The reason for my visit was because during the lockdown someone working from home wasn't actually doing any work from home, so my name change never happened. That being said, the in-person experience was the least painful I have ever had at a social security office. Seriously, the two security guards need to take their show in the road. They were hilarious and entertaining and handled all of the unpleasant things like the lady that freaked every time a new number came on the board that wasn't her or the other lady that tried to fight everyone. AND my name is changed, so unless it doesn't actually show up in the mail, 5 stars! read more

Is there an option for zero stars? This location is beyond unprofessional & rude. Everyone is from the security guard at the front to the actual staff members/managers are rude and useless. They provide no help, much less guidance. THEY ALSO DONT ANSWER THEIR PHONES!!!!!! Save your time and go somewhere. Even if you have drive a little more inland do that and save yourself the headache, frustration and annoyance of this office that's full of lazy, rude, helpless people read more

Best hole in the wall kept secret of Chinatown SFO. Flavorful land portions were great.

I was pleased with the efficiency and humanness of the employees. I tried to solve my issue online and via chat and neither were satisfactory. The wait room was filled but I was served in 30 minutes. It's a newer facility so very open and airy. read more

Any government or state office is often widely avoided by most people, until the very last minute when you have to finally suck it up and go in. With a hanging head and arms dangling to the ground, I grabbed all kinds of things to keep me busy, because I knew it would be a long wait; made sure I had snacks and that my phone was charged, so I could play games when I shifted in my seat onto the other cheek. Shockingly, I was surprised at every turn! Groaning as I pulled into the parking lot, I thought there would be no parking. I was wrong! There was plenty! Good sign #1... I quickly got over the excitement of finding a parking spot and went back to my reserved and unhappy face, as I grabbed my "stuff" and walked in. I saw a line of maybe 3 people ahead of me and took a quick look around. There were quite a few empty seats and rows! Not as crowded as I thought! Good sign #2... I checked in, got an application for a name change and settled into my seat. I quickly filled out the application, so I'd be ready whenever they called me. My number was A145. I thought, "This is so gonna be like the DMV, where I'm sitting there for hours and cursing myself because I didn't bring anything to keep me busy!" All of a sudden, I hear them call A138... Say what??!! Dammmmmmn! My number is really close! Good sign #3... Not even 15 minutes later, my number is called and I am quickly helped by Mrs. Chacón and on my way out! Yessir! All in all, I have been to this location before and service has always been decent and rather quick, though this trip was the quickest! It's easy to give a government or state office one or two stars, just because of the inconvenience of having to go and the sheer disdain of them, but I have to give props where it's due! The woman who helped me was super friendly and quick. The security guard is really friendly and tends to always be in a great mood. He sings, cracks jokes, and walks around talking to everyone. That definitely helps when you're in such a place. Some people are not in good moods and are there to apply for benefits, restart benefits, or deal with other issues, so I think it's nice that he tries to keep everyone happy and entertained. Now that I think about it, I think today was quick because it's tax day and everyone is hauling ass to get that done and get to the post office! Good sign #4... read more

Went in for a replacement card. Parked on Challenger not too far away. I was in line at 8:45 with probably 50 people in front of me at the time. Right at 9am, the line was split into card services on one side and benefits on the other. Card services line moved quick. A worker was on the street with us assigning a window. Once inside, I presented my forms and documents. A new card will be mailed. Easy. 15 minutes. My experience today was as good as could be expected. Staff member was professional. Office was clean. No complaints. read more

Went to get my SS updated. Didn't realize their location moved. Got to the old location off Sepulveda and Crenshaw around 8 to realize they no longer were there. Drive to there new location got there at like 8:10 there were 8 people in line. Once it hit 9 the security told me to go to a window. Got to the assigned window literally took me 10 min to get my stuff done. I was amazed at the customer service and how fast the process went. read more

You know the place is going to be miserable, but this place goes out of their way to make your experience extra terrible. Despite being surrounded by parking lots, you can only park on the street. Wear comfortable shoes because you'll be walking. Place reaches capacity quickly so you'll be forced to stand outside. There's no awning. No benches. Nothing. Security guards can be a bit rude, but I can't blame them. They have to tell everyone the same thing multiple times and still most people fail at following directions. Be better, people!! Bring a novel. A magazine will not cut it. Just bring something otherwise you'll be staring at the backs of heads for hours. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. I had no idea you could do this. Pls save yourself and make an appointment. It seems like your only hope. Gonna get a cancer screening after this because I'm pretty sure this place gave me it. read more

Much worse than the previous location. I find that by moving to this new location made things more hectic for their consumers. Surrounding parking is restricted and only for the other surrounding businesses. Those who are going to the Social Security office at this point may only park in the streets, no more parking in the lots if visiting Social Security because our vehicle will get towed. The parking lot surrounding the Social Security office has a designated section for those who work as employees of the Social Security office. Not cool, they need to reconsider a different location where there is more parking that is easier to handle. read more

It is hard to get someone on the phone, but if you keep trying you probably will! Person I talked to seemed a bit stressed & abrupt, but she apologized later, which I appreciated. read more

The SSA office in Torrance didn't answer my call yesterday. I'm asking when is the schedule of my CDR. My CDR should be this year, but I don't know when. I first received SSI back in 2014. And since I received SSI for seven years, my CDR will be this year, but I don't know when. The people in Torrance office is unprofessional. It only shows how unreliable they are, especially in case of emergency. read more

I got there early, I knew it was going to be a long line. And sure enough I got there at 8:45am it opens at 9:00am. The security guards come at and give us the runs down of the rules before entering. They both were nice and was able to questions that were asked. I just knew I was gonna be here for a long time only to drop off some paperwork. Well I was in and out within 10 minutes. The people there were very nice and helpful I couldn't believe it because most places like this the workers are mean, angry and always rude we'll not here so if you need some business taking care of at the Torrance Social Security Administration building please go and be early it will move fast.. read more

Very poorly run office. Phones are constantly busy. The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing EVEN with computers. The manager doesn't do anything about these problems either. Ruth read more

December 22, 2022 I had to take care of some paperwork for my son which was very complicated. So what I did , I went down to the Torrance Social Security Office and met A very professional employee @ window 25 by the name of Ms. Brown. Her people skills and customers is what you call TopNotch . She took the time and explain in details exactly how I was supposed to fill out forms that was mailed to me and I really and truly appreciate her taking the time and being patient with me explaining everything I need to know in self explanatory details . Ms. Brown I just want to say thank you very much for helping me get a better understanding of how to fill out following forms for my son. You also deserve a Standing Ovation for your Superb customer service. read more

I rarely write reviews but I really feel like they deserve recognition especially given how much bad reputation governmental offices get. I came in without an appointment yesterday and was in and out within an hour and a half. All staff was really nice and friendly, starting from the security guard who greeted everyone, was full of jokes and clearly enjoyed his job. I had great customer service and left feeling great. About 20 mins later I got a call on my cell phone from a lady that saw me saying that I left my wallet behind and that she will keep it for me in her window! It is a small gesture but it is also HUGE. Thank you so much for proving that going to SSA does not have to be a dreadful procedure read more

black customer agent was too rude and direct for my liking. knowledge was very liytle on the how to part of requesting a social for my kid.

I too dreaded going to the SSA office, but it had to be done. The security was polite, professional and apparently comedians on the side. The staff was also polite. I appreciate good customer service. My drive there was longer than my wait time. I was in and out (without an appointment) within 25 minutes. The Torrance office is definitely the best office ever! read more

To be honest, I was dreading all day to come here. I researched the other yelp reviews and strolled in at 3 pm, let's see when I get out of here for a name change. I waited 25 minutes or so and got called to the counter. I had all of my proper documentation for a name change and it was pretty quick. The security guard has a good sense of humor whoever there was a baby that was crying and he was kind of rude and asked the mom to keep the baby from crying. Where is your compassion, sir?! Typical office with city employees. If you can make an appointment ahead of time, I HIGHLY recommend it, to cut down on time wasted while waiting in line. Best of luck to you! read more

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Waiting in the line, black elderly people with canes and friendly black persons just walk up to the guy and go right in ahead of the line. We waited outside till 930 and only 15 feet from the door so you can see this going on. If you come to this office disabled or not, you wait in the line just like everyone else that's been standing there for 35 minutes. Next time I come I'm bringing a disability walker so I can right in without waiting. This guard needs to be more unsympathetic to the disabled and have them wait their turn like everyone else. read more

The best office I have visited very organized and clean the staffs are super nice. Without appointment I was in and out in 15 minutes. Kudos to the SSA employees. Keep up the good work and assisting people! Will recommend this office to anyone. The best time to visit is when the Office opens. That is when I went and it was raining so less people likely will go and less crowded. Hope everyone is well and safe from Covid 19! We will all get through this pandemic stronger and hopefully wiser. read more

My Overall experience at the Torrance location was pleasant- this review is for Ms. Payne Ms. Payne was by far the most apathetic and unpleasant associate that I've experienced by far in the entire building. She was extremely unhelpful in assisting my request only to receive a replacement Social Security Card for my newborn baby that I had strapped right onto my chest during the entire visit. After finally being called to her window after waiting a few hours, she sent me on my way after a 2 short minutes of interaction. She quickly refused every form of identification I had for my NEWBORN including his Official Live Birth Certificate- which she claims they do not accept anymore as a form of identification even if for a newborn- and his insurance card that she told me would be potentially accepted, just not the one I had. She suggested my next option would be his immunization records but she would not accept be accessing a print out of the information electronically. Overall her attitude was mean and nasty and very dismissive. I truly hope she does not continue to enlist in a job directly serving the public with such a disrespectful & distasteful attitude. She left me with no resolution to receiving a replacement Social for my son. I truly do not wish for others to receive such a disappointing experience. Overall the Torrance Social Security building was wonderful and well ran except for Ms. Payne- would've given more stars. read more

This office has no parking other than the always occupied street spaces in front of the building. I was referred to call the individual in charge of processing appeals after my turning in my within the specified time period allowed for benefits reinstatement, and shocker..my benefits were not disbursed. In an attempt to find out what happened and you know, fed my family, I called this man over 30 times and did not receive a response to this day! Additionally, I went in yesterday to turn in paperwork late in the afternoon--right before they closed--and the window clerk was nice enough to call me after noticing that she missed something. The office was already closed so she proceeded to make a 9:30am appointment for me today, and instructed me to bypass the lines and waiting by informing the security that I have an appointment and go directly to window #9. I bypassed the outside line by informing the guard about my appointment, but when I told him I was going to proceed to window 9 to attend my appointment, he denied me stating that I'd have to wait in another line and get a ticket and wait for her to call my number. Mind you, I was 5 minutes out from my appointment time, and the ticket line was moving extremely slow. The most upsetting thing was that this guard told me that if I didn't actually have an appointment, I would have go back outside. I tried to explain that I had my dog in the car, and that had I know I would've had to wait--as the woman ensured me last night--I wouldn't have brought him. At 9:30, the woman from window 9 called my name and I again asked this man if I could proceed to window 9 now. And he allowed it. I signed something and was gone a minute later. Extremely rude and insensitive!! I understand that they have a job to do, but please don't assume everyone is trying to work the system because many of us are just trying live our lives and are actually good people. This office is just terrible. Would not recommend read more

They are rude. They don't answer the calls for 2 weeks in a row. I call them daily during 3-4 hours = no results. Thay said that my initial SSN is ready and shipeed to my adress but when I call to main office they said that it is not ready. They are liers. They ignore people. Less than 1 star read more

Very quick process, very easy, very professional staff for whatever issue you have it's much better than the one on Inglewood there is a line usually like around 7 of about 8 people already !!parking is only allowed on the street!! so be here early or else you will be driving around for a while looking for a spot. you wanna be #1 be here like at 6:30 and most importantly bring your coffee and a small chair read more

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Went in May of 2022 to get my new card after getting married and needing to change my last name. It was practically empty and I was in & out in 15 minutes. The lady that checks you in was great - even said she'd keep an eye on my car that I had parked (unknowingly) in the lot of the next door office building and they might tow. I The guy that helped me was lovely as well. Got my new card in less than 1 week in the mail. Great experience 10/10. read more

Contrary to other reviews, I was fortunate enough to be in and out of the building in under 10 mins. Mister security guard at the door did a great job keeping it organized, making sure ppl were informed, and entertained while we waited. I highly suggest going on their website and checking if there are any forms you need to fill out and any original documents you need to bring with you prior to going to their office. That will make the process a whole lot quicker and less stressful for you, and probably save you a second trip. Keep in mind that the office has limited services as majority of their people are currently working from home, so any matters regarding social security benefits would warrant a phone call to their hotline (Goodluck with that) and not a visit to their office. However I was told today that they will be fully operational soon (not sure when exactly, maybe in a week or so). Only thing I didn't appreciate was that they opened at 10 instead of 9 with no warning. No worries though. Mister security guard kept us entertained while we waited. He did a great job multi tasking and was such a stand up guy! Honestly he made the wait 100x better. read more

I don't even want to give this place a 1 star. It deserves Negative stars. This is the WORST location during this COVID mess going on. The workers here are RUDE and HIGHLY INCOMPETENT. They answer the phone then stay silent and don't say anything in hopes that u will hang up JUST to take u thru it again. I even had a woman who kept over talking me after I told her multiple times that I've been calling for over a month to get another card because I changed my name, hit the buttons on the phone repeatedly just to have me to hang up. And yes I did. I NEED ANOTHER CARD WITH MY NEW NAME ON IT!!! WTF?!! This is affecting my income and these weirdos ain't getting it nor are they any help. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO FIRE THEM ALL AND START OVER!!! Idc if ur at home. Ur job is to assist me so I can move forward and do what needs to be done. I have a small child to take care of and these lames ain't getting that. They don't want to give their names so u can report them, so I recorded EVERY call so I can do my own thing about making sure these idiots get an EDD check FOREVER. I'm so sick of calling this place and having ppl lie to me just to get me off the phone. These idiots don't want to work. They just want a paycheck for being an idiot. If these calls are REALLY being recorded, why hasn't there been any repercussions on these Representatives? They are NOT kind. They are MEAN and why are they mean tho? I ain't do anything to these idiots y'all hired. FIRE THEM ALL AND START OVER! What these lames don't seem to get is I AM A NATIONAL. And if anyone KNOWS what that means, it means A LOT. I have HEAVY pull and I'm going to make sure EVERY representative who answered my call and DID NOT help me is FIRED. I'm NOT playing. This ain't right. We don't treat ppl this way. I am about Love Truth Peace Freedom & Justice. Now this place is screening calls. Because I've called over 40x in 3 hrs time. I've talked to many in the past month and it seems they know it's YOU because they will make u wait on the phone for 15 just to tell u that the phone line is too busy and to call back. This never happened before. I guess I've called too many times for these lazy bums. I'm soooo sick of this place. I just want my damn new SS card so I can move on with my life. Why are these ppl such IDIOTS?! read more

Dont even bother calling them. They dont pick up at all. All you'll get is an endless loop of the robotic pre recorded messages and the phone will just drop. Its not even connection issue as the time when the phone drops changes each time. read more

I had to do the dreaded dealing with a government agency thing today. I needed a replacement Social Security Card. I won't go into the details that another went into, but I'll echo their experience - it was great! I didn't have an appointment (I'm still not clear how and if you can do that). I walked in around 10:15 today (Wednesday), and I was out in about an hour. The lady who assisted me was professional and courteous. I even mentioned that I had tried to request a replacement card online, but was unsuccessful in creating an account. She helped me with this problem as well, and on returning home, I was able to successfully complete my online account. We all spend so much time complaining about government services, that I wanted to take a moment and say, "Good Job guys!". I wish I hadn't had to to go in, but you made it about as easy as it could have been. Thank you! read more

Fast service of course it still reminded of standing in the welfare line. The security guard is super annoying get used to bland humor.

There is a lack of empathy in this system of numbers. Even numbers are given numbers. I went in there with my kids, having them all morning and thinking I had everything together the woman told me. She then criticized me for being upset earlier when the guard asked me to control my kids, then criticized me for being upset again, I told her I was overwhelmed, to which she replied, that's your own fault for losing the card. At first the guard was very rude, and then went on to talk to another random person in the social security office that (me) "those kids are lucky their not yours" insinuating that perhaps there would have been physical repercussions for my 1 and 3 year old pulling on the rope line. I'm horrified that the system has so far removed itself from being "human" to one another. The only encouraging thing in the room were the silent stares of people who really did understand my tears and stress, people offering cookies, or paper for the kids, but no one dares to speak up for a woman being treated like an unprepared number. Everyone comes from many situations that lead them to needing to be in that office. Alone or with kids, but I left that places feeling like I was worthless. The people who provided "customer service" today may have also had a bad day, but they have been put in some kind of arbitrary position of power to refuse the right of kindness, it actually felt like I was being treated badly because I am white. read more

I had been dreading having to go to a Social Security office after recent unpleasant visits to the DMV, but my visit last Friday to this SS was a very pleasant experience. My unplanned visit was quick and easy. Security guard was friendly and professional, the wait was short and such a pleasant experience with the representative at window #6. She was friendly, professional and efficient. The Managemnt at this location has a good team. Thank you. read more

Well sort of torture if you ask me but it is what it is and thankfully it was one time visit. Room FULL of people...seating or standing as well as outside area people just standing around waiting for their numbers to be called. Things to remember if you are planning to visit Social Security office, 1. Avoid Mondays and Fridays 2. Avoid First of the month 3.Try to go in the afternoon vs first thing in the morning 4. Parking can be a pain so I parked one street over and just walked over. 5. Have all your application or documents ready and completed before you get to the window. Just remember no matter when you go it WILL be a line and waiting around. Process is simple, walk in and then use the touch screen and choose the reason you are there and then take a number and wait for your number to be called. read more

So, you can't make an appointment to change your name. Another wonderful perk in being a woman, and changing your name after marriage. :P Like everyone said the security guard is pretty funny. I got there on a Thursday at 3:10, and luckily not later, I guess they close early at 3:30 (and have for the last 2 years). Parking was easy, it seems pretty full when I got there, but there were about 8 windows open. It took 30 minutes to get called, and the actual process was like 5 minutes at the window. Tips if you are changing your name: -Print your own form at home -Bring I.D. , your SS card, and your marriage certificate (no copies) -I hear that the first and the end of the month are the busiest, I went on Nov. 1, it was kinda busy. -Bring a book or magazine read more

I just needed to order a replacement S.S.card was in and out within 10 mins. Painless experience helpful staff efficient and organized.

Just finished leaving this building, and I must say that is the best one that I have been to. Staff is very articulate, and very attentive. I came in for SS card replacement, and I was only here for about a hour. They created a line just for card replacement. Talk about a win lol. Ain't nobody got time for something that can be done so quick... If you need to get your card replace just come here... They are pretty quick with trying to get people in and out... -GS read more

Not bad. Their new location is much faster. Arrived 30 mins before they opened about 8:30AM. Needed a replacement card. About 15 mins before they opened, the security guard split us into two lines depending on what you needed. As soon as doors opened I was sent to a window and helped immediately. Was in and out in 10 mins. They have definitely cleaned this up! Parked on the street, there is no parking lot. It's an industrial area so lots of street parking. I would recommend getting here 30-45 mins before opening and line up. That way you will be in and out once the doors open and plenty of parking. read more

Very straightforward. Take a number, wait, go to window #_ and state your business. Thank goodness there is a SS office local and not somewhere far in the ghetto. The office is located on Crenshaw and Seplulveda in Torrance. Can I give a gripe about something? Why is the name change process (more specifically for women) so difficult? Shouldnt there be a way to present your paperwork here and have it reflect on DMV and passport records? I digress. My visit to the SS office was to change my last name and correct a mistake with my name. I imagined every DMV experience but I was pleasantly surprised. Mr.Muhammed treated me with respect and was very helpful. I understand there are policies government agencies have to follow but we're all people and deserve to be treated with respect. Mr.Muhammed was the best. Thanks! read more

First, three stars for security officers who were kind, helping, and entertaining and Ms Brown at window2. I can't give 5 stars since two visits to this office were UNpleasant. On my first visit, i was called by the lady at the window 1 (who is in the attached picture) and she was very impolite and seemed like she didn't really like her job (I just thought she might be having a bad day or something). She said I'll receive my SSC in 2 weeks and i was good to go. But 2 weeks after I didn't received my SSC so i had to visit the office again. On my second visit (as the first visit i went there exactly when they opened), I saw and heard the next numbers of my number were called but my number. After 3 hours of waiting i asked the security guard and he said there must be miscommunication or something and told me to go to the window 1 (I swear I paid attention to the screen and the number calling). The lady at window 1 said that the security guard is not her boss and i shouldn't miss my number. The lady at Window 2 Ms Brown, who was close enough to listen our conversation, called me and asked me to stand behind her customer. She helped me nicely and found out that the one who helped me for my SSC last time was the lady at Window 1 and she made a mistake causing the delay of my SS card processing. So the lady at Window2 asked the lady at Window1 to help me and finish my case, but the lady at Window1 refused to do so (it was so obvious that she does not want to work). Ultimately the lady at window 2 handled it best she could and told me that i would have to wait 3-5days. When i was about to leave, i saw a man at window 1 telling the lady that his number was on the screen but no one called and said which window he should go to. it seemed like the lady just passed lots of numbers without calling. I was bit frustrated for coming to SS office again and wasting 3 hours solely for the lady's mistake. If you are coming to this SS office and unfortunately called by this lady, you might need much patience. read more

Social Security - the lady at Window1 - Public Services & Government Near Me - Torrance, California

Made an appointment for 3 pm (probably a month ago or maybe a bit less). I checked in at 2:45ish. They have a check-in kiosk at the front. If you have an appointment, check in as just that. Because even guards tell you something else. In my case, one of them corrected himself after telling me to check in as something else. I got called to one of the windows at 3 pm sharp. As long as you make appointments prior, I got the impression that you won't wait much, unless you get there early. If your objective is to update your social security status, whatever it is, like marital status, or name change, you need to fill out a form. There's only one form that applies to pretty much every change (according to the lady at the window), and at this location, the forms are located at the back. If you don't fill it out before being called to the window, you will have to wait till the next person is helped, which happened to me. Even though it took me less than 2 minutes to fill out the form, I had to wait for a good 15 minutes till the lady with two babies was completely helped out. And one of the office guards is a comedian (no pun intended), which helps keep the mood up in general. Overall, the process was quick and painless. And the agents at the windows call people fast. They don't wait or waste time taking time (for themselves) in between, which is great. read more