After two years of dragging my feet... I finally decided to change my name to my married name. So went to this SSA location because it was close to work. The whole process only took 15 mins and I got my new SS card within a week. Great office to go to if you want to get in and out quickly. They are very fast and efficient there! read more

Search at the door, slow. Simple, well lit, some chairs for waiting. Four windows at the counter. Arrived at nearly 3:30. Got a number....left by 3:45! Crazy. For me, the lady at window 1 was very nice and friendly. New card comes in 2 weeks or so it says. read more

I hate to break up the love-fest that appears to exist for 560 Kearny. I can't speak from experience, but other Yelpers seem to think this place is at least better than Market & 7th. It probably is, but even if so, that's not saying much. Came in here to help one of my clients. My initial impressions: place is clean, wait didn't seem to be too bad, and it seemed like the clerks behind the windows were pretty cheery. Okay...I'm beginning to understand the good reviews. I sat down after getting a number and started helping my client fill out the paperwork. The numbers were being called and when it got to 557, I told my client we were next. The next thing I heard yelled from the windows was, "560." A few minutes later, another window yelled out "560" and then because number 560 had been helped, she skipped to 561. I thought to myself, maybe it's because they do it like the DMV and divide it by the task at hand...but after several more minutes, something didn't feel right so I walked up to the window. In a very polite manner, I asked the man behind Window 1 whether they call the numbers chronologically. He said, "yes" and so I told him I was skipped. He said something along the lines of, "no, we called your number - we call every number multiple times." HOW COULD THAT BE?! I had been sitting there in the front row and distinctly heard the number go from 557 to 560. TWICE! Rather than acknowledge that there was a mistake on their part - obviously they weren't organized if the same number was called within a few minutes by two different windows - the man told me, "you have to get ANOTHER number - you are now out of the queue." So off to the ticket machine again I went...and was forced to wait several more minutes only to be told by the snooty older Asian "supervisor" that they couldn't help us. Fancy that. read more

I came here on a Wednesday at 10:30 am to get a social security card replacement. I didn't have an appointment, but I had my form with all my information filled out (you can get it online) and brought all my documents. I took a number and waited here for about 20 minutes. I was called and it took about 5 minutes for the woman to fill out my info on her computer. This was surprisingly fast and efficient. Overall, I was in and out in 25 minutes. I'm not sure if this applies to all the services they provide, but if you're getting a ssc replacement, I'd recommend this place. FYI, it'll take 2 weeks for the new card to come in the mail. Update: My replacement card came in the mail less than a week! read more

Wow, this place is amazing. I had read all the glowing reviews on Yelp but the skeptic in me was still mentally prepared for a half-a-day brain slump you usually experience when visiting a government institution... But no, this SS office is the shiny beacon of efficiency you've always hoped for. I arrived at 9:20am on a Tuesday to get a new SSN - walked right in, got my ticket, sat down in a room full of smiling Asian grand mothers and fathers (ma peeps!) and it was all very cute. Everyone working at this office, from the security guard to the counter staff were courteous, helpful and fast. The space itself is extremely organized and spotless. By 9:30am my number was called and by 9:45am I was ordering an uber to go back home. That took a grand total of 25 minutes! (By comparison, the morning before I rang up the SS hotline to double check the documents I needed and got put on hold for 45 minutes before I spoke to someone.) Maybe I was lucky with my timing and it gets busier later in the day, but these guys definitely know what they're doing and they do a fantastic job! read more

Came here to get my new SSN. Make sure to keep a two hour window in mind. Arrived here at 1:11pm on a Tuesday. Had my ss-5 already filled and printed so went ahead. It says get a Ticket but doesn't say where from. All they got to do is turn around the ticketing machines towards the entrance not away from it. Its next to the security desk. Anyway, got my call in about 80 minutes and missed my call because there are two ticket calls going on. One on the speaker and other in the office by a person. And the person called my ticket and some Chinese words. I thought its someone else's name but she was actually pronouncing the ticket number in Chinese. Anyway, 7 minutes is all it took for the interview. They told me I should get my SSN within a month. They just needed to see my passport and i-94 printout. Overall, a good experience but can be better. Oh, and the ticket calling is mostly random so don't judge the time by the current ticket calls. Edit: I got my SSN in 3 weeks by mail. read more

I have had to come to this SSA office on 3 separate occasions for 3 different reasons, all without an appointment. The wait was not too bad, and the service was very fast and efficient every time. Of course, if you want to avoid having to wait, make an appointment. Parking is a bit tough depending on time of day. read more

Incredibly nice and lovely people! This is the Social Security Administration office in China town. Staff are all Chinese and super nice and polite. My experience with this office was just AWESOME! It will take an hour in total to get everything done. I suggest to be there as early as possible. The earlier you be there, the faster you'll get done. It gets crowded soon. But it really worth it. Have all your required documents. After a quick interview the lady gave me a recipe which says I'll get my SS card in two weeks but I got in one week! really fast and amazing. They are doing a really good job. I appreciate them. Thank you guys. You guys are great! read more

Trips to the Social Security offices are pretty rare, but if you HAVE TO go, this is the office to go to! Keep in mind, you have to be kind of smart about it. If you don't have a lot of time to waste, then you will obviously want to get there first thing in the morning like I did. There were a couple of people there before me. From the time I walked in the door until I completed my transaction, I would say in was in there for about 10 minutes. Not bad! I have an appointment with the DMV on Monday. I can only hope that it will go as quickly! read more

The service at this location is nice and fast, and they've got a pretty good process down for speeding through the line. My visit to change my married name was way less painful than I expected it to be. I arrived about 5 minutes before they opened at 9am on Friday. There was a line of about 15 people out the door, but I was inside within 5 minutes. The guard checks your bag and lets you in (be forewarned, I had to throw out my coffee because they don't allow you to bring it in, although water bottles are OK. The guard felt really bad about making me toss it). You take a ticket from one of two automated kiosks and wait your turn to be called. My number was called in about 35 minutes (they went through about 25 people in that time). I'm not sure how you make an appointment, but a few folks there did have one. For changing your name after marriage, there is a form that you can print and fill out online ahead of time, which I did, and you bring your driver's license or other form of ID and your marriage certificate. Overall, I think they are as helpful and fast as they can be. I wouldn't say a visit to any government office is ever a particularly enjoyable thing, but I'd recommend this location for anyone who needs to make the trip. read more

Thank you Yelp! After having gone to the Market & 7th St office for my work several times, I was dreading the 2 hour wait. Instead, my Chinatown experience: Get there at 8:30 on a Thursday, I'm the first in line. The security guard lets me & the 10 people behind me in at 8:50, presumably because he wants us to be warm or not have to stand any longer. The guard SMILES and JOKES with the people in line. This is in comparison the downtown Social Security office, where the security guard wanted my client with one leg who uses crutches to not hold his crutches while walking through the metal detector. While I get the safety rationale for this, asking a one legged elderly man to hop through the metal detector is basically asking for him to fall and hurt himself. At least the downtown guard let me hold my client's hands to stabilize his walk when I looked horrified at their initial request and told the guard he would fall. The Chinatown office has a better approach to working with frail seniors. I am seen at 9:02, they process my name change paperwork & I'm out the door at 9:11! Yay Chinatown SSA! read more

A million stars for changing your name! No double last names or hypens here. That's so 80's, anyway. This office gets it done. Sarah Young, plain and simple. read more

They only accept with appointments and you have to go to the nearest office based on your mailing zip code. The security guard is really rude. You have to call 1 (877) 319-3070 and wait for min 10 minutes in order to talk to someone. read more

I was expecting completely drudgery when I walked in today without an appointment. I was expecting a massive line with grumpy people and even grumpier employees. In other words, I expected the worst. The whole process was painless, though. I walked in, I took a number, I was called 30 minutes later and then I was done... easy-peasy! I should note that I came in on a Friday around 11AM. Seems to be the money-time slot if you don't want to wait! read more

Wow, what a contrast! I spent three months dragging my feet about changing my name after getting married because I was worried I would have to go to the other SF location down by the Fed Building (read their HORRIFIC reviews and you'll understand). Sadly, that's the only location that shows up on the SSA website for my zip code. Thank god for YELP because as soon as found out this location existed I scoped it out. It was clean, quick, and dare I say an *almost* pleasant break from work!? My experience started with a super friendly security guard who let me bring in my coffee (contrasted with my DMV trip where the man was so mean and made me leave it in the parking lot!), I got my number off of a digital screen, I sat in one of the many available clean chairs, and started reading a book expecting to wait it out for the long haul. Within 15 minutes my number had been called and a nice man helped me with my paperwork. We made small talk as he processed my application, gave me my receipt and I was on my way. In total I was in and out in under 30 minutes! The bonus is the demographic that goes to this branch tend to be elderly, who are polite and aren't obnoxiously chatting on their cell phones. It was so quiet, I was able to read the paper and enjoy my morning coffee in peace. read more

I found parking at Portsmouth Garage (733 Kearney at Grant). I arrived at 10:45 am and the whole room was full. I stood for 20 minutes and read a book. I was seen at 11:30 am. By that time, the room had thinned out. My advice is to go at 9 am or before it opens. If that fails, try the afternoon. I never found out how to make an appointment online, so I showed up without an appointment. The security guard showed me where to take a number (on the wall, near the bathroom). From there, I filled out the How to Get a Social Security Card, which is the same form as a name change. I brought only my marriage certificate and a drivers license. Just in case, bring your birth certificate and passport. Once at the desk, it took less than 10 minutes to process the paper work. read more

Definitely great and efficient! I arrived at 9:30 a Friday morning to apply for a Social Security number. There was approximately twenty people waiting there. They call a new number every minute, so the whole waiting and application took only 30 minutes, everybody was very friendly. A friend told me it took between 1 and 2 hours for him and he also arrived at 9:30, so it might be a little bit random too. Good luck! read more

Arrived on a Tuesday at 8:45am and was 10th in line. Doors opened earlier than 9am for customers to get numbered slips for appointments. I walked out at 9:04am - new name change completed. Beware to those name changers - they rip your original card up in front of you before you leave.... that thought didn't even cross my mind and when she destroyed mine so abruptly - it was a little emotional. (Read: emotional enough for me to head to the nearest McDonald's to buy a 'comforting' egg & cheese/hashbrown meal.) Despite some of the negative reviews of this place - I think it's worth a try - anything sounds better than the Civic Center location! read more

I feel the need to pay it forward so I am writing a review before I even visit the office. My purse was stolen with my license and social security card inside. On a rare day off during the week visiting family I decided to go to an out of town SS office and apply for a new card, everything went fine until 39 days later I didn't receive my new card. I called the national number who told me I was within a 45 day grace period meaning I could request a new card due to 'non-receipt' and needed to call my local office. The operator gave me the number to the office closest to my work. I call the local office and they tell me i have to call the office I originally went to and might possibly have to go in.....ugh!!!! I tell the woman on the phone that the office I went to originally is over an hour away and that going in isn't an option. She asks where I work and when she figures out it's only a few blocks away tells me to come into the office, ask for her personally and she will get me in and out on my lunch break.....what!?!?! I know that none of the offices take appointments and I know what she is doing is probably outside of normal procedure but the fact that she went above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction means the world to me. It goes to show what a little kindness can get you. I totally agree with all the positive reviews for this office and am actually looking forward to going in later today. read more

I had a great experience there. The staff are professional and kind. The place is clean. All my questions were answered without hurry.

Lickety Split!!! I barely had a chance to sit down before my number was called! Not to mention, the people that work there are cheery and chipper! Clean, easy, and quick! read more

Came here before my boards way back in the day for paper work stuff. I was surprised by how smooth this government office works. I expected chaos and dysfunction and long waits like most government run offices but I got in and out in 20 mins. They need to run the DMV just as smooth as this place. Give who ever is in charge a pat on the back. read more

Just want to say great security guard trying to help old Chinese ladies!! In and out less than an hour read more

So painless! I went in on a Tuesday at 2pm for a name change (update my SS) without an appointment. Supposedly there's some magical way to get one/ no info online. I walked in to no line. I went straight to the ticket machine to get my ticket. Got called in 15 min and finished my process by 2:25. That means I was in and out in less than 30 min! Clean, organized, friendly staff Win! Tip: go in the afternoon (after the lunch rush) read more

I was not helped with my disability. I had two brain surgery and needed the help from ssi. All i get was forms asking me why should i be helped? I wasted like my entire life filling out a 20 page forms asking me why should I be helped with the benefits ssi can provide me. I filled it out and was rejected... Am I looking at this right? If you do not help me ssi or want me to have any kind of benefits for my disability just tell me. Do not waste my time with bullshit!! Doctors said i am unable to work for a year or two but I do not care. I am not waiting for food to fall down to my table every night. I am going to go to work to earn the things i want. Even if i can barely move. I still push myself to not give up and i have not. Its been a year ssi. You guys never deal with someone like me. A go getter read more

I went there on a Wednesday, not too bad. I think I got lucky!!! The lady that helped me was very nice

Very fast and organized process. I would recommend if you need to come here for something. I ended up coming here twice for the same issue because I didn't have the proper paper work. Good luck. read more

Hello San Franciscans, I heartily recommend this office. Professional, clean, safe, friendly and efficient. Got my things done without any pains. This office can be the model of all the Social Security Administration in San Francisco. read more

"I really enjoyed my time at the Social Security Office." - a sentence that is never heard. I came in expecting to leave jaded, but was pleasantly surprised at how painless my visit was. I came in on a Wednesday morning (at 10AM) to update some details and did not have an appointment (so I expected a long wait). When I walked in there was no line and was able to get my ticket straight away. The tickets are sequential within a group, and not based on time you arrive (i.e. it might be A01, B02, A02, G01, A03, B03, etc... even though G01 arrived before A02). There were plenty of people working, so the line moved at a fairly reasonable pace despite the number of people waiting and I was seen within 20 minutes! However, if you are in a rush then I would recommend making an appointment. The place is clean, the seating is comfortable (for government office standards), and the crowd is peaceful/non-disruptive. Staff are professional, friendly, and helpful/attentive when you have a question. Staff are multilingual (expected for the area this office is in) and there will usually be English, Mandarin, or Cantonese speakers available (you'll select your preference on the ticket screen). Announcements, signage, and the security guard is also in English and Chinese, which is helpful for those who do not feel confident in English. If the line is long, grab a ticket, sit down for a few minutes to figure out how many are before your letter group and the pace of the line ("We're at G02 now, so there are 15 tickets before my G17 ticket. The line moves at 1 person per 5 minutes.") and head out to grab a bite if you want to kill time. The water-cooler is functional, delivering nice (and very) chilled water at a good pressure! A nice refreshing way to leave after sorting out your business with the SSA! read more

Got there at 8:55am with a decent line outside but it was really quick to get a number (fully automated) and I was out of there by 9:20am! I changed my name and they gave me a receipt, answered all of my questions, super friendly... Never had such a positive experience with a government service! read more

Frustrating process. Got there early at 815 and they don't open till 900 and people that got there later got service before me. How they were able to get help before me is so frustrating. Had to wait 40 minutes to file for a replacement card which took less then five minutes. read more

Today, I went there and I have finished all in lease than 10 minuets, the officer was so friendly and understandable and there was no line, best location highly recommended read more

Super fast! I was in and out in 20 min at 4pm on a Friday evening. Very organized. Great service too!

Came in on a Friday morning around 8:55am. 5 minutes before opening time, and the line was looooong. Was inside the building by 9:10. Got my number, sat down and waited. Got called around 9:45, was out by 10:15. The security guard was super nice. He even remembered my name and called me by my first name as we were saying bye! He's also nice, but stern. He told a lady she couldn't cut the line when she literally walked straight to the front assuming she would get in! Definitely fast. You can just see how efficient the workers here are. They're calling someone new every 3-5 mins, which is rare for any SS office. read more

I was not able to wait for my appointment that was for a month later from today, which was supposedly the earliest appointment, however most of the staff were very helpful and professional. 11AM Tuesday was very busy, so I came in the morning of Wednesday, stood in line at 7:45 AM and was seen around 9:30AM to process my application. This was way better than having to wait over a month for a phone or in-person appointment, so I would highly recommend coming in early! Great experience from the representatives. Also clean bathrooms were a plus! read more

i read hannala t.'s review and felt saved. i've been putting off getting my name changed for the same reasons everyone else puts off going to the ss office. just refer to hannala's review. it is 100% helpful, and confidence boosting! i'll just add my two cents, it smelled like pee pee every once in a while, but the place was as clean as could be. my wait time was estimated at 63 minutes, but ended up being about half that! so yay! read more

If you want to avoid long waiting times, you better go get in line 1 hour before opening time. Overall pretty good and direct service. When it became clear that I did not have al the necessary paperwork with me in order to get things done, I was allowed to come back the next day without having to wait in line for the whole time. So kudos for flexibility! read more

I came at 3pm (they close at 4pm) on a weekday, and only waited for 10 minutes. Great service and friendly staff.

Went in today to get my name changed after getting married. I first went there around 8:50 am before the office opened at 9am. There were about 12 people standing in line outside so I decided to come back later since I work close by. I returned again around 10:55 am and was out of there within half an hour. The process was pretty painless. I just had to complete the required form, show them my passport and social security card, the lady typed the info into the system, asked me to check it when she was done, and that was it. She took my old social security card and said that a new one will be mailed to me within 2 weeks. read more

It's weird to be yelping about the Social Security office, but today getting a replacement SS card was surprisingly a pleasant experience. I'm super excited that got something accomplished in a government office over an hour lunch break! A bonus star just for that! The people that work there are really nice, friendly, helpful and professional, the wait wasn't horrendously long and the whole process was organized. And you know, while I actually kind of like encountering crazies with total disregard for being in the general public (as long as they're not violent), this office had none of those people--just people quietly and patiently waiting for their turn at the window. I wish the DMV was this easy... read more