Kern county do better. In LA I can walkin into a social security line and pay $25 for Birth certificate or social security card replacement without making an appointment. Here you need to make an appointment cause as walk inn there's not much they can help you with. I was turned away and was told to wait till my appointment that's not until MARCH. Waste of time , there were only 3 clerks working here, I know this is temporary and I'll be back in LA. read more

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

The inside of the building had at least 40 nice chairs that were empty. The "guard" let ONLY people with appointments in and if you were a walk-in you wait in a line outside. He said this is how the supervisor of that office wants it. So, when I went it was in the 40's and very cold. This was un-called for. What is the point of this to make elderly or sick people wait in the cold for hours? Even the DMV has more compassion. This is the only place I could make a complain easily. read more

I show up to this location and patiently wait TWO hours to get in past security (they make you wait outside with no seating) only to get a ticket and wait another 20 minutes. After that, they just decide to schedule me an appointment for another date at a different location?? Even though I already filled everything out online and it told me to go to this location. Absolutely ridiculous, and I'm super pregnant so that wasn't a fun wait. I find it disgusting to make people wait that long just to turn them around and make a different appointment after waiting over two hours when I came completely prepared. I could've called to schedule. Do better. read more

Ridiculous how we have to stand in line for over an hour just to get inside the social security office to then be told they have to schedule an appointment for us to get assistance! And it wasn't a capacity issue, because there was less than 10 people inside! I tried calling the office but hold times were 3hours long! They need to hire more people down there! read more

I arrived at the office in Bakersfield with my appointment early and I was out in 10 minutes. It was amazing!

Just came out there and the service was a -0/10. Guy helping us took an hour to call us for an appointment my mom had at 2:05 and was calling in at 2:49. After trying to help a rude lady told my mom she had the wrong information and mom proceeded to tell her to she had more in the car and she told her she couldn't hold the window and she had to get that and wait again. After coming back the window was closed and we stood there for 20 minutes looking at the closed window until the guy who had helped us reopened the window and told her to fix the information because it was wrong and they didn't have the time to help her. Worst experience ever and would never want to come back. read more

Very nice agent helped with my problem in 5 minutes! Call first thing in the morning, there is little wait!! read more

The only thing about the social security administration that i don't like is that they give you the wrong information and then blame you like it was your fault. During Pandemic i was working part time and since the office was closed i called the social security office to ask about sending in my paystubs they told me to hold on too them not to send them in and that i would not get into trouble well that was the wrong information because of that person i was charged 15k for a over payment i didn't see it as my fault but the social security did see it that way and now my income is 50 percent less i appealed it and they denied it and now i have to find a way each month to stretch my money out just to pay my bills and rent i can't buy groceries i eat off of what the food bank gives me which is rotted fruits and things that i have to throw away because it has mold on it. so when you talk to social security administration workers don't take their word like i did some of them don't have a real education and are just put there to ruin a person's life god forbid that someone tells them that they are responsiable. read more

I don't understand why they pick up the phone, mute it then hang up after 2 minutes. Every single time. After a week straight of calling I finally spoke with a nice woman on Friday who said I needed a judge signed document. Now I try to call to make an appointment since I have small children and don't want to have them crying all day in line but of course I just get muted and hung up on every single time. For 2 hours straight so far. read more

I have been trying to reach someone for theee days and have not been able to. I am on hold for no less then 3 hours and then I try to use the website with no help. Horrible gov entity. They say they want to help but at every chance they duck responsibility really disappoint read more

I came in yesterday morning to merge records from an old ssn to a new ssn that was issued to me. A lady employee that "helped" me didn't even bother to look up my account. Instead, she went on a tangent about how it is illegal to have 2 ssns and that I could be imprisoned etc etc "don't ever bring these documents again." In short, she did NOT help whatsoever. I went to the San Fernando office in LA today - in and out in 30 minutes. No fuss. Plus, the employee was super nice. If you look like an immigrant, I suggest you go to a SS office in LA. read more

Rude, condescending, awfully trained employees. You can go in with what the Social Security website tells you to bring in for identifying information and they will deny you. One employee will tell you you need x, y, & z. You bring all that in, the next employee says no that's wrong you need a, b, & c. We also experienced an employee posing as a supervisor. On the flip side, the security guards are great and understanding. read more

Before you enter the building you have to wait , then once you walk in the security guard checks your purse an ask if you have your ID an you check in . I heard nothing but horrible stories about this place, so I been avoiding going to this place, but I needed my social security card . The wait was only 20 mins , it was so quick, I was in an out!! An the customer service was awesome , The lady that help me was super nice an really really friendly. I don't know why there's so many bad reviews on this place . If you between 230- 3pm. it's not really busy. read more

Social Security - Parking lot - Public Services & Government Near Me - Bakersfield, California

They only answers to hang up the phone when they finally answer the phone they tell you to wait to hang up and if you manage to get them to answer because before then they will also answer you today I was dialing for 6 hours read more

I have hear nothing but horror stories about this place and I have to say, my two experiences here were great. I went in to have my name changed since I am newly married. I was let in by a nice security man, purse searched, checked in on the computer and received my number. Pretty painless so far.. I was sure I was going to have to wait for hours. I even told my work sorry if i am late back to work since I was attempting this on my 1 hr lunch break. (my lunch is from 1-2 pm) Called back in about 15 minutes. Had all my paperwork in order, a few questions and ID and I was out the door in 20 minutes. Maybe I lucked out and went at there slow time, nonetheless I was able to get stuff done and pick up lunch on the way back to my office. :) read more

Social Security - Plenty of windows - Public Services & Government Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Busy as hell. This office is in a decent area although industrial. You go in, grab a number and wait until you get called. Our agent was super nice. Bring a book or magazine, you never know how long you will be there. TIP - avoid coming on the 1st days of the month for faster service. Apparently there is another SSA office downtown but that this one on Office Park is a more pleasant one to wait at. (so I was told) read more

Had to hit up the Social Security office to get my last name changed. We arrived 1 hour and 10 minutes early which was perfect. We were 5th in line. Minutes after we arrived 20 people arrived after us. As long as you have all you paperwork together and you follow the very very strict rules you should have no issues getting through this place quickly. We were in and out in 30 minutes. BUT get there AT LEAST an hour early or prepare for HOURS of waiting. read more

Jackie at window 16 yesterday was professional and kind. Total experience from the security guard at the door and check in was great.

Yes I was there a long time but I had already factored that into my non scheduled visit. I walked in figuring my issue wouldn't be easily resolved. I was happily surprised that the supervisor that reviewed my Conservatorship documents was extremely helpful. I was able to resolve the issue quickly and had all my questions answered. My son has Down Syndrome and acting as his conservator is time consuming. I 100% recommend going to this office when online services or phone interviews can't get the job done. Thank you to the entire staff at the Social Security Office!! read more

Seriously, I understand that there needs to be some type of structure in this building given the sensitivity of peoples information and such but to Mr. Rent A Cop security officer, please get off the high horse you think you're on. Don't be so serious. LoL. Otherwise, line wasn't too bad around 1pm today, Tuesday. Got in and out within an hour. Name change complete. :) read more

Very long wait with out an appointment but that's how it is now a days. I think they should let u stand inside where the AC is but they make u stand outside in Bakersfield . Other then that everyone is nice I've been here about 3 times & every clerk was very nice & respectful. The security guard was really nice & helpful he looked like an old school cholo so I felt at home lol. read more

I totally understand that there are all kinds of experiences here, from folks that want zero stars to some who have satisfaction with this place. Our business here yesterday was simple and straightforward. A name change which requires an application for the SS card. I printed all the pages related to this from the online website. I had the form completely and accurately filled out, and all the "backup" documents in a folder in the order they are requested in the instructions. So we showed up at 8 15 with no appointment and were like number 26 and number 27 in line. The line must start forming very early. The door opened at nine, and I think two went in at a time from the non appointment side. The guard? Ha Ha, yes the all important GUARD, let us in me at 9 23 and my girl at 9 24. Was at window number four at 9 26. The lady was very courteous and efficient. Of course, we were too, being prepared helps! Walked out of there at 9 32 with our business taken care of. The guard, Ha Ha, yes the GUARD, thought we had forgotten something when we went to leave. But check this one out- the GUARD actually asked me to go check on a possibly homeless man out in the parking lot- suggested I could dial 911 if things went awry. WTF?? I work for an oilfield service company, not XYZ Security Service. Anyhow that is how my visit went. YMMV (your mileage may vary). And yes for some odd reason I DID go to see the man in the parking lot. He was looking up into one of the trees talking gibberish to the sparrows. No I did not call 911. An odd but fruitful visit. Edit. Got the SS card within six days. read more

So I got there 30 minutes before they opened with all the paperwork I needed filled out so I wouldn't have to wait long. There was already a line once I got there (which was expected), but anyways it took about 20 minutes till I got inside and then another 20 minutes to meet with someone. I was only there for a little over an hour but it wasn't bad and everyone was very helpful! I was in and out in no time and was very happy since I know you can definately be there for hours upon hours. read more

OMG you have to get There before 9 for the line. Wait forever for the appts to get done but make an appt. Same deal here just like the court nothing but what u need take everything you think u might need. Security is kinda tight no cell phones no talking in the lobby cause they will call your name but u can't hear sucks but it gets stuff done read more

The worse customer service I have ever been met with on the phone and in office! Where do I began ! It started on the phone I waited 58 minutes on the phone before I could talk to an employee ! I then asked her specifically what documents I would need to get another set of ssc cards she was very rude wouldn't give me her name then said I would need to take my son to the doctor to get paperwork stating he was actually alive and real with doctors signature on the bottom! So I did I had to hire a baby sitter to watch my two year old to take my son across town for this document check up! Most ridiculous thing I have ever had to do! We also emailed them requesting Soical security card info our sons cards and what we would need to have in order to get them since we misplaced them during our move into our new home! We just barely got an email from them today March 13th 2019 stating all the documents they would need to prove my kid is an actual human being and not made up! We emailed them two weeks ago! The email listed documents I could use including baptism documents I had those had she gave me all the info I needed over the phone instead of making me wait 58 minutes and two weeks this could have been prevented ! Our money and time was wasted ! Terrible customer service read more

Well I'm here again on a different issue. The security guard asked me why was I here.....that's none of his business!!! Freakin rent a cop. Then he asks if I have a gun, mace or pepper spray which of course I don't. Now I kid u not at least 100 other people have come in behind me and not a single person was asked if they had pepper spray etc etc. maybe if I didn't bathe today I would have better service read more

I understand this particular office doesn't make the rules of social security. I get that. The way they administer them is ridiculous though and I'm just blown away at my ongoing crappy experience here. Customer service is a complete and earned 0. I'm not even done dealing with them and I'm already rearing, red-faced, and ready to write a review. I went in yesterday needing a SS card for my three year old son. I need to officially add him onto my insurance (he's on temporarily for X amount of days until I can get his SS#) and these 3 days are my only days off till Christmas. I'm a teacher. We're overworked/underpaid/get no vacation time blah blah blah. I can't exactly get a sub so I can wait at social security all day. Its just not a thing. Anyways, I go in with my little folder of arranged files (I told you I'm a teacher) ready to get in and get out of this place as quickly as I could. After standing in a line (outside) for 30 minutes, I finally made it to a counter and handed my files over. The woman rudely informs me "this isn't enough." Ok...I guess I didn't study the social security manual up to her standards before arriving. I ask what else is needed for a THREE year old, and she takes a highlighter, highlights a stupid little fine print section on one of the forms, and says "if you read the forms it says right here." Oh! Thanks, mam. I'm just so brainless and didn't read, but luckily she pointed it out to me with her fancy highlighter. Mind you, these forms are geared for adults. The options for forms of identity range from California ID, military ID, insurance card WITH date of birth (my insurance card doesn't even freaking have my DOB), and everything else that a three year old child does not possess. I am confused at this point about how it's not being understood that this is for a child. I am his mother, birth certificate in hand with my name in black ink on it, my ID in my wallet...and that's not enough. Again, again...I get it. This office doesn't make the rules. But I'm completely speechless and agitated wondering how the hell I can prove identity for a three year old. Take him to the DMV to get him a provisional license? Have him join the military so he can have a VAAAALID form of identification? I have an insurance card for him, but the woman said "that doesn't have his birthday on it so it isn't valid." Shame on my insurance company for putting his full name, policy number, group number, and reference number, but not his birthday. How dare they! Don't they know that social security needs a BIRTHDATE printed on there?! It's not like there's another document to prove the day he was born, where he was born, his birth parents, and even the doctor who delivered him.............OH WAIT. So now, here I am. Waiting for a 30$ piece of "certified" paper *with* a letterhead from his pediatricians office (that not even they knew what was being asked of them and were extremely confused about why it had to be so serious) to prove this 3 year old's identity on my only days off with my son. The likelihood of me being able to spend any time this break free of stress and agitation is slim, thanks to social security and their lunacy. I can't wait to go back! Sooooo looking forward to it. read more