I was honestly very surprised by how smooth and easy my experience was at the Social Security office. They only allowed people with appointments inside, and if you didn't have one, they simply had you take a photo of their phone number to schedule an appointment. We arrived at 8:50 a.m., received our ticket at 8:54 a.m., were called to the window by 8:58 a.m., and were completely finished by 9:15 a.m. The appointment felt a little rushed only because the representative had another appointment right at 9:15, but everything we needed was still taken care of. I went in expecting to lose my entire day and wait for hours, but it turned out to be a really efficient and positive experience. read more

Dear Office, I'm happy to help you fill your day with actual work. For anyone who needs it, their actual phone number is 888-306-9878. The short "security guard" is a complete jerk, clearly enjoying the tiny bit of power his "uniform" gives him. He seems to wake up excited only to talk down to people in a condescending way, likely with nothing more than a high school diploma to his name. He gives out the number 800-772-1213 just to brush people off, even though the actual office number is 888-306-9878. When you call the 800 number, and wait 2-3 hours, they tell you that you can schedule an appointment at the office. What a joke. The real issue isn't that an appointment is required. It's the rude attitude and the misleading or nonexistent information. On top of that, taxpayers fund this facility, which in practice seems to mean employees finding excuses to do nothing, taking two-hour lunches, and avoiding actual work. The place is literally empty, yet they still refuse to help or even giving a proper information. And no, this is not a statewide issue. It's specific to this office. I drove 15 minutes to another location where the staff were polite and allowed people to come in and ask questions even though the office was not empty like this "hangout facility". read more

First time here! The people were very nice and friendly, and they helped me out, which was super helpful of them. I had such an amazing experience today. read more

Social Security - Public Services & Government Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

I followed the instructions given to me over the phone this morning and headed into the office to do my task at the kiosk. I was met by a very rude security guard who would not let me approach the kiosk and demanded to know the reason for my visit. I tried to explain that I was directed to do my business at the kiosk, and he replied that that was not going to happen and that I needed to take a seat. He would not let me explain that I have already received my instructions with an agent on the phone. When I tried to explain, he kept cutting me off and demanding that I follow his instructions and take a seat to wait for a person to talk to. I tried to explain that I did not need an appointment and he argued with me that I certainly did need an appointment. It was beyond frustrating. I said I would prefer to wait outside until it was my turn and he said to me that no, you will not you will do exactly what I tell you to do. You will sit right there! I was actually afraid and started shaking. I sat down where I was told to sit and waited my turn. When I got to my appointment counselor, I was told that I needed to make an appointment to have my question answered, even though I had the information needed in my hand. It made no sense. To hear one thing over the phone and then get a completely different set of instructions in person was very frustrating. I'm glad my "appointment" in 2 weeks is via phone and not in person because I never want to deal with that security guard again. read more

Great experience at this office, especially considering the bad rep government offices get. Booked an appointment online and arrived as scheduled. I checked in online and was provided a number, and was asked to wait in the lobby until my number was called. Note that there is a security officer who validates you have an appointment before being let in, so the lobby was a lot less crowded than I would have expected. There are two large TVs where it shows the current numbers being called in case you didn't hear it. I waited about 20 minutes from my check in time to be serviced and I got what I needed done within 5 minutes of that. I would definitely return here over other social security offices going forward. read more

Social Security - Public Services & Government Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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I had to go to this social security office last Friday for a direct deposit issue for my monthly check. I felt that it ended up being easy and not time consuming. The guard at door was professional and informative and system was orderly. The agent was efficient and responsive. The agent handled my issue quickly and was I probably in the office all of 15 minutes but total time about 35 minutes. I was prepared. One needs to be prepared for their issue and that it will be handled quickly. Thank you read more

I would always recommend an appointment BUT in my case I wasn't able to do this (computer issues). The guard at door was firm but KIND. Since i brought my 93 year old mother and just needed her 1099 form, he helped me. He ran a tight ship but was very human and humorous. Our request was handled quickly. I do appreciate the people that work there. read more

The horror. I was informed that I needed to go to the local Social Security Administration office to take care of a discrepancy with my name spelling on various forms. I got in a mindset to expect crowds and waiting similar to going to the DMV...and I wasn't wrong. It's good to get your mental state prepared before you go; be ready for a long wait. I went toward the end of the month, on a Tuesday, a little after they opened, arriving at 9:15am. The parking lot is ridiculously small so just park on the street but be aware of the multitude of "no parking" signs which limit the areas available. Luckily there was no line out the door as some of the photos here on Yelp show. I walked inside and checked in at one of the kiosks which then printed out a number for me. You can look at a wall monitor to see what numbers are being served, when your number is called, and what window to go to. I had no problem finding a seat although I'd say it was 80% full. I sat for nearly three hours before my number was called. Once at the window my issue was taken care of quickly (5 minutes) in a no-nonsense fashion. She was not interested in small talk; just the facts. She was all about getting the issue taken care of and moving on to the next customer. After witnessing all the wingnuts in the waiting area, I appreciated how difficult her daily job must be and how frustrating it must often be...and told her so...which garnered a smile. My work was done here. read more

Social Security - Public Services & Government Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Social Security Staff is great they always do their best! Helpful with any questions and concerns. read more

HAPPY CAMPER!! Who Yelps a Government Office - right!??? Well me for one I guess...as a new participant in the Alphabet Soup of Social Security, Medicare, and all its confusing letters (Parts A & B, as well as Parts G and D, and the whole IMMA thing), it is SO very helpful to be able to make an appointment and deal with helpful staff at this location. Parking is limited, there will most definitely be a wait - and the interior Ambience is decidedly utilitarian (so bring a book), but the service is nothing short of exceptional. Highly recommended this place as an alternative to an experience akin to trying to independently fight your way out of an underwater burlap bag.... I highly recommend windows 4 & 5, as well as their exceptionally maintained drinking fountain and restrooms. read more

Managing elderly accounts is difficult. Senior can't wait on hold for 30 minutes, they get confused and can't hear. They require representative to make calls for them. After holding for 30 minutes finally got to speak to someone. When I said I was going to conference in the senior that needed to be on the phone, she said - you can call back when the person is on the phone. She didn't give me a second to reply that I was going to conference her in. She just hung up... Now the wait time is an hour. Can't make an appointment. our gov't agencies need to hire better representative!. read more

Friendly People Fast Service Convenient to my location Nice US Government Offices read more

I'd give it zero stars if I could. My 85-year-old mom called the office to try to get more information about why her payments were being dropped from almost $1000 a month to $32 a month. The representative on the phone was extremely rude and at first did not even believe that it was my mom calling, though all of the security questions were answered correctly. My mom asked the representative to explain the reason why these payments were being so drastically reduced and the representative said that the only thing she could do was schedule my mom for an in person meeting at the office. My mom is a double leg amputee and on an oxygen machine, so it's not easy to get her out of the house without help of full medical transport and a nurse. When she explained the situation to the representative, the representative insisted on making an in person appointment, or, as the representative stated, she would terminate the call otherwise. I'm not sure what disabled people are supposed to do in a situation like this. Hopefully DOGE will eliminate their jobs. read more

An Appointment is necessary... if you can avoid Monday. I had an efficient clerk that assisted with my case.

Totally surprised at the exceptional service I received in a telephone interaction with this Social Security office. I phoned to clarify my eligibility for a payment adjustment and Ms. Hernandez was the agent who handled my call. Ms Hernandez was polite and professional and did an excellent job of evaluating my records and competently explaining how my monthly payments were established. She showed a genuine interest in resolving the issue correctly and to my satisfaction throughout the call. Outstanding service! read more

When I arrived, there was no security guard at the entrance, everyone was able to walk right into the building. I found a check-in flyer taped to a column on the right and scanned the QR code to easily get a ticket number. This was a very crowded office (almost no availabile seats) on a Friday afternoon, mid-month. Parking was also limited, as the back lot is for employees, but I lucked into a spot right out front. Many people were parked on the street. I sat down around 2:45 and was called back at 4:17. Heads-up, numbers don't always get called in order (that was annoying a lot of people in the waiting room). This is not even my local SSA office but I filled out an online application and it somehow got assigned a Mission Viejo code. The Fountain Valley office was much smaller, more welcoming, and less crowded when I visited them first (before knowing of the glitch that got my application stuck at this Mission Viejo office). If this IS your local office, definitely try to book an appointment because being a walk-in here isn't the move. Bring a snack, a water bottle, and a book if you try it. Oh and be careful, they close at 4:00. But shut the locked doors almost 5 minutes early. I do really like how I received a text with my ticket number and another text telling me "It's almost your turn. Make sure you are present in the office and ready to be seen." Once I got to a representative window, it was super fast (like done in 5 minutes). The woman helping me was nice and seemed surprised that I got sent to this office because the other one should have deleted my application and started a new one. Hopefully you don't end up in a similar glitch, but if you do, maybe request that they do that?! I'm just happy it's taken care of now. -1 star for the 90 minute wait time. SSA should allow booking online for appointments, instead of needing to call an office. read more

Super ticked at service. Came here to change my last name, went home for a document. Came back, got a new number, immediately got called and was told to sit back down because they had to serve people that arrived after us? Waiting for another window who hadn't helped us at all and is currently on lunch. read more

Social Security office Security card Mr. Arroyo at entrance was verbally abusive and unpleasant person. I've made a formal complaint. Worst security guard encounter in my entire 40yrs of visiting a Social Security office. He needs further training!! read more

Social Security - Public Services & Government Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

I I am going to miss you all and thank you for all your kind words over the years . I've tried to do my best job to help everyone I could the past 6 years I Worked for Social Security. I counted through these reviews to reminisce because I just got let got for being a disabled Veteran basically. Was told I'd be given a 12 month Severance plus some other perks so I decided to take it because I have a couple surgeries I needed to get taken care of anyways and then cancelled that last minute so they beat and switched us on the hole early retirement or severance pay. My whole experience has been terrible with this place. I'm just glad I got to meet some really cool people, but I dealt with such extreme harassment and abuse at that office in Mission Viejo. And I spent most of 06' 07' and 08' in the Middle East I felt less supported for success and less comfortable at SSA I could write you a book, but here's some highlights . I had a Supervisor come to my hospital room uninvited, right as I was getting an infected catheter changed because she thought I was faking having pneumonia (lung disease). So of course I tell the district manager who just goes straight to her and tells her. Then my life immediately becomes 100 times worse but I just had a baby and I had no money so I had to keep the job, especially after I had already applied to 50 different places, not even getting a callback. So I kept track of everything that she did over 2 1/2 years until one day she basically just called me a pussy of her being sick all the time and that I was probably just lying about everything anyways. They find out she's been harassing half of the office and they've all been telling the district manager and just decided to foster a hostile work environment I guess because he was the only person that knew she was harassing that many people. The worst part is I brought that anger home with me and couldn't fully enjoy my newborn daughter and I am going to have to regret that forever. I don't even have a single regret from over 300 Combat missions and 6 years active duty one of them in a wheelchair. Working for SSA was worse and getting let go with your severance taken back and my surgeries and treatments at the VA being cancelled until further notice. Yeah man, thanks for that comment. like my manager coming to my hospital room or house thinking I'm faking being sick. Had to journal and endure it for 2 years because the DM went straight to the harasser and told her I had complained she came into my hospital room. And now I get the option to either somehow drive to LA telephone center every day with no parking as a disabled veteran who broke his spine and hip and a bunch other things. Even though I just left the office that I live five minutes away from because my burn pit lungs can't handle being around lots of people. It took a long time, but I finally got the job of working for a call center doing the same exact thing I was in Mission Viejo for Social Security so I could work from home. And that buyout that they were talking about they canceled that last minute. I'm sorry I won't be there to help anybody anymore but if you need any kind of paperwork or claim help or anything, don't waste your money on those people that charge you a ridiculous amount they spend less than two hours on your entire claim and get 25% of your back pay. I'll help you just because it's the right thing I do if I have the time. read more

Setting an appointment during a weekday morning is the way to go! I've never been in and out of a SS as quick as I did today. I went in for a name change and had set an appointment. I will say make sure you try to schedule a month in advance if you can. Appointments fill up! Once I was in the lobby I only waited 10 minutes at most to be called. It took about 5 minutes and then I was done! There was also no line out. So maybe that happens during busier times of the day. read more

The system has vastly improved since the pandemic !! You can now pre fill the form online, then actually go inside & speak face to face with an employee - no masks required. I was dreading coming back since my last experience here was just about as bad as the dmv. If you're coming here to do a simple change such as a last name change - just fill out the form at home & show up with the required documents. I guarantee you'll spend more time waiting than completing the actual task. I spent maybe an hour here - this was on a thursday afternoon so be prepared to wait a little since they close early at 4. read more

Hello, My employment ended in August, and I have been quite concerned about my financial situation. I visited the SSA office in Mission Viejo last year and received excellent customer service. However, I spoke with a gentleman named Lance this morning. After losing my husband to cancer, I found myself confused and anxious about the nuances of my account compared to the survivor account. Lance was kind, considerate, and respectful. He was very patient and understanding, helping me navigate the differences between the accounts. Not only did he provide exceptional customer service, but he was also extremely knowledgeable and communicated effectively. This was an exceptionally positive experience with SSA. There are great employees who are knowledgeable and have empathy in working with the public. I highly recommend this SSA office. read more

Got to the office and as we walked in , we were asked if we had an appt ? No we don't. Well as of ? There are no walk ins only by appt. So to get an appt you call the 800 number. No where online to make appt. So called the 800 number and was on hold for close to 3 1/2 hours. That is crazy wait time but needed an appt asap. read more

I've been standing outside for over an hour waiting on a supervisor to address an issue that has left my children and I homeless, due the "appointment only new rules this place has been pure chaos and rage. A rent a cop standing outside the social security in Mission Veijo office turns everyone away including local resident so informed they can not stand or walk.Like myself many have been told by SocialSecurity workers over the phone to show up and use their name to gain emergency access for a review "dire need" yet NO ONE is allowed in, despite our case workers giving us VERY SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS. I was told by my case worker to make the statement and if the security guard still refused and said" I was being told by some guy who didn't even work for social security!" When I stated "he most certainly did work for Social security in the Santa Ana office" the guard said well then why don't you go to the Santa Ana office ," he said this in a SNIDE DERISIVE tone! In all fairness was this guy is in a tough situation he has one job.. turn everyone away who is not on his list. We the PEOPLE are doing what we've been told to do as well and this guy does ok for a bit then lets the situation get squrrley and has a freak out moment. SUPER FRUSTRATING for everyone and those elderly and with language barriers fared the worst The guard should have the same info given to those trying to see someone read more

Social Security - Notice on door of no more walk in appointments and information no one could use to help the situation - Public Services & Government Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

I wish there was a 0 start option for giving to this awful , horrible, terrible organization in this location. I don't know if they ever try to look at the reviews and fix the issues !!! I called many times and after 3 hours hold , I gave up. try to walk in but security man gave me a paper ask me if I have an appointment. I told him if someone answers my phone then I can make an appointment ,he gave me another phone number and said this is our office number and they will answer BUT the same horrible story. Is not nice at all you don't care about everyone time and problem. Please be more respectful and responsible. read more

Grace was wonderful. Also, the guard and the woman in front were very helpful . My only suggestion is to let people make appointments online . read more

I was just in their with my daughter to make sure they had the papers that they need. My daughter is a very anxious, stressed out individual who does not understand things entirely. However a wonderful kind and helpful lady Mrs. Do was absolutely amazing. She helped my daughter that did not give her any extra anxiety and made it so easy. She also helped me with some questions I had with my own SSI related issues. I hope management or a higher up level takes note at what an amazing lady Mrs. Do is. Kind, nice, non judgmental and helps get the job done. My daughter and I thank her for her kindness. read more

Over 3 hour wait on hold and that was just to make an appt. Lady was sweet when I finally got to talk to a human but obviously they need more help at S.S. read more

This is a tough one, the line outside was long and did take a while. But the gentleman inside was extremely nice when he listened to our case. Lots of empathy hopefully something will get done. So until then I'm just gonna give three stars. Because once we got in it did kind of go fast. It was like the DMV just wait for your number. The security guard was strict, but in a cool way. read more

Social Security - Long long not moving line - Public Services & Government Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

I called to try and arrange an appointment. The phone message stated that phones were busy in the mornings and early parts of the week and the beginning of the month. I have to assume that the only time to call would be on a Thursday or Friday afternoon at the end of the month. I tried this several times and finally got to a message that told me my wait time was at least 120 mins (2hrs). I hung on for 2hrs and eventually went to 4hrs. (240 mins). I finally hung up because it was 7pm and I knew the office was then closed. During my wait time the repeated message was "Thank you for your patience, if you would like to take our survey after the call is over, please hang on" Needless to say to take the survey someone would have to answer the phone. I perceive a couple of problems. Most likely understaffing, secondly who's bothered? or badly managed. I feel for the people that desperately need help and get this type of service. read more

I love the social security office! (Real talk though, do as much paperwork online, it expedited the process so much) (for me though, not all experiences may be the same) read more

I was dreading this experience so it's taken me nearly a year to do my name change. Wish I had known it is not that painful. I filled out the application on line shortly after I got married and let it lapse. So I did it a 2nd time (application is only good for 45 days) and called to make an appt. Lol. After about an hour and 30 min wait on the phone I was told they don't take appts for name changes. Ugh. The guy on the phone was super helpful though (mission viejo location) and suggested I show up an hour early with a chair with a sign that says reserved and come back at 9. Lol. Well I showed up at around 8:20am on a Thursday morning and there were about 13 people ahead of me. Not terrible. The parking lot is very small so I just parked on the street. At around 8:50am a security officer appeared and better organized the line. Super friendly and seemed to make the best of his job. Which is super helpful when you got a mob of already impatient people. He actually called a few groups to a separate line - those with a name change, existing appts, and just dropping off paper work were included. We were prioritized to the front of the line. Fantastic! I literally was called in at 9am and walked out the door at 9:05am with my completed name change. So efficient! Wish I had done it sooner! My husband was ecstatic that I got it done. Lol. Thanks for a pleasant experience! Wish I could say the same for my name change at the bank. That's another review! read more

Only by appointment only. To make an appointment you would have to wait in line 2-4 hours just to get an appointment date months later. I waited 3.5 hours to make an appointment one month later. read more

Everything, this system is terrible. The website to make an appointment just sends you on a loop.

Yeah! Just how I thought. Just like the DMV or worst. Please come with snacks because it will take a long time so they can assist you. They take walk ins. I came here with my father at 12:19 and they called us until 3p. so please come very very very early or when they're about to close and with some snacks or something. The security guard was very helpful I forgot his name and he is bilingual which is very nice for Spanish speakers only. The workers not respectful. read more

This office is not trust worthy. Social worker are not trained or may be goverment is scamming senior money. I applied for social security in last week of April 2022. O card it says I started in October 2022. My benefits start on May 1st 2023. First time, I went, agent told me I should have applied 5 yrs back. If you like you can claim that back pay with $400 less per month than what I qualified now. I asked about my first check. She told me, 3rd week of May. My next visit in 3rd week of May to inquire about my check. Another agent told me, oh! They do not back pay your 5 year SS. About my check, they hold for one month so you will get end of next month. How I can live for two months without any pay ? Now I got check and they deduct two months Medicare A ( May and June). They did not pay me for May and taking insurance money. HOW MANY OF YOU ARE SCAMMED IN THIS SITUATION. I AM PLANNING TO SUE SOCIAL SECURITY FOR TAKING MY MONEY WHICH I WORKED SO HARD THAT I XAN LIVE HAPPILY IN MY OLD AGE. ON TOP OF THE STATECWANT TO CHARGE TAX ON MY TAX MONEY INCOME ? This is what future of America ?Reaping of innocent seniors like me ? Shame.. read more

Social Security - Make a wish - Public Services & Government Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

As of November 2021, offices are only open by appointment. Drop box hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9AM-12PM. There's a representative at the door where the drop box is to provide assistance/instructions. Hard to get through their 800 number though so please be patient. 1-888-306-9878 read more

Social Security - Drop box by the door - Public Services & Government Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Bad System, Great Staff- Instead of mailing, I used the drop box at the SSA Mission Viejo office to expedite the processing of some forms. I called three days later for a status update and spoke with Lance. He informed me several pages submitted somehow did not get scanned into their system and my request could not be processed. I was told there was no simple way for him to get to my original documents and I had to re-submit the missing pages to move forward (I was able to fax him the missing pages). It's ridiculous to follow SSA instructions only to be stymied by shortfalls in their processing procedures/system. You should always make follow-up phone calls for your requests to verify everything is in order. On the positive side, the Mission Viejo phone line staff were professional, knowledgeable and considerate. Lance was patient and sympathetic to my frustration, he waited for my fax and input the missing forms while I waited on the phone. I also spoke with Fernando who was very helpful and suggested an option I didn't know existed. Thank you, Lance and Fernando for your exceptional service in spite of a terrible processing system. read more

I think this office is one of the most organized one. From the greeting in the front by security guard and self check in was easy and fast. It was an extreme hot day 7/11/23 this office is equipped with air conditioning to make the wait time less painful. I was there for a simple task, total wait time about 1 hour. Be prepared to wait and bring yourself water, snack and reading material. I was grateful to have been served politely and got answers of what I needed for benefits. Thank you for such an organized social security office. read more

Hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. but today when I went there they decided to close early. I drove 45 minutes to get there but they decided to close at 3:30!! Many people were arriving and I'm sure they had important business to take care of at the social security department. They didn't care they turned everyone away. That's horrible!! read more