmother would begin to receive in terms of payments and death benefits. We had to send in their marriage certificate and sign some papers, and it was done. She's already received the death benefit - 7 days after the call. This is proof that the system does occasionally work! Thanks, SSA! read more

The wait is forever for something so little. Brought my parents here for their interview and it was fast process just waiting to be called is bad. So today I called them to ask if I can changed my parents address. I had the lady on speaker since I was carrying stuff, and she goes "get me off the speaker, come on now!" Like I'm seriously just about to cuss her out for being so rude and disrespectful! Poor service. Highly recommend hiring someone more professional who greets and introduce their name on the phone. read more

Very unhelpful office. My wife and I submitted a name-change request after we got married. Mailed January 12, 2012, was received Jan 17th, 2012. April 5 I called as we had heard nothing. On the SS website, it says to expect a response in 3-6 weeks. April 5 put us at nearly 3 months! So I called. I first called the national phone line, where the rep told me that she had no record of a change being filed. She gave me the local phone number. After negotiating their automated answering service, I finally got through to a person. She also saw no record of the change in the computer. So she went to go ask around to her coworkers. Seriously? After being on hold for a few minutes, she told me she had found the form - we needed to include ID, not just the marriage certificate. I'll note that my wife would be without ID for 3-6 weeks if we had submitted it. Lesson learned: go in person to do your name change. She said she would mail us the marriage certificate back and that it would hopefully get to us within 10 days. 10 days? I soon realized after some more conversation that this particular employee didn't want to overpromise and risk under-delivering. I asked her how long it might take if we re-submit the paperwork by mail, and mentioned the 3-6 weeks figure stated on the SSA website. She just said, "Well, it's been nearly 3 months and you haven't even gotten a letter back about the first form you submitted ..." so I guess I can expect even slower service if they actually had to do something! Since then I decided to head in person to the office, I asked her how long we could expect to wait, if there are better days than others, and she would not give me any answers! Just "Every day is different, you can't tell what it's going to be like, you just have to come in." What a waste. I'm going to try another office because this one is lame! read more

I never had any issues there, every time in and out 15-20 mins and receptionist always helpful to me or maybe I'm just Lucky Yes one security guard was not that professional. read more

People stop complaining about the wait. This is a social security office not a fast food restaurant so if you're going to this place prepare to have at least 2 hours of free time. Anyway both social security guards are nice and know how to do their job properly. Again this is a federal building know exactly what you can bring in with you so you won't have any problems with the guards. read more

Well what can you say about government operated offices? They aren't the greatest but they aren't the worst. This particular office is pretty efficient (depending on which day and time you arrive) gets you helped in a decent manner. If you get here on a busy day , you will be for a couple of hours (unless you have an appointment), The staff aren't necessarily happy about their job, but there are some that will treat you nicely, smile and tell you to have a good rest of your day. The waiting room area itself is clean, organized and plenty of chairs to sit (unless its super packed), the bathrooms are also nice. Ladies, you will get asked by the security guard to get your bag checked and you will walk through a metal detector for any fire arms. The security here is generally pretty nice and always explain things to you if you don't understand and generally don't give people a hard time. Which is the last thing people need when they are in here. Times of operations could be better, but that will come with better funding. read more

It was surprisingly easy and didn't have to wait for a long time. Recently got married so I decided to fully embrace it and change my name! The staff were friendly and efficient. Make sure you have all of your documents on hand unlike me, who forgot to bring my passport since I felt that I didn't have to but for some reason, my citizenship status was never updated since I became a US citizen. I only live 5 minutes away so I went home and came right back and was in & out of there! They close at 4pm so as long as you make it in before, you're good. I never knew this was right next to the Marriott Courtyard hotel and it's funny because we stayed the night there the night of my wedding and seen this office right outside of the hotel window. Glad I didn't have to go far and wait hella long! read more

Coming to the SSA Office can already be stressful, and yes I understand the employees probably have a hard time with the people that come in, however they don't have to be so DAMN RUDE!!! I even talked to the manager or so called manager and she was an even bigger you know what they everybody else. Don't get me wrong there are some maybe like 2 lol employees there that are helpful. And another thing is that there are signs that say you can not be on your phones, but the security guards in the front be on their phones all day. What the hell!!! Aren't they suppose to be "guarding" the people instead of talking on your phone?!? And they are just as rude. I don't know maybe it is a job requirement to work here who knows. read more

This place is very slow and unorganized. I hope I never have to come here again. It's worse than DMV!! And I sit as people who came in after me get help! WTF!!! read more

I was here yesterday for my brother, waited about 15 minutes to get checked in! Then waited a whole other hour before having to leave!!! This was about Noon!!! I told him let's try again this time right when thry open up at 9AM tomorrow because I have to go to work! Again the next day it's a 2 hour wait! Ridiculous wait times! You guys need to hire more people! read more

I walked in and wasn't quite sure where to go or what to do. The security officers directed me to the check in machine & it was a pretty simply check in. My number was called up pretty fast & of course I was surprised. As I go up I'm greeted & am asked why I'm there, so I tell the clerk. Little did I know this was simply to get checked in!! I waited 1+ just to put in an application for a new social security card. As I'm finally called up the lady just stretches her hand out and doesn't even smile or says a single word. She ends up giving me my receipt and says bye. I waited 1+ hours just to get serviced for less than 10 minutes. read more

I was able to get in and out of this place within half an hour which was surprisingly fast for a place like this. My number was called within ten minutes of my arrival but was asked to sit back down to wait for another employee that can help me with my paperwork. That took another twenty minutes or so and that is also the reason why I only gave this place for stars. read more