Terrible service. Nearly impossible to reach by phone and they do not allow walk in appointments. Veryyyyyy frustrating!

The reason for my one star review is that they changed their services at this location without any notice online. I came here 21 minutes before they opened in order to wait in line and get my name changed (I was 7th in line). They open at 9am. They apparently no longer do this service at the Social Security location. The only place you can do any name changes or replacement social security cards is at the El Cajon, National City or Downtown location. You can't file online or even make an appointment online. I just came to the downtown location. Hopefully it doesn't take me all day :( read more

Social Security - Public Services & Government Near Me - San Diego, California

Absolutely trash. Awful system. After an hour standing outside the security guy told us it'd be a 2 hour wait AFTER we got inside. He could've told us that right when we got there, but he didn't. They also make you wear a mask, which is ridiculous considering they do nothing and there's no reason to actually enforce them. Can't make an appointment so you have to waste half your day standing in line. read more

I have a basic request regarding a calculation of my benefits at my next birthday. So far I have written and mailed a letter requesting the information I am seeking, I called to ultimately getting hung up on after waiting for almost an hour, and lastly I faxed in my request. So far over a period of almost 3 months, I have not been able to obtain any response. What are all those people doing while the SS Offices are closed due to Covid? read more

A previous review gave direct lines to this office. The second number the reviewer gave ( (866) 964-0995) doesn't reach a person. The first one, 866-331-6397, does reach a person. I was trying to get an appointment, and she asked me a fair number of questions before she told me that they ONLY give "phone appointments" now, meaning, they will call you at a specified time and date. I wanted October 2nd, but their calendar only goes one month ahead. So, you need to call within one month of when you want the appointment. In any case, it beats waiting for over an hour on the national (800) 772-1213 number to talk to someone. By the way, I told her I wanted to switch from my current spousal benefit to my own, and said I couldn't seem to do it online. She knew the problem. Why can't the government simply make this kind of change available online? It is such a waste of resources to have to talk to a person. read more

Just had to drop off a couple of applications and was greeted at the door by a very friendly security officer!! They're still pretty much closed down (you can only enter the building with an appointment), but you CAN drop off documents. read more

Aero drive Location is always the nicest to my Mom. Really appreciate these folks. And service is fairly quick compared to many government agencies. read more

I had an absolutely exemplary conversation, helpful and provided me with an answer to my Social Security/ Medicare question as it pertained to me!! Sultan (his name) also was able to provide me with a program and phone number to also assist me with my personal situation as it applied to Social Security benefits. What has been so wonderful is the calm, professional and nice mannerism this gentlemen provided to me...thank you Sultan for your wonderful way of being and kind, professional treatment you gave me while answering my questions!!! read more

I left feedback with ssa.gov but will also leave a review here. I sent in my documents to legally change my name after getting married. After a month, I was called by the office to correct a small discrepancy in the application (I have proof of this, which is proof they received the documents, this will be important later) which I corrected. I then waited another month for the documents to be returned to me. After not receiving them for over a month, I decided to call the office. They said a "Mr. Tran" would be taking care of the return of my documents since I had gotten the phone call from him about the corrected discrepancy. Mr. Tran did not get into contact with me, so I called them again. They insinuated that they did not receive the documents until I informed them of the voicemail transcript I saved for this reason that they did, in fact, receive them. They then informed me the documents had not been sent back to me because there was no tracking number. They said they would find my documents and call me to pick them up. That was a week ago, and they are not answering the phone. THEY LOST MY SOCIAL SECURITY CARD AND MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE!!! Why is it that bars, salons, and OTHER government offices are open, but people cannot even make an appointment to complete simple tasks? WHERE ARE MY DOCUMENTS????? read more

"Wow" is usually a word reserved for something spectacular. "Wow," I said to myself, "that lady was spectacularly RUDE....or BIPOLAR!!" My dad had a massive stroke last October leaving half his body paralyzed and unable to work. Between becoming caregivers, making life adjustments, medical bills and paperwork, and medical appointments, my family has pretty much been turned on our heads. We're filing to get SSI (Supplemental Security Income) even though we know we're probably going to get denied, but somehow it increases our chances of being approved for it in the future, yada yada yada. I bring all this up because people applying for SSI usually don't need to deal with more crap than what's been dealt to them. The case worker handling our application informed us via phone conversation that we could bring our documents to ANY office and that they would know what to do with it. On a Thursday morning, I arrived at this office to provide the required documentation and materials for our completed online application. The lady at the first window helping those in line before me smiled at them and I thought, "GREAT! Yay for kind government workers!" .... About fifteen minutes later, I'm next! Same lady. "What can I do for you?" "Hi. I'm here to drop off some documents for our SSI application completed online." "Drop things off....? Uh. We don't do things that way here." wtfrick. Oh I'm sorry, what I meant to say was, I brought this half-inch thick packet here because I just happened to be in the area and thought you could use a friend and I'm just using this whole application thing as an excuse to talk to your sad mean face. "We don't do things that way here....." Really? Because after I left, still with all my papers, I called the Downtown SSA Office and the kind gentleman over the phone told me that ANY office would take them and that you should have been able to take the whole damn thing! In fact, the very next day when I arrived at the Downtown SSA office, THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED. ALL MY DOCUMENTS WERE TAKEN! NO! QUESTIONS! ASKED! My whole downtown office visit was ten minutes tops (nine of which I was just waiting)! You're better off going to the Downtown SD office because there are much more helpful people in general. You enter the office and there's a security guard who asks you what you're there to do and directs you accordingly. The woman who took my papers answered all my questions without any problem. I called this office a few times before I made the trip down there to be assured my documents would be taken without any complications and that guy was happy...seriously he was HAAAAAAPPY! to answer all my questions. I'm sure the other staff members at the Aero office are nicer and not as wretched, but seeing as how you have to speak with this lady first before you speak with anyone else, I'd say it's not worth the gamble. She continued to be very terse. She wouldn't even look at my forms and documents. And in the end, she just repeated that they don't take documents for SSI applications which is not supposed to be the case. Bask in the kindness you're more likely to receive at another SSA office. read more

Why do they issue appointment when you still have to wait an hr to and hr in a half!!! No wonder no one likes this SSA place! It's so annoying. You sit here and waste a third of your day because the employees are slow as hell or just don't care.... Don't come here. read more

Tracy-you are a SAINT. Probably the NICEST HUMAN BEING I have ever come across with at Social Security. She helped my mother and I in regards to my dad and we are forever indebted to you. Thank you for your kind heart and patience!!! Unfortunately I followed the rules in which it stated no cellphones so I was unable to take pictures. The waiting area is clean and there is a kiosk that you need to check into and it will give you a number. You will need to know your social security number even if you are checking in someone else. There are single occupancy bathrooms behind the security guard. Long story short-Tracy helped my mom and dad avoid having to come back to the SSA office. My dad being disabled-this means a lot. Whenever he goes out-it's like a whole entourage follows lol. I will say that I am writing a letter of thanks to Tracy and to her supervisor. Yes! A five star review for the Social Security Administration office well specifically for Tracy. read more

I'm in San Diego and was told I have to have a Medicare card # before I can register and receive Plan B Medicare. I was told by the insurance rep I had to contact the Soc Sec office to register first. I looked online and naturally there was all kinds of content and #'s/websites to get hold of the Soc Sec office. The general San Diego # was totally digital with no human, naturally. Another Yelp comment suggested calling 866-331-3397 (this is Sept 2018) and low and behold Matt answered and was wonderfully helpful and got me registered in less than 5 minutes. Woot Hoo! read more

The parking lot simply isn't adequate for the amount of people using this location. It's seriously around the size of a 7 Eleven lot. There aren't any seats outside which is ridiculous being that most people who are waiting are old and/or disabled. If you need a new SS card you HAVE to go either downtown or to El Cajon. read more

The people who work here are pleasant enough, but it's a govt office, so it's slow and some people come here with their entire extended family. It's loud, and very annoying. I am currently listening to a child's video game/song. So unfortunate. Edit: When I finally got seen by someone, it was very fast and efficient. The only problem was waiting to be seen (which took over 1 hour and 20 min). They don't take appointments for name changes, so that was lame. At least the employees are nice and helpful. read more

Don't be fooled small room still equals long wait. .. get there first leave there last. ALWAYS double check the input information; the lady completely. Forgot the street number on or address and onky had to input what was in front of her already on paper. P.s. location is on the very corner when using gps it doesn't clearly specify location. read more

How is it possible that a Security Administration Office is open, but not processing social security cards.... a little annoying.

Had faxed forms to file for Part B and followed up a week later. They didn't have them. Then dropped off the same forms at the office. Followed up again, and Quintin got on the phone, found all the forms, put me on hold while he made a call to my former employer to confirm some information and then completed the entire application process for us! Marvelous work! read more

If you're a veteran or anyone applying and deserving of social security benefits do not apply in California. They leave people like a lady named Ms. Carrillo in charge of making determination decisions. She never answered the phone when I called and sent me to a chiropractor after hours for a mental exam without written instruction that it would be after hours. I called her 10 times in one day leaving a voicemail twice with no call back still. I faxed over a reward letter with an attached reccomendation of iu based on bipolar 1 disorder, complete with a detailed explanatiom of the tests done and tge outcome of all the testing and examination done by VA. None of this was added to my file for the claim. I also faxed over documents from the provider that found me to be disabled from the beginning (VA outsourced civillian doctor). These were the only documents on my file for the claim along with whatever they could get from the VA here in California seeing as I had only been here about 4 or 5 months when I applied for social security disability. Veterans: please make sure you have a lawyer and you have your whole c-file adder to your claim! And make sure your lawyer pressures the examiner if her name is Ms. Carrillo, she does not answer the phone and will not call you back. The only time you will hear from her is when she has to introduce herself to you as your examiner. After that she is a ghost. Civillians: Please have ALL of your medical paperwork and an attorney for representation. These examiners can get away with not doing their job with absolutley nobody to check them. There's an e-mail you can contact for complaints that will send you an auto reply with a form to submit that will go no where. This post is for all of the disabled veterans/civillians that did their work honorably and became disabled in the line of duty. I'm here to warn you that the system here in California is flawed. Come here and apply for social security with caution and an attorney. read more

There are two telephone numbers for this office. One gets you to some mean woman who will not let you make appointments. That number is 866-331-6397. It's almost her every time. The other number is (866) 964-0995 which gets you to a possible nicer person to redirect your call. First one is general. Second one is for retirement and disability. read more

Being a government run office, I expected to run into rude people (customers and staff). Yet, that wasn't the case. I didn't make an appointment (I'm not sure if you can anyways), but I didn't have to wait long. There were customers who were stressed out and placing their anger on the ladies behind the windows, which I think is absurd because they are there to help you out. I've learned that individuals have an expectation of others, whether it be good or bad, and we behave a certain way because of how we assume another will respond or act. Anyways, sorry to give a short lesson, but that's what I observed at this office. The lady that called me up was very helpful, patient, and kind. I think she was expecting me to give an attitude as I walked up, but I was friendly and her tone eased up and she smiled and we joked around a few times. My appointment was short and pleasant. As long as you have the right documents with you (you can look online to see what you need before you go to the office), and have the right mindset, your visit here won't be a lousy one. read more

Didn't even get inside before I was turned away. There is a sign out front saying they do not re-new/give/create social security cards at this office. Super long line before the office even opened so I decided to get back in car and go to the social security building in downtown. I don't know how a social security building can't issue a card. That is one of the most primary reasons for someone to go there. read more

I called the local number in response to the letter sent to me. I talked directly to an agent. She explained my options clearly, was polite and pleasant and totally satisfied my needs. I found it a pleasant and helpful interaction read more

AWESOME STAFF! Went in around 230. I wasn't in there longer than 15 minutes (went in to replace my SSC). Everyone was friendly and eager to help (even the security guard). Very pleasant experience. BTW, THEY ARE OPEN MON. - FRI. 9AM - 330PM read more

No wonder we hate dealing with government employees...and I was one for 35 years! My wife retired February 2014. She began collecting social security (SSA) benefits the following month. She returned to work for the same employer part time in November 2014. We recently received a bill from SSA stating she was overpaid $4,000 because she earned more than the permitted amount during 2014. Earnings prior to your SSA retirement date and in the same year falls within the SSA "special month rule". Meaning my wife's only earnings for 2014 to be applied to the benefit offset was for her employment in November and December of 2014. That amounted to approximately $4,000. A far cry from the $15,000 threshold. We provided the SSA Rep. with all the documentation to substantiate our claim. She insisted on getting more documentation and an additional SSA form completed pertaining to income PRIOR to my wife's retirement date. This income had NOTHING to do with offsetting SSA payments! The SSA Rep. is either incompetent or just enjoys harassing senior citizens that work a lifetime for a meager benefit. If the next visit doesn't resolve the matter, next stop is Congressman Peters office. read more

People always say it is such an awful, long process changing your name after marriage...but that was not my experience at all! I had already completed the one page form prior to going to this social security office, which saved me a couple of minutes...but from the time I walked in the door, got my ticket and met with a clerk, the process took me less than 10 minutes! I went around 2:50 P.M. on a Tuesday and it was not busy or painful at all! read more

866-331-3397- Use this number as Gary C. says below. You will reach a real person and a knowledgeable, nice one at that. Do NOT use the national 800 number! read more

Can't even get a replacement SS card at this office. You have to drive downtown or go way out to El Cajon

I have a problem with the Social Security Administration. I think that they have been duped into a FRAUD. Now they want me to go to the COUNTY and get a DNA test to prove that this mystery child is not my dead son's child. However the SSA is unwilling or unable to be specific. I have no problem supplying the DNA test but the SSA refuses to specify what County Office I need to present this DNA test to. The SAGA begins.... The SSA has reduced the benefits of my son's 4 minor children (and one disabled adult child) on the basis of a "new" dependent being added to the benefit "bundle". The SSA refuses any information on this "mystery" dependent on the basis of "privacy". My son died in July of 2011. His minor children ranged from 1 year old to 12 years old at the time. SSA sends a letter to his minor children in February 2015 stating that their benefits are being reduced and back charging his children for OVERPAYMENTS going back to May 2014 (when this "mystery" dependent first appeared) from February 2015. This has put a severe strain on my widowed daughter-in-law's ability to pay the bills and feed the children. To add insult to injury, there has been no response to her formal appeal and numerous visits to the SSA inquiring about this appeal of this NEW dependent being added without disclosure. I am 99% certain that this is a new form of identity theft. My son is not here to defend himself and the fact that the SSA refuses any information leaves us totally impotent. If I am not mistaken, when this fraud is found out, the SSA will NOT reimburse the children's back benefits. They drag their heels and tell us to WAIT for a letter that never comes. Obviously, his widow went to the Social Security immediately upon receiving the three letters regarding her children. Not only did they reduce the benefits on her three children but demanded reimbursement for "overpayments" going back to June 2014. His first wife currently lives in Spain with her minor daughter. The eldest & disabled child lives and works in Tokyo, Japan. Should this claim be for an additional child, (we all believe it is a FRAUD) his children and wives know that my son was never a skirt chaser and was overseas in the military for years on end, making this new dependent most unlikely if not impossible. It is well known that a woman can put any name of any man on a birth certificate and it is up to the man to refute it. He can't, he is dead. Just a stroll thru the Riverside National Cemetery (where he lies) would yield many possible "father" prospects. I believe that the clerk at the SSA, simply told his widow to get this "DNA test and take it to the County" TO GET RID OF HER.. She requested but was not given any specifics about approved labs for the DNA test or who/where in the County the results of the tests were to be taken. Next stop is my US Congressman and if that doesn't work, the media...someone specializing in Identity theft. read more

If I could give negative zero stars I would. My family friend was recently released from prison after serving 20 years for a crime that he did not commit. He was told by the rehabilitation center that he should visit the social security building to see if they could help with anything to get him on his feet. He waited for an hour and half and when he was finally called to the desk the man asked him where his cross was. My friend is a very religious and humble Muslim man, he was wearing prayer beads around his neck. What gave this little man the right to question where his "cross" was. How ignorant. Then he told him that he would be better off going to the welfare office and they could not help him there. My friend pleasantly said thank you sir and walked away with no confrontation. THEN as he was walking away the man told him " next time wear your cross". WTF ! Who the hell is he to ethnically profile my friend. I am going to file a lawsuit. That man was a city employee paid to help the community, not disrespect its members. read more

this office wasnt so bad! it didnt take too long and the lady that helped us was super nice!

My visit to this office was surprisingly pleasant. I had an appointment and was really surprised when they called my name at the exact time of my appointment. Matt helped me in a very courteous and professional manner. He was so efficient that I was in and out of the office in twenty minutes! Days later, I had a followup question which Matt was able to answer for me because he had given me his office number. Thanks for a great experience. I recommend making an appointment before visiting. read more

I made an appointment ahead of time using the toll-free number, though the waiting time on the phone was nearly an hour. But having an appointment made a huge difference. When I got to the Aero Drive office, I was seen right on time by a very polite young lady who handled the interview courteously and professionally. The one bad mark I'd give is the parking, which is awful! And there's no place nearby to park, either. Signs everywhere say "tow away." Try to get someone to drive you there and pick you up, if that's possible. Or maybe try public transportation? Otherwise you might be stuck. read more

One hour and eight minutes on hold, and still waiting....trying to get an appointment. Message has been saying they'll answer shortly ... for more than an hour. Very frustrating. read more

Addendum to my review. I called SSA. They told me that the Aero Drive office in San Diego should not have sent back my documentation, unexamined. They gave me the office phone number. That office hangs up if they are getting too many calls. They get too many calls every day. If you can't use your local office, try records-express@ssa.gov. Send them an email, describing your problem. read more

HORRIBLE. If I could give this location zero stars I would. Rude staff. Their website says that they offer new social security cards here BUT THEY DO NOT. They will direct you to the El Cajon location or the downtown location. Big waste of time. read more