We got there at 11:30 AM. There were 100 people waiting outside in a line, in the rain. There were hundreds more inside. We left. Got lunch. Drove by.... same 100 people were outside 30 minutes later. read more

The experience was quite better than I had imagined. I was dreading a visit here. I put off going to a SSCC for years. The thought of standing in line for hours just makes me want to be an unaccounted person for life. I fantasize about evading taxes, and getting paid under the table. But alas, my parents made a rational decision and gave me a number that has me socially imprisoned. And now, since I lost the stupid card, I found myself here with all my fellow Queens residents. As soon as I enter the center, I knew chaos would ensue. At 10AM, this place looks like Chinatown on a Saturday morning. People everywhere, and spilling into every corner. The not-so-friendy lady security officer asks me brashly how she can help me. From the tone in her voice, it sounds more like how can she get rid of me....fast! I tell her I need a replacement card. She then shoves an application into my hand, and tells me militantly, "fill it out and get in line." So I look around, and see there is a small corner space on a table that I could use to fill out my application. I make a dash for it. Once I am done, I am ushered by another security officer into a line. Apparently, they are not calling numbers, but they are still asking you to get a number. I explain to the security officer that I don't understand the logic in it. He tells me it is for research reasons. OK, I don't make a fuss. The line is pretty long at this point, at least 50 people in front of me. At one point (I am getting close to the front of the line), I hear a SS agent yelling at a client. He actually startled me, and made me look up from a book. All I could hear was a woman apologizing about for not bringing her own green card. I have no idea why this woman would that. When you go to the SSCC, you bring every SINGLE document you have, including NRA registration card. Just kidding! But, I have to say, the line goes pretty fast. And although wasting a whole hour at the SSCC isn't my idea of a hopping time, nevertheless, I am free, free at last, thank God almighty, I am free at last (oh yea and my replacement card will come in 14 days)! FYI - This is the book I was reading. Heart wrenching and got me through the line. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120176695 Also, the movie Precious is adapted from the novel, and won the Oscar 2010 best screenwriter. The story is written in a ghetto patois. read more

That's right, I'm giving the Social Security Card Office 5 stars. I was DREADING coming here because I imagined millions of people spilling all over the place and rude government workers. I came in for a replacement SS card because I lost my original "in the move" and, of course, my new employer in NYC needed to see it. NOTE: Go right when they open and you'll zoom right through the process. I was in and out of this place in 5 minutes (that's what she said). They open at 7am, and I got there at 8:30a, and I was still the only person in line. The woman at the window was pretty abrasive, but she was quick and that's all I care about. Make sure to fill out/print the form online before you get there - it makes it even faster. I hope I never walk inside this building again, but I still loved it read more

It would be zero stars if I could. I got here at 8:45am--yes they start before 9am--and seen immediately. Unfortunately my planning which involved getting there early, staking out a good parking spot from 8am and getting a 2 hour parking meter ticket was for nothing. This Social Security office doesn't do much. When I told the clerk that I needed a SS card for child I adopted; he said "we don't do that here and when I said "y'all should really inform people of that, he responded that "it says so on the door." They should really tell folks when they google for Social Security office. Now I am stuck on a ridiculously long line in the heat in front of the real Social Security office on Jamaica Avenue. read more

As far as government offices go, this is one of the nicer and more efficient ones. The first thing you'll notice when you step into the front door is the intensive security checkpoint. I was so shocked that they're so much more thorough than the TSA: everyone must remove their watches, belts, jackets, and shoes (if you have any kind of metal on them) before walking through the metal detectors. I almost expected them to confiscate my water bottle. 0_0'' So you finally go up on the elevator to the second floor for Social Security Cards. Go into the room, make a right Show the lady at the ticket machine your completed application form Collect a numbered ticket Have a seat (there are plenty) and prepare your documents/application Wait for your number to be called on the loudspeakers On a Wednesday around 11am, there were around 8-10 window counters open (out of 21). The wait was just about 10-15 minutes at most. I think depending on what you're there for, you should be in and out of the SSA in less than an hour. The people who work there are pleasant enough. Of course, my motto when dealing with government bureaucracy is to be extra nice to people and most of the time they'll treat you the same in return. So, good luck! read more

After reading all the previous horror story reviews I planned to show up at 7AM for a replacement SS card. I arrived at 730AM and to my dismay there was a line of disgruntled people lined up outside. Were the Yelp myths true, I thought. I got on line and immediately a friendly guard asked me what I was there for. I said "SS card replacement". He said "Second floor. Go in." That was easy, I thought. I entered an empty TSA style security point. There were way too many guards there guarding nothing. It took me no more than 20 seconds to go through and one of the friendly old guards kept complementing me on my extra cellphone batteries. "Smart man! You won't have to plug in upstairs." Little did he know, I didn't even get a chance. I went upstairs passing MANY more guards who were guarding nothing and when I got into the big room, there weren't many people there. I swiftly grabbed a number and sat down. As I sat down a number was called and I was 6 numbers after it. Sounded too good to be true. Again, there were more guards than actual people in this place. I'd planned to watch TV, Netflix, podcasts, etc on my phone during this horrific long wait. I even had my laptop if I needed it but before I could get anything out my number was next to be called. They called my number and the man behind the glass was polite, swift, and attentive. We barely exchanged words. I took my receipt and was out of there way before 8AM. It was quicker than the DMV, the post office, Shake Shack, etc. Five stars here. read more

Seriously, who doesn't feel dreadful going there? Who doesn't procrastinate until you absolutely have to go? But thank god for Yelp, that I read the tips and decided to follow suit and go there at the crack of dawn. I got all my paperwork ready and arrived at 7:40am. There was no one in line. Zero! Zip. Zilch. Nada. It was so empty that I almost got disoriented. When I left the office at 8:00am, there were about 3 people in line for the, oh I'd say, 5 or so operating windows. Granted, the staff wasn't the most chit-chatty personable kind, but it was fine, whatever one would expect at a government office. The security guards were friendly, though. A tip for the E train: A drawback of going that early is that the train runs on local. It takes forever. And on the way back around 8 o'clock, guess what, it's rush hour! The train is packed, though it runs on express. Now it's your choice: either zipping through no lines at the office with slow and packed train, or hours in line but a quick and easy subway ride. You decide. I can't say "I'm a fan of the Social Security office," but I think "as good as it gets" is definitely more appropriate. Phew. Done. Now moving on. read more

Came here to get a replacement SS card. First - go online, fill out the PDF form, print it, and bring it with you. Second - remember to bring the ID they request. Third - wear comfortable shoes, because you'll be standing in line for a long time. I didn't have a problem with the staff at all. One of the other things you need to remember is that you have to enter on Jamaica Street, not on 149th, like I did. read more

Had to help a family member apply for a new social security card and was directed here instead of the closer field office. As expected, the wait was just horrible! I put this office in the category of "survival of the fittest, who can stand in line for 2+ hours" for government offices. It is SO unnecesary because why can't they just have people pull numbers, and let them sit for the two hours until their names are called? Instead, you have poor shmucks standing for hours on end, moving 2 inches every 10 minutes or so ... Advice: bring someone else with you (I dunno, trick them?) and take turns waiting in line. Funny enough, once we got to the window, it took all of 3 minutes for her to accept the application. GAH! Two stars for: bathrooms available (but NOT if you are waiting in line!), and seats available (but NOT if ... you guessed it people ... waiting in line!) ... read more

As the other yelp reviews state it is best if you are coming here for a name change that you go straight to the 2nd floor. Do not wait on the line outside. So we got to this office at 745 and I am here writing this review at 923 still in this office. We were sitting down and were ore registered rather quick. However, while waiting we began to notice almost every person before us, and many new people who arrived after us were being attended to and gone. An hour later. A security guard came up to is and said go to window 23 and check in the status of your ticket number. When I get to the window the women behind the glass tells me that our number was called. Really, I doubt it. They have me a new number and I was called to another window within 2 minutes. After another pre-registration, we waited another 5 minutes and were called to another window 12A. After about 3-5 minutes of standing at the window, the representative tells me to have a seat and she was being called away from her desk. Every window shut down and we waited 30 mins. It's now 9:29 and they just returned calling us back to the window. Let's see what happens. Terrible management in this place. Good luck if you have to come here. read more

Even giving 1 star was too much. Called the office in jamaica queens. spoke to a Mrs. Richie who was so rude and ignorant and very racist towards white people. I could not believe the way she was talking to my husband. He called with an issue and her exact words were " I CAN HELP YOU, BUT I'M NOT. He asked her to speak with a manager. She said hold on, then came back and said one wasn't available. Only to find out a few hours later when our local SSA office called up there. MRS. Richie was in fact a manager. It was one lie after the other. horrible experience!!! read more

I got there around 9:15am. It seems like a nice place and very security from outside. After security process, take off everything is metal, scan, take off shoes( I have no idea why somebody has to take off somebody hasn't) and wait on long line to get in. I went to second floor for new social security card. I have my passport(old name before married) my work permit and my green card(new name after married) It should be enough because I already check on website they don't need anything else. But the old lady ( window 22, time 9.30am, 08/25/2014) said she need to see my married certificate too. Even i have green card( that is already proof from government) but she didn't believe it, that make she look so smart so much power even I'm not sure does she has education or not? She said NO! and I have to go back. So it was wast my time for nothing!!! Anyway I went to another office in Manhattan. They let me it very respectful, long line but very fast. I gave the clerk same thing of i gave the old lady in Jamaica office. He don't need to see my married certificate. He just check on the computer and he saw all of my document why my last name it different. I prefer Social Security card Center in Manhattan better. read more

I just got home and I promise to safeguard my social security card forever and ever so I don't have to go back to that dreaded place again. Watch the movie Beetlejuice and you'll know what I'm talking about. My total wait time was 5 1/2 hours because I had to visit 2 different floors, but IF YOURE GOING FOR A NAME CHANGE, A NEW CARD OR A REPLACEMENT CARD, DO NOT WAIT ON THE OUTSIDE LINE. GO STRAIGHT INSIDE. KUDOS TO THE OTHER YELPERS WHO GAVE THIS TIP. I LITERALLY SAVED A GOOD 2 HOURS +. The two stars are for the way the place is set up. It is absolutely senseless. I'd give 4.5 stars to the persons who helped me. Blame the half a star on the lady who spoke to me as if I was some sort of an idiot. The rest of the staff was nice, personable and helpful. *if you ever call the 800 number, please know, you'll get 4 different answers from 4 different agents and none are right. Good luck with that. read more

This place is horrible they take long to answer the phone. And when they answer the phone they act as though they are not supposed to help you. The worst place to get things done I wish I lived in Long Island! When you send in the documents they ask for they act as though they have never received it although I got a receiving receipt right after they got it. They are the worst! A bunch of liars! And they like to make up excuses for the work they dont do and look for another lie to tell you I would love to get hired here make good money and do nothing all day!! read more

Moved to Queens recently and had to switch over my state driver's license. Low and behold, one of the reqs is that I need to show my SS card which I haven't pulled out in years. It's lost in the abyss so had to make the trek out to the SS office. Unfortunately Jamaica was my only option for card services. Even if you go before it opens, there's already a line forming. Then when they start letting folks in, it feels like you're going through airport security. Some ppl even had to remove their shoes?!?! Besides the painful wait (got there at 7am and left about 930a it was a easy application and interview process. When it was over, I was told I would receive my replacement card within 2 weeks. It actually arrived earlier but my experience gave me the sense that I need to safeguard my SS card with my life so I never have to go through that ordeal again. read more

Freaking moronic security don't even know how to do their own jobs. Came for a name change, read all the reviews, called the office to confirm. They all said tell security I'm only needing a name change and go to second floor, no crazy outside line. Finally get here and pay for parking and he says I have to wait I a four hour line behind everyone applying for benefits etc when I only need to drop off one form. Learn to do your fucking job ass hat. Save yourself and just go to Manhattan. read more

A piece of advice for people deciding to go to this office: DON'T. Skip this office and just go straight to the one in Fulton instead! I won't bother to explain why since almost everyone here has already said the same negative thoughts that I have. After 3 hours of waiting in Jamaica, I decided to just leave and go to the Fulton SS office instead. Got there around 1:30, took a ticket and even before I got a chance to sit down my number was already called. Best decision ever! read more

Miss James at window 18, thank you SINCERELY for being so sweet! I was stupid enough to not fill out my application and she waited on me. I usually dread an office like this because of the clerks with nasty attitudes. read more

I came here at 7:30AM. There was no street parking nearby so it's better if someone drops you off or you take the bus/train. When I got there, there was a line out the door. But I read the yelp reviews beforehand, and told the security guard I came for a name change. He said that I should head to the 2nd FL and let me in the door. I went through security and went up the 2nd floor. At the 2nd fl, I waited in line for 20 minutes before given a number. When my name was called 15 minutes later, the process took only 5-10minutes and I was out. I left the office around 8:30AM. If you go early, you still have time to make it to work. When I left, I saw a really really long line in the security so better to go early!! read more

Horrible. I am convinced they tell you the wait is wayyy longer than it is just to keep the already overcrowding down a bit. This place is hit or miss but with alot more misses than hits. I came here once at the end of the day on friday and maybe waited 30min. I am thinking this is because they scared off everyone earlier by telling them the wait is ALOT longer than it actually is. Becuase, I came here at 2:30 last friday and they told me its a 3 hour wait! Which would put me at 5:30 and if they dont get to me, then I am sent home until Monday. (Meanwhile they told someone else 2 hour wait). I decided to not take the chance of wasting my Friday to possibly not even be seen. And it turned out I did the right thing because I went to the SS office in the city and it took me 40min including round trip travel time from Penn station to William Street with a pleasant bunch of workers. read more

I went in the morning to fix my name on the S.C. card, and waited in line for 20 minutes. Once I went inside--I typed my social in the kiosk, grabbed a number, and I was called 5 minutes later, and out in another 10 minutes. My experience was pleasant... read more

Not as unpleasant as I thought it would be. Came yesterday afternoon with the line down the block just to get in the building. The guard yesterday was nice enough to suggest coming back in the morning when they open, so that's what we did. The location opens at 7am, and we got there at 6:45 with about 20 people already ahead of us. After wo airing outdoors with a less pleasant guard, we waited in a snaked line inside for security. That took a while and the guards were not very nice to the crowd. They would talk to the crowd with he demeaning tone, but then turn and joke with their colleagues. Inside the social security office the representatives were very nice and polite. There's A/C in there, which made the wait much more pleasant. We waited about 20 minutes inside the office and were in and out. The wait outdoors and downstairs at security was much longer. Pro to getting there when they open: Free street parking before 9AM. read more

Came here Wed morning before Thanksgiving at 8:15am to get my name changed. 15 minutes to go through security, 2 minutes to get a ticket, and 10 minutes to see someone at counter. In and out in 30 minutes and had the nicest, most courteous person at the window, Mr Wu. Very pleased with the easy and seamless process. For marriage name change bring your application form, passport, birth certificate and marriage license! read more

THE SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE THAT WAS ONCE AT 67-10 MYRTLE IS CLOSED PEOPLE. It's been closed for the past 3 years. Why the people at the Social Securty office not inform anyone, I haven't a clue. It was wrong for those IDIOTS not to infrom these poor people that come from far away and take bus after bus to get here only to be told from the workers that work at the GLENDALE MORTGAGE CENTER ((which by the way is coincidentally located at 67-10 MYRTLE AVENUE)) that the Social Security office is no longer there but moved to 63-44 Austin Street. Just some FYI for you. read more

This Social Security office is not in the best or safest parts of Queens. I figured if I get severely beaten up on my way there, I'll at least be in the right place to apply for disability. The security guards here are total jerks. Rudeness power trip maximus. When you enter you have to go through airport style security. But it's pretending to be more strict than the airport. The guards made some joke about me having illegal objects in my bag. Then you get to the area where all the clerks are, if you step over the line on the floor even by an inch, the guards will yell at you like you had just crossed the border from North Korea to South Korea. The lady clerk I spoke to was somewhat helpful, but it took me a while to decipher what she was saying through a very strong accent (no not a Queens or Long Island accent). read more

I went on a Wednesday at 10am with my daughters to have their last name changed on their SS cards. We waited about 5 minutes outside then about 10 minutes inside before went through the metal detector. If you wear jewelries, belt and any metal parts on your shoes, they will have to be removed. Don't carry too many change. Everything has to be emptied out from your pockets. That will delay for others. Make sure you print your application online and filled out before going there to avoid the wait at the information window once you go to the 2nd floor. My daughters and I waited about 15 minutes before the lady at the window 11 called us to check that we have all the required documents. Then we waited about half hour before Mr. Watson called us to process our applications. Mr. Watson was very thorough, courteous and well-mannered. It was a pleasure to have him taking care of us. It took us about an hour from the time we got there till the time we left. I think it's pretty reasonable for a busy government agency. My daughters received their SS cards exactly a week later. So...make sure you print out your application online, filled out and bring all necessary documents before going there. Don't wear too many jewelries, change or any metal related items to avoid unnecessary wait time. Parking is bad there. Take public transportation if you can. There's a bus q30 stops right in front of the building if you take that. read more

Came on a Monday to get a detailed earnings report, the look of the line can be deceiving, I say I was waiting for 15-20 minutes outside, once inside get ready for the medal detector please take the Change out your pockets please it will make yours and everyone else's day go faster. Get on the elevator and get ready for a wait. The people there were polite to me, I have zero complaints. GET THERE EARLY read more

Social Security - Line wrapping around just to get to the medal detector. - Public Services & Government Near Me - Jamaica, New York

Seems to be run efficiently and kept clean. A/C could be much cooler, it was hot in there on 70° day, so imagine on a hot day. The entrance requires an airport level security check with xray and removing garments, shoes, belts, hats, emptying pocket, etc. The works. Here on a random Thursday and the line was moving about one person every 3-5 minutes at the slowest point and about every minute when moving quicker. Keep your cool and people watch! About an hour total time spent here. Better to park in a lot because muni meters are one hour max and u may need to run out before you're called. read more

Social Security - Waiting area. - Public Services & Government Near Me - Jamaica, New York

If you can avoid this location, avoid it, It seem that no matter what time you get here, you will have to wait! I am not sure if anything changed, I was there early in 2015, and I am glad I didn't need to come here again. I don't know what time the people here get to the place, but I arrived at 7:00, and there were more than 20 people ahead of me in line. Maybe you should aim for 6:30 if you are planning to get here. It took me 3 hours to complete the process for which I arrived, and I can say that my problem was solved. But I missed an important appointment I had planned that day at 11, since I assumed that if I arrive at 7, I will be out by 9. read more

i don't even know where to start. I live in Staten island, i work in Jamaica, so i decided to just come to this location and go to work after. Outside waiting from 7:10. Their office suppose to open at 7, but they don't let nobody in until like 8:20. security guard pull random groups out and let them go in first, which i don't get it..why. Security ask what i need and i said all i need is a detailed earning statement for NYPD. He responded oh that's quick and easy,you do know it will cost you 115 right?..he laughed and just walked away. YES, I FUCKING know, i did my dam research and you know it's quick then why you be pulling random group out of the line. I starts work at 9, i end up waiting till 8:48 and i just have to leave. If the office don't open till 8:30 then don't write that. read more

Not as bad as expected. Came here twice back to back. The first day I arrived at 3:30(the doors close at 4PM and the SS office on the second floor office throws everyone out at 5:15 if your ticket number hasn't been called. The make guards are rude but helpful if you don't do anything stupid but rude for the most part. The female guards are more helpful and laid back I mean what's the worst that can happen here? Security to enter the building is tight(you have to take your shoes off) and there's a thick glass separating visitors from the SS card workers. If you come at the right time and not forget things like me you'll be in and out in 30 minutes. YOU NEED ID to enter the building. read more

Social Security - Public Services & Government Near Me - Jamaica, New York

I was there this morning for a name change and was the first number served. There was maybe 15 people ahead of me on the line outside but for different services. If you have your application filled out you will be one of the first numbers. The lady at window 19 today was polite. She didn't talk much just took care of my business and done in like 15 minutes tops maybe. However I was with my husband and mom on that day and the ladies who took care of them were very rude and you can tell they hate their job. read more

Went to 2nd Floor. Arrived on a Monday at 105pm for the line outside to get through security (airport style. Security took 15 minutes, took another 45 to get a ticket, get to the window (counter 7 was very helpful) and process my request. Check the website and make sure you have the needed documents. Literally took 1 hour start to finish. read more

After finding trade line for $37,677.00 from SSA/office. I did find a site in Jamaica Queens, NY that is office of financial policy. The location on the Equifax credit report was incorrect from the real location that was handling this. I contacted the office in Jamaica Queens and was told that they handled the overpayments and have applied it to my credit report. I sent a validation letter to this office and have waited for the return receipt and as of 8/26/2013 I have not received this receipt. I will give them 30 days to send debt validation or will file a suit against this credit report agency and SSA office in NC, AL, and NY. I received a call from Tom Ferraro in regards to the trade line on my Equifax credit report. He was calling me from the Jamaica office in NY. He stated that he would remove the trade line within 30 days however the listing may appear on the credit reports later on. I advised that the amount on the statement was incorrect and I would file a suit if it appears on the credit report. I received a letter on 8.28.2013 from the Jamaica NY office. I had sent a debt validation letter certified mail with a returned receipt. What I received was an envelope from Jamaica NY with the letter I had sent and the return receipt not signed. I will be resending this letter to get the signature. read more

The lady in this office window 20 was extremely rude. I asked if she could print me out a temporary I.D. card and she said no. But I found out it can be done. read more

A Canadian walks into a social security office... Excuse me I mean a Legal Working Alien walks into a social security office... After a nice 2 hour and 36 minute wait this Alien realized she should have showed up first thing in the morning. "I hope the one person who I can't understand calling numbers doesn't call my name", the Alien said to her self. The number that matches the overly played with and rubbed ticket is called and with more documentation then is needed she jumps to her feet and skips over to window 11. "yes, I understand" is uttered more times than she can count. "Caucasian" Blank stare from the man behind the window. "I'm white" "Caucasian isn't an option" the man says expressionlessly. A few questions here, a few confused looks there, an all seemed to be good. And the legal Alien walked out feeling pretty good as the sun was starting to set her new social security card would be arriving soon and that is a good thing, or at least a good thing for Aliens. read more

Ridiculous customer service and all I have to say is the security guards are very grumpy . They don't know how to talk to anyone and when people kindly ask for help they talk at people not too people read more

I needed a name change on my Social Security card, and to make sure I left the office to get to work on time I was there before 6am. To replace or apply for a Social Security card doors open at 7AM; if you are going for benefits, etc. doors open at 8:15, but you should still get there early because the line gets long. I was out of the office at 7:25AM. Everything was super fast, the workers there were nice, but the security guards inside were loud. Definitely recommend this office. read more

I was skeptical as I read the reviews here on how efficient it was to come here and get your social security business done but now I am a believer. They open at 7am and I got dropped off here right before 8am. You have to go through security and there was this guy who was making a big fuss about taking off his belt since he kept saying that he knew it wasn't going to set off the alarm. I went through security really quickly so I wouldn't have to deal with this agitated man on the elevator. One level up, down a few hallways, had my form filled out electronically and ready to go. Heard #37 called and looked down at my number (#38) and I was next. The whole process took at most 20 minutes or so. It was fast and easy as long as you had all your documentation with you. Of course the agitated man made another fuss about not accepting his birth certificate but there were enough guards around to feel safe. New card to come in the mail in 2 weeks. To make this as painless as possible, find the forms online, fill out electronically, print, bring all necessary documents with you and arrive early. All the guards and staff personnel were very friendly and helpful. It is not in the greatest neighborhood, a bit sketch, but once you're in the building, it's safe. read more

I had to obtain a social security card here, having somehow gone through 27 years of my life never having had one. I printed out my application online, had it ready along with my original birth certificate, passport, and drivers license, and was in line by about 7:40 a.m. behind 5 other people. I was out by 8:00 am, having been helped by a very friendly and efficient lady who actually said things like, "Hello," and "Have a nice day," and even joked around with me! Like Tina C. below, I was fearing that this would be a dmv-like horror show, but it was nothing of the sort. The only slight complaint is that there was no parking available immediately around the building; everything is reserved for official vehicles. I parked on one of the side streets near the park at a meter. My card came in the mail about 5 or 6 days later, as promised. As good as it gets for a government-run office! read more