The US federal budget is 23% of the economy. This little office is one portal to a vast system. Of course, to scale, is an online system to handle the vast bulk of interactions. I needed an all-so-quaint in-person interaction, on a timeline, I dreaded. I arrived a half hour before opening, I would recommend. Street parking was ample. The pre-opening lineup is ad-hoc. The first point is that it is a secure federal facility inspected politely. No guns, knives, or pepper spray. That is a good idea, I would not let those in my home, and each person is inspected, which takes time. Next is the magic kiosk. The kiosk user experience design is to separate the wheat from the chaff and assign a number to speak to an actual person. The first question is the bureaucratese "did you have an appointment?" I did not, you should. Then you enter your topic. There is ambiguity in topic. I do not think selecting the perfect topic is needed. Then the machine gives you a number and prints a receipt. There are rows of chairs and a video monitor showing the numbers served and audio announcing the next number. When a number comes up, it assigns a window with an actual person with powerful computer access into the matrix. Obviously you need the proper proof of who you are to access the matrix - bring it. RealID, passport, and the like. Your library card is not proof of who you are to enter the matrix. The big thing which cannot be understood is without a previously scheduled appointment, is your question big or small? There is no way to know. It's Brazil. I thankfully found my question was small. Without an appointment, and with a big problem, you are sent away with a future appointment. I had good service from admission staff and with window staff. I believe things can improve every day, day by day, measured. I'm A-OK with this office when you need it, minus 1 for unknown difference between big and small problems and unknown delays for big problems, especially without making an appointment, which you should. read more

Flummoxed and befuddled. SS is not here to help us but to hinder us from getting money that is rightfully ours. I've yet to have an interaction that was easy, helpful and successful. read more

I applied for a name change and had my appointment last week. I brought all the correct paperwork including my old social security card, my marriage license and certificate with proof of name change so I could change my last name to my husband's name. Despite filling our the application and telling the clerk at the office this and having an entire conversation with him about my new last name I was sent a new social security card with my maiden name on it. NOT my new last name. Now I have wasted my time just to have 2 social security cards with my old last name and no way to continue my legal name change process read more

They skipped people for no reason. And window 1 worker guy skipped me and yelled at me with insane attitude. Very rude place. To just replace my lost ssa card. read more

Social Security - Public Services & Government Near Me - Portland, Oregon

See all

Parking is a bit sketchy but once you're parked everything went well . Security was very good. Once you have called to make an appointment things went smoothly. They called our name right on time . Plenty of seating while we waited . They answered all of our questions and provided us the help we needed. All in all it was a positive experience. read more

They stopped my monthly payments that I had for 12-14 years. They said that I needed to hook up with a financial advisor and we did but 6-7 months later they finally gave her my monthly payments. read more

This is the waiting room to hell. We got there at 9:15 and already there were 20 people in line ahead. It took us an hour and a half to get seen. There were only 4 out of 8 visible windows that were actually staffed. I couldn't see how many windows in the back there were but there was only on person working there. The person who helped us was unfriendly and rude. My 91 year old father who is hard of hearing, could barely hear him and we kept asking him to speak up. He's behind a bullet period barrier so it's hard to hear. I asked him why we couldn't mail a form in instead of having to come down and drop it off. He said "you want to pay $20 to mail the packet?" I said "that's better than waiting here for 2 hours". He told me that was rude and said he wouldn't speak to me anymore, he's only speak to my father. This is someone whose salary I pay through my taxes. Loathsome. read more

i had to pay $77 to get the real ID because i need it to get a new social security card , which will also cost me money, then i later have to either retake the permit test bc they invalidated it when i got the real Id sinxe they dont accept that as ID at the social security office, or i have to get my drivers license , both of which cost MORE money all because they forgot my fucking middle name on my social security card. IF THEY KNEW HOW TO DO THEIR JOBS I WOULDNT BE WASTING SO MUCH MONEY AND TIME KN THIS BULLSHIT. society. i hate you for forgetting my middle name and making it so i cannot go to college unless i get a new one. read more

I had a great experience here. You now check in at a computer kiosk similar to the ones at the airport. After I completed check in, I only waited about 20 minutes until my number was called. I was all done in less than an hour. I'm glad I chose to go to this office. read more

Tried to call the office and was left on hold for 20 minutes before the line just hung up on me. Drove to the office and there's a sign that says 'all services are being conducted by phone'. The phone line says services are being conducted in person at the office. Told the security person that no one is answering the phone and he told me to "just keep calling". The website also says you can't schedule an appointment online. How is this acceptable? read more

Been trying to get a hold of a live person for the last three weeks about faxes that I have sent especially one for an hearing and another one to see what the update is for an application I put in call right at 9 o'clock every single time that I call I never get a live person after 10 minutes or so it automatically hangs up on you one time I called and an automated system came on so sorry we don't know what inbox you're trying to reach and hangs up this is ridiculous read more

Wow what a rude dude. He told me I was being aggressive and then he hung up on me. Isn't this a government business. I was not being rude at all. Just asking ??? Guess he doesn't like that. read more

Long long wait time to get a live person to answer phone. Had to call to set up payment plan. After calling number letter and spending 1/2 hour trying get help was given another number for local ssi office. Called listened to recorded message of how busy they were and thanked me for my patience and that someone would be with me soon about 10 times it started to ring again. Since the earlier message stated they were busy I continued to be patient and waited another 10 minutes for someone to pick up phone. No one picked up, and wasn't until then I lost my patience and hung up after my 45 minute ordeal. read more

I had a scheduled appointment with the "so called" agent she was not verify helpful. I'm drowning in debt and my SSI didn't hit in January, February or March. The government obviously didn't take a microscope and see that I have 0 dollars in my credit union and negative in my primary checking account. They require another form of information that I hope to drop off to this "so called" office. Yes I'm on a roll - I could go on and on. read more

Great experience was in and out in under 15 minutes. Everyone was helpful and friendly. Security guard even told us a joke! Far better then calling the 800 number and waiting forever on hold. read more

Good for people watching If you have an hour or so to spend. Long wait times if you don't make an appointment. Tip: make an appointment. Bring earphones unless you want the overly friendly Portlander in the front row chatting you up. Bring peppermint oil to obscure the scent of the chimney factory sitting next to you. Security guards very friendly and courteous. They must understand the pain involved when coming here. read more

I never got inside the office. The security guards at the door told me that i could throw my mini tool in their garbage can or take it back to my car. Since I had walked to the office from NW PDX, that wasn't an option. They said I couldn't take it back out of the garbage when I left. I explained to the guard that the mini tool was TSA compliant and that I had flown with it. He told me that he didn't care; it wasn't compliant there. I asked him to look on line. He refused and told me if I was at the Federal Courthouse and argued, I'd be arrested. When I got home, I looked on the federal government website and confirmed that the mini tool was compliant. read more

Easy to find office with a couple of security guards. I had a pretty pleasant experience here. Had to do some name changin' and whatnot since the hitchin'... I went online beforehand and printed out the form I needed, made sure I was taking all the necessary documents and whatnot and I must say, the woman behind the counter really appreciated it. I could tell that perhaps they're used to dealing with some unsavory folk now and then and it was nice to see the look of relief on her face when I presented the needed documentation to her. I was in that office for a total of about 30 minutes, and half of that was just waiting for my number to get called. If you need to go, I recommend this location, as it's easy to find and easy to park. Also, print out your necessary documents before you go. It sure does help them out and it streamlines your errands. :) read more

Get there early! The line starts 30 minutes before they open. It wasn't totally painless but it's the social security office so what can you expect. The guy I saw there was nice and processed my name change in 5 minutes. read more

A surprisingly painless experience for being at a government establishment. The people who work there were pleasant and helpful. I'm echoing most of the other reviewers mentions, but to reiterate a few tips that will hopefully help your experience go as smooth as mine: -Get there early! I got there about 20 minutes before they opened at 9am and had about 15 people in front of me. I was out before 9:30. -Be prepared for security. You'll have to take off your belt, coat, etc. and no, you can't bring in your knife (like someone did today...). However, the security guys are really friendly and a smile goes a long way. -Have all the appropriate forms filled out and ready to go. I changed my name and had the form filled out along with all the appropriate documentation. I was at the window for about 5 minutes because I was prepared. The only downfall is being around some sketch people (and this is at no fault of the people who work there). read more

You can have a 5-star experience too! Just remember- 3 easy steps Step 1- Security! its a federal building- that means weapons check/metal detector and NO PEPPER SPRAY allowed inside (stash it or have someone hold it for you outside, or just don't bring any weapons or pepper spray at all) Also- don't wear 10 pounds of jewelry then complain about having to take it all off at security. Belts/boots/jackets all need to be removed. Step 2- Wait! Have something to entertain yourself that doesn't plug your ears. Missing your number being called holds up EVERYBODY so bring a book or newspaper etc. Our visit, we waited about 10-15 min. Not bad at all Step 3- Organized! Have all applications filled out, and all necessary documents ready for inspection. Bring more than you think you need and make sure IDs are current. All in all, great experience compared to other administrative things I've taken care of. Donald took care of my replacement card (Change of name) as well as an application for my husbands new SS card. Security was friendly- made eye contact, and entertained some kids in the waiting room by having them doing push-ups. From start to finish the whole process took around 25-30 minutes, we came in on a monday around 12pm. read more

Super lucky - no wait once we arrived (8/8/19) and Jorge was very helpful and patient with us as we could not create an online account plus we needed to follow up on survivor's benefit. Recommend: mass transit instead of parking for any place downtown; positive attitude; and bring all your documents. Reading Yelp reviews prepared me for the worse and then I was pleasantly surprised when I experience the good side. Since we moved from NC, we were fortunate to have a letter with their direct SSA phone number. The NC agent was very helpful in suggesting documents to bring and even gave us the Yamhill phone number to call. We asked the Yamhill office for an appointment but was told to come in and take a number. That sounded bad with an 84 yr old mother but it all worked out. read more

Oh yeah! Supervisor did a "tap dance on command" AND a fairly accurate impersonation of Louis CK with a .357 magnum firmly clenched between his teeth! I'd buy that for a dollar! read more

Looked cleaner and more organized since the last time I've been here (circa 2009). Guards are nice and polite. Have in mind you will have to put your purse through an X-ray machine and walk through a metal detector. If you beep, they will do a visual inspection and ask you what could be making you beep (spine rods thank-you-very-much) The number ticketing machine is easy to use. Employees are polite, and your number comes up pretty fast, specially if you go near close time (3pm), I got there at 2.20pm and got out by 2.50pm. read more

Came here on a Monday morning 15 minutes prior to opening (after Thanksgiving weekend) and there were about 15 people in line waiting before me. As others have said, be prepared to go through security. The security guards are very friendly. I make a point of smiling and saying hello to security guards (they have a tough job) and I think it helped make the process run smoothly. Everyone I encountered was incredibly friendly and thankful that I came prepared with all the necessary documents for my name change. The security guard even congratulated me on my marriage. All in all, I was out and finished with my transaction by 9:25 (they opened at 9:00). read more

My husband and I were treated quite rudely on 2 of the 3 times we visited. On the last visit, the agent was unfamiliar with the agency's own policy, which I had to counter by producing a copy of their own manual issued to new retirement beneficiaries. Moreover, he seemed unfamiliar with how to interpret a basic pay stub. He was condescending and laughed when I noted that I had retired on a given date and had been given a retirement party. From the beginning he implied that I was an adversary who was trying to obtain benefits illegally, which I most assuredly was not. Then, he told me to complete a lengthy form and return it with copies of my paystubs, which he himself refused to copy. When I returned home, I realized he had given me the wrong form. This was a horrible experience. read more

I just visited today, with some trepidation expecting long waits and confusing answers. This office is a credit to the Federal Government. They are fast and friendly. The security people are really nice, and a person helps you as soon as you get in line. There was a very disruptive, likely menatlly ill person there and the staff handled her graciously and respectfully. Very pleased. Exceeded my expectations. read more

Great place, I was in and out in no time. Moreover the security guards were extremely helpful. I believe I spent 25min, tops, there.

Be prepared to spend serious quality time with the public and the air they emit from their asses. People around me were audibly farting, literally just letting them rip. The poor security guards have the worst job ever and have no answers or explanations for why the numbers in cue did NOT move for an entire hour. The guard says "Yeah, most people take the day off to come down here". That is an incredibly depressing and true reflection of the utter blatant inefficiencies in our government. read more

After going though security (which was quick and easy!) I checked in at the kiosk and grabbed a number. My rear end barely hit the chair before they called my number! The gentleman at the counter was very friendly and after a few questions I was on my way, having ordered a replacement social security card. I originally drove to the Beaverton office and showed up 30 minutes prior to the door opening, there was a line of about 20 people waiting at the door, so I decided to go down to this location on Yamhill. I will never go back to the Beaverton office again! read more

The wait was VERY long. 3+ hours to get my name changed. The security and the gentleman who helped me were all nice and my card arrived promptly (hence the 2 stars). But my name was spelled wrong on the new card! Gaaaah! If you must go to this office get there early and have your paperwork filled out. Or better yet make an appointment and save yourself some precious time. Good luck! read more

My one and only visit was quite good. I walked in through a modest metal detector with 2 friendly guards. I registered and got a number. I was in and out in under an hour (more like 45 min.) and I experienced no hassles. In fact I had been dunking around on my phone when my number was called and one of the guards made an "extra"announcement of my number and woke me up, read more

No one enjoys having to go to the Social Security office, but my experience could have been better. I will say the clerk that helped me was very pleasant, though I did discover later that he gave me some incorrect information. My only big complaint was with one of the security guards. One was very pleasant, but the other was rude and confrontational with pretty much everyone who was walking through the door. I realize they probably deal with a lot of angry people but seriously not helping matters to be so rude right out of the gate to people. read more

I was surprised to have a decent experience changing my name on my SS card. The waiting room was clean and well under control, probably due to the three security guards. They were all very friendly, patient, and respectful of everyone they encountered, even people who were giving them a hard time. It appears that each window deals with a different type of need and "my" window seemed to go the quickest. I definitely recommend filling out the document before you go in. To change my name on my card following my wedding I needed the completed form, my marriage certificate, and my driver's license. It wasn't completely clear to me from the website if my ID was supposed to be in my maiden or married name but mine was in my maiden name and was fine. I went in at 1pm on a Thursday and had to wait about an hour. Once I got to the window it only took about 5 minutes. read more

Yesterday I went to the Yamhill office to get information. I waited about 2 hours to be seen. The man who I was unfortunate enough to get gave me no help that I could use. When I showed him the papers I had received he seemed to not have much understanding of what it was about. He didn't seem to know which form to fill out, I had to tell him, or which type of review I should ask for. When it was obvious he had no answers for me I asked if he could help me fill it out the portions that should be a no brainer for him. It says right in the paperwork that I received just to ask them to help u fill it out. He told me it was taking too long and I said that I waited 3 hours. He said I was exaggerating. Well I was, it was probably 2 hours and it would have taken him 2 minutes to help me fill it out, but instead he chose to point out my inaccurate statement and told me if I needed more time I'd have to take another number because it was taking too long. It was very busy but to be told to just take another number was unbelievable. I called another number today and the woman was very helpful and my accountant gave me information yesterday that was so helpful to my understanding of the problem. This person should not be in this kind of job. He deserves no stars. I left feeling afraid and abused. read more