Great and quick service. If you have an appointment, show up on time. If you get way earlier than you appointment time, they will stay have you wait until the time of your appointment read more

Oh, it is still terrible. I just wanted to update: when I called social security again, the problem was researched and the lost funds returned. (Also: I need to apologize for my misspellings and my grammatical errors in my last review. I was very shaken up: that was how terrible the S.F. office was!) read more

Quite an efficient experience. Technological improvements in the waiting experience.

Keep the appointment time! SS Rep informed me the person who was to attend me had gone to lunch and would need to wait an additional 15 min. By this time I had already been waiting an hour and was being purposely skipped. I asked to speak to a manager and one refused to speak to me and help me understand why they skipped me for an hour even though I had an appointment. I was seen an hour and ten min later. Awful awful. What is the purpose of an appointment if you can't see me on time! read more

Increased staffing, more competent leadership, and higher, more reality based benefit amounts. Waiting period from application to approval and then finally payment is mortifying. read more

This office the worse social security office. Never answer the phone for 30 minutes-1 hour, when I get there they closed and told everyone only taking customers by appointment only. I get there 2nd time, got in, then turn me out again to come back 3 weeks later without helping me. Un-friendly windows people. read more

In practice they close at 2:30. If you've been waiting outside in an hour long line, they'll send you home at 3:30 saying they're not taking anyone else. This is the perfect place to explore the time dumpster, if you're into that sort of thing. The first time I was here, it took 2 hours to receive service. Eventually took care of business and the clerk said they would, "send it through." Three weeks go by and they still hadn't sent it through (confirmed by the dmv), so I called this office, they hung up after 30 mins due to high call volumes. Called fed office and they hung up after making me wait 30 more mins due to high call volumes. Showed up today at 2:30pm only to have them send us all home at 3:30 empty handed. All in all I've spent 5 productive working hours of my day here (and counting) just to try and get them to do one simple task. At this point I'm honestly not sure what we can do about the social security administration... seems like it needs an overhaul, or Ai. read more

Security guards there are very rude and coarse. They told me that I had to take everything off to go through security. Obviously I didn't.

I arrived at 9 o'clock, and then got a ticket number, waited for 3 hours, still it wasn't my turn. Two people had been angry. So annoying experience. And SSN phone number can never be answered. Finally they answered once, told me that they cannot schedule an appointment from the phone. Then why you all tell me to call to make appointment. read more

FYI- This location closed 2 years ago and moved to Mission Street at 7th Street in the new federal building - WHY WON'T YELP UPDATE :( This is the empty building across the street from Civic Center. read more

I wound up having to apply for social security after a serious illness. I had intended to wait until I was 70 as doing so will raise my monthly payment. Oldsters can apply at 62 BUT get smaller monthly payments based on how long the government thinks you will live. Conversely if you wait until after 65 it improves your monthly payment because you are drawing payments for fewer years using their logic (a note to younger folks since people are living longer younger people have to wait longer to qualify - this is determined by your birth date so my above comments don't specifically apply to younger folks). The staff at the new building are both kind and professional. The problem I have with the organization is they never tell you the same thing twice. You can file on line but since I was hospitalized and did not have net access in the hospital I set an appointment after my discharge to apply. With my appointment they were fast and professional - however I later found out when I got my notice of benefits award what they told me was wrong. Then I had to call their national 800 number and wound up talking to another nice professional person. My notice from SS in the mail contradicted what I had been told in person by the agent at this location. The helpful phone agent corrected the error and advised me when my payment would come but it did not arrive as promised. So, I called again only to be told what the last guy told me was incorrect. Although all agents have been nice I have never been told the same thing twice by a social security employee and what I have been told is contrary to what the official notices they mail to you state. To get things resolved I packed up all of my notices and went in without an appointment. It took more than 2 hours to get help solve my problem. I've spent at least 4 hours waiting on hold on the phone in addition to about three hours in this office for help - all because each different social security agent told me something which was incorrect. I thought this strange but wound up talking to another senior who just came out of the office griping about the same problems - so, I know it was not just my situation. Words to the wise - I saw people turned away because they need to resolve their name on their immigration documents that did not match their SS records (they were told to go to Immigration across town and have it fixed). Another person was turned away as they only had a photocopy of their driver's license for identification you need an official identification card (license, passport, etc) to get service. Yet another person was curtly told to leave and told he was not to be in this office and had to deal with his problem on line (I'm guessing he acted out on his last visit). There were 2 to 4 security guards at the door and one watching the waiting area too so security is airport grade to get in. I suggest if you are getting near retirement to take some time and find out the details before you apply - also I'd apply on line if you can as it will save you a trip. read more

Came here on a Monday at 11:45am for a replacement of my SS card and was out by noon! 5 min through the security, 5 min wait being called, and 5 min processing my request. The staff was nice but the security was rude. I guess they have to be intimating given the sketchy area but being intimating doesn't mean being rude. Shame for their miserable life （｀´）ゞ read more

Looks can be deceiving: Although the building is spanking brand new with the most excellent architecture, it is pretty scary (oh gawd some of the clients) once you get inside . Thank goodness I did not have to wait in this newly designed building that has some very strange people as clients. I felt like I was in an insane asylum, the kind that I used to see in the movies; thank goodness I only had to pick up some literature. Get ready to go through metal detectors and have some burly and mean security guards take you through the hoops. Be ready for a lot of strange characters straight out of central casting to act out in low class, smelly ways, and maybe act out violently. The majority of the clients look like they are living a a pretty hard life; the majority are pretty messed up emotionally and physically. Many of them are either ex-substance abusers, on drugs, have seriously emotionally disabilities, and some don't have much education. Of course there are those regular folks that are just attempting to get their names changed (marriage etc) Social Security cards replaced, check on their retirement benefits, or just apply for a card if they are new immigrants, or either lost their original. I would suggest getting in line at little before 9:00 am during a mid week day. Don't take anything that will be confiscated by the security guards because they won't hold it for you at their desk and you won't be able to enter. I had a loud 911 noise maker and I could not take it in and had to go out side and hide it in the bushes. Also, don't go on the 3rd or 4th (distribution of benefits) of the month. Remember to take a book or take your IPOD to listen too. Make sure to be hyper-vigilant and protect yourself when you are waiting there. Self-protection is key. If at all possible, try to take care of your business over the phone. Also, it you have to leave something off, you can leave it in the secure drop box (it is located on the left right when you some into the facilities entry doors. read more

Once you get to a window and the staff bends over backwards for you and treats you like royalty because they see that you're not a nutjob it's like a breath of fresh air. And although I had a magazine you really don't want your energy pulled away from the people watching and eavesdropping. It really is worth your undivided attention. I learned a whole hell of a lot that day. There was a pretty crazy fight between some really angry white guy and the security guard. Then some black dude who wasn't even in it got in the white guy's face about never 'fucking with a black king' and they looked like they were about to fight. After an hour of waiting I figured that was a good time to run my Walgreen's errand. I feel pretty naive for wondering why they would have a security check for the social security office. A suggestion: Why not make a window for people who already have ss numbers and just need a card reissued? I'm down with everyone and don't mind the amusing company, but seriously, a two hour wait? And you're open from 9-4:30? I can't even lie and say that's a doctor's appointment. And a special 'fuck you' goes to the security guard who called me baby. I don't usually play that shit but the fight diverted my attention as I was walking out. read more

I am on H1B. A few people told me to visit SSA after 10 days of entry. I entered in the US on 23rd September and visited SSA office on 25th. There are checkin booths on the left side, you simply need to get a ticket. The ticket numbers are called out of any specific order(so stay alert). I waited for 25 to 30 minutes when my number appeared on screen and an officer called me on a window. Officer was friendly. He checked my I-94, passport and SS5 form. Asked a few usual questions about my travel history to the US and gave me a receipt. Simple but a bit time consuming, keep 1 to 2 hrs in mind. read more

I just got married. I decided to take my husband's name and needed to go to the SSA to change my name on my SS card. My experience was worse than I would have expected. LONG WAITS. Walked in at 11.30AM, took a number, and waited for two hours before my number was called. DREARY CROWD. There is no cell service inside the building, no eating, no drinking. But plenty of down and out folks from the Tenderloin, muttering to themselves, who will sit next to you. Bring a book. INEFFICIENT. After TWO HOURS, my number was called. The person then data entered the form I had previously filled out on my computer, into their system. I had thought by spendning all that time and going in person I would have walked out with a card. Nope, it will take two weeks to get my new card. Thankful that i won't have to deal with the SSA again until I am 65. read more

My parents had a appointment at 2:00-2:40 here at this location. We got there at 1:30 and got out of there at 4:30 . I told one of the security guy that my mom has only 3 hours before her oxygen tank runs out, but he didn't care . The worst part of this story is that , when I went outside , my car was gone . They impounded my beautiful mini van . I had to take my parents and my 10 years old kid to Walgreens because it was freezing outside and I walked 8-10 blocks to pick up my car . They charged me $430 to pick up my car and $110 for parking ticket. If only social security people hurry their a$$ up and not have us wait 3 hours even with the damn appointment , I would of saved $540 . My one week paycheck. PLEASE DO NOT PARK on mission street 4-6pm every day . It's street cleaning and you can't even see the sign because of the tree . First timer gets $83 discount lol and I'm still mad . GOOD LUCK ! read more

Needed to update my social security card so came in on a Tuesday morning. The office opens at 9am so I came in at 8:30am and waited in line. I was #15 in line. They opened the doors at 9am sharp after an officer came out to give metal detector instructions. We were asked to come in 2-by-2. By the time I went in through security and picked a number from the kiosk, they had already seen most people ahead of me and called my number before I even had a chance to sit down. The officer who saw me couldn't be any sweeter! I was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience. I was in and out in 20 min after waiting in line for just about 30 min. Thank you SSA for this positive experience! read more

I came here so many times to get my social security card that I became the Yelp Duchess of this place. As much as I like having dukedoms on Yelp, I don't think it's a good sign that I returned here so often to solve a simple problem. I find it a little odd -- and disgusting -- that you have to remove your shoes to enter the building. Granted, it is for our safety. But the floor looks so yucky! The place is full of weird people, of course. I have seen people talking loudly, people having arguments, people showing their underwear... But the security is pretty good and solves the situation fast. All the employees are pretty polite and friendly. However, when you came back for the same problem, service can be a little annoying. I really don't like when they ask "Who was the person that talked to you last time?" or when you ask them why it's taking so long and the answer is a vague "They are still processing it". All the times I came here, I didn't have to wait long, which is great! But, I really wish they had faster and better solutions to your problems. read more

This place is so understaffed it's ridiculous. I have been to this place several times this month and it's always packed, with so many people waiting and having at most 3 windows open. It's really annoying to have to go there early in the morning, wait in line, get frisked and x-rayed, and wait just to be told to come back another day. This place is beyond silly and I'm shocked to see it has as many stars as it does. read more

First of all, I think the address is actually 90 7th Street. And believe me you don't want to be wandering around this area not knowing where you're supposed to be. Came here to change my last name. I was disturbed that I had to walk through a metal detector. Not once, but twice. I took a number. It said the wait time would be 1 hr, 35 minutes... not exactly a lunch hour excursion. Several people called before me went into a special room... I was truly hoping I would only have to approach a window. After about 20 minutes I was called to the window and had my paperwork filed in no time. I do not ever want to have to go back there... it just wasn't a warm and fuzzy place to visit. read more

I don't think that reviewing this place depending on the customers is representing of the service you get. Sure, the crowd is rough, but what do you expect at 7th and Market? Having said that, this is the SSN office that I went to, and Ms Love, with whom I had an appointment with, actually fixed my problem (problem of name on SSN card). When all other SSN offices (Mission and he one in FiDi) dismissed me and told me I needed to go back to Europe to change my name to match their records (!!) or my favourite "get a court order to change YourName to YourName for us to fix this mistake" , this woman, just looked at what the regulations were and fixed it for me in 10 minutes flat. I have nothing but praise and big thanks! And the security guard nside the building was very friendly and made me feel he had my back. It is hard to believe, but a very easy 5 out of 5 for a government office :) read more

Should be 3 stars because I really thought it was "A-OK" but I felt the staff and security guards deserve that extra star. Reading the past reviews of the Social Security Administration made me nod my head in agreeing to the "interesting folks" that come in there. Social Security is for the public, so expect anyone... I came to this place today for a Social Security Card Replacement at around 10:50am and you are first greeted by the security guards who do the routine security check. Then another security guard by the check in computer, whom is very friendly and helpful if you have any questions. On my ticket it said A558, the monitor was serving A544 and the estimated waiting time said 60 minutes. I freaked out because my meter was running on 50 minutes. For if they call your number, and you miss the call, you must sign in AGAIN. GOOD NEWS... it went relatively fast by 11:30am I was seen by a very cordial and helpful representative! I was out by 11:34am! ALSO! He informed me that my citizenship wasn't up to date, apparently I had not been a citizen since I immigrated here, so he updated that for me! AWESOME!!!! My visit here was pleasant and does not look ghetto inside! Also did not seem like alot of people where here at this time... So Id recommend coming here on Wednesdays at around 9 or 10am. It started getting busy by the time I left.... read more

As a concept, they get 5 stars... As a social institution, they get 3 stars, but oh my frickin' GAWD... the line... the freakin' line!!! and don't even get me started on the REASON i even had to get a new social security card... ARGH!!! read more

1. I called the 800 number to make an appointment for a replacement social security card and was given the option of leaving my phone number (rather than wait on hold) and getting a return call when I was at the front of the line. 2. I received a return call from SSA about 45 minutes later and was able to make a 10:30 a.m. appointment several weeks later. 3. On the day of my appointment, I arrived at 10:15 a.m., checked in at a computer screen and was called to a window within several minutes. 4. The security officers as well as the representative at the window were friendly and helpful. 5. I left the office with my business matters complete within 15 minutes. 6. I received my replacement card in the mail four business days later! Yes, it absolutely helps not to be in desperate need for a document from SSA; I could afford to wait several weeks for an appointment. And yes, I brought all the necessary paperwork and documentation with me. These things certainly helped, but my recent interactions with SSA were very positive and resulted in a surprisingly great customer experience. read more

*G*H*E*T*T*O* Got hitched and 6 months later I'm getting around to changing my name. The location to do this -5th & Market- is pretty grimy but I guess that's the price I'll have to pay for love. It's essentially a stale room that's crawling with all sorts of bacteria. The 'security check' entrance looked pretty rinky dinky to me, but at least it was consistent with the overall atmosphere. =P Lucky for me, there was no line to change your name - apparently they have lines for different purposes. The woman behind the counter was as friendly as I could expect, and for that I was grateful. (Maybe because she could see that I wasn't a looney off the street) I was out in 20 minutes! *Phew* I would not recommend this location if you haven't had your vaccinations... Udate: 3 days later I got my new ss card! Wow! =D (I'm not changing my rating of this actual location tho!) read more

Scary place. Not the staff, though - just the people in line next to you. Hold your purse close to you and be aware of your suuroundings. Try not to let the smell bother you. I recommend you CALL AHEAD TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. Find out what forms you need to fill out and download them online, and have them filled out when you get there, along with amy necessary documentation. If you do all of this, your appointment will be done in 10 minutes. Allow yourself an extra 15 minutes prior to your appointment to go through security (similar to what you go through at the courthouse). I just went to get my last name changed, and I hope I never have to go back again. Eeek. But like I said, the staff was great which is why I'm giving the place 3 stars. It's just a shady area, so be prepared. read more

In and out in 20 mins or less, yay! Got there by 8.30, and there were already 20 people waiting in line to get in. Security checking was alright, you have to empty your pockets, take off your jacket and shoes, and let them scan your belongings just like at the airports. There's 2 kiosk to get your number, so don't be stuck behind a group of people huddling around the first machine. The employees that helped me was very nice and friendly. I do wish they have more non-English speak staffs around to help out, this is San Francisco afterall. And if your older relatives needs to come here, please accompany them. It's a little overwhelming for those that can't speak English. read more

Needed to get a Social Security Card replacement so I yelp'd it and this page came up! checked in at 1:40pm was out by 3pm....takes about 60 mins the time of check in from the kiosk! costed me nothing but make sure you have your ID or DL! have about 60 mins to spare...thanks good job homeland security! read more

The last level in Dante's Inferno. And you thought the dmv was bad! Avoid if you can. Someone arrested a moment ago sputtering all sorts of COA conspiracy theory stuff. Waiting room is dilapidated. Security guards in the front can't handle more than one person entering the building at a time. Think I need a safe word. The good news: despite the two hour wait, I got what I needed accomplished in one visit. The administration is nice so long as you are. read more

I went here to file a disability retirement application. The people in the waiting area ranged from quiet and patient to deranged and impossible to please. One man had to be escorted out because he created a ruckus. The check-in process is not obvious, but a security guard pointed out the computer screen and helped me check in. Then I had to wait about 40 minutes before my number was called. The clerk at the counter was very helpful and pointed out a computer that I could use to start the application process. Then I had to wait about 20 minutes before a man opened the office door and called my name. We went to his cubicle and he was pleased because my forms had been filled out in advance by the Positive Resource Center. Still, it took time for him to enter the data into the SSA computer. In the meantime, I chatted with the worker, Tony Garcia, who was courteous, patient and extremely helpful. He even worked into his lunch hour so complete the process. He not only filed the disability retirement application, but also a supplemental security income form and explained the difference very carefully. Tony definitely did his best to do all he could for me and I appreciate his time and extraordinary effort. He even took steps to correct my name, which was incorrectly entered in the SSA system. He is definitely an asset to the office. read more

Social Security - SSA office building - Public Services & Government Near Me - San Francisco, California

I cannot give enough praise for Danielle Warren! She is ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL and a true ANGEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I originally had lukewarm pre-conceived notions about dealing with government agencies, and these notions were shattered within a few minutes of talking with this exceptional woman. She has worked with the agency for 19 years, and yet she is not burnt out at all and is the opposite of apathetic. Danielle Warren genuinely cares about helping people and for that I am certain she will continue to have an auspicious career. She has all of the qualities for senior management. She's hard-working, intelligent, efficient, energetic, professional, has a lovely temperament & excellent problem-solving skills, and she truly cares about people and her work. She is also one of the kindest people I have ever encountered in government. I am completely in awe of her : ) read more

Great experience! I went at 8:30am on a Tuesday, based off the other reviews this seems like the best time to get there. The staff was super friendly, as soon as they called my number I was out within ten minutes, all in all took 45 minutes. Gail was amazing. I just needed to change my name after getting married and it was great that it was quick and easy. read more

Please choose another SSA. Period. The officer provided wrong information to me-- such an extremely inconvenience. I expected government officers to be professional and accountable. Sadly, sometimes bad things just happended. The environment is, frankly speaking, very dirty and smelly. The whole environment makes me feel very insecure-- ironically, it's "Social Security" office. TL; DR- (1) If you have choice, please choose another social security office. (2) They open to 4:00pm. NOT 4:30pm. read more

I understand the people they serve are very difficult but, everyone who works there is rude and very disgruntled, even to Caseworkers just trying to help out. read more

Excellent service here the wait is a little long sometimes but they try to work fast. Security is super friendly also and was very helpful.

Yes, outside is ghetto like everyone said, but the inside is very nice, almost like a small airport. its an experience.

This review is for the 5th and Market location. One star off for skipping my number and making me wait 3+ hours. Another star off for the gentleman who wouldn't take off his ski mask and sunglasses when walking through the metal detector - which he repeatedly set off. A third star off for the anarchist inside me who objects on principle to having to endure an afternoon of Kafka-esque horrors to change MY OWN NAME. But I'll give them two stars for the nice security guard and the nice lady behind the counter, and the convenient location, and the fact that four hours later I'm a new (or newly-named, at least) woman. (Seriously, though. Would it kill them to pipe some Funkadelic or something through those loud, scratchy speakers of theirs?) read more

It's weird reviewing a government site because nobody goes out of their way to visit a social security office. You go because you have to or your life as you know it would just end, but since I read the bad review I thought I would write my great review. The place is exactly how you would expect. Governmental and very clinical but the staff were so friendly and always polite. Yes there are people with emotional and physical issues that go there for benefit information bit if you don't distribute them, they don't distribute you. I would say go early, get your number and remember to take a book or ur smartphone because as it is a governmental building the waiting is compulsory. If you r not a very patient person, I would suggest you go online and see if maybe they can help you on their site www.socialsecurity.govt Hope this helps!! read more

I went down to the San Francisco SS office because I needed a replacement SS card to meet the requirement for a Real ID at DMV. I did this one afternoon 'without an appointment'. Ok, pull a number tab from the machine. The waiting area was approximately half full, so I expected a lengthy wait. Well, 40 minutes wasn't bad. I was impressed with the overhead screen providing timely information on various Social Security assistance programs. And the gentleman assisting me was very Professional. I appreciated the caution exercised, and questions I was asked assuring my identity. These people Are Good! read more