U.S. Social Security Administration

Best social security office I ever been. I came here twice and love their service. The place is very clean the people are just lovely here. I had always come in the morning and never wait for more than 10mins. Best office ever!

I read the reviews before I went and it was really true! A government office that works efficiently! I was greeted by someone very nice who guided me to the ticket taker machine and showed me where the paperwork was. I went at lunchtime during a weekday and was there for less than 20 minutes. I was 8^th in line when I went too. Everyone was nice and they really have a great system going. The DMV should take notes!

I went in to apply for a social security number. I was in and out in 15 minutes and the lady who processed my application was efficient and friendly.

Professional service, lovely teller, smooth process.

I honestly don’t write Unilocal reviews often, so imagine my surprise to take the time to write about a social security office. I went in there expecting to wait a few hours– brought a novel, a Rubik’s cube I can’t solve, and a magazine in preparation.
In reality, I walked into the office, filled out a quick online pre registration form, and a piece of paperwork. Immediately got my number called, and went to the counter. The woman hello me was funny, nice, and fast (although not a huge fan of Millennials… I digress). Was done in 6 minutes or so.
Reaction was kinda like those new time warner cable ads– I imagined having to take the whole day off, when it actually took a whopping 10 minutes from entering to exiting the building.
Long story short, one happy millennial.

the building is hard to miss the front desk and security are very nice. the elevator must be ancient takes awhile to come down n go up.
there were two security guard one was very helpful the other one had a attitude. refused to get up to help patrons instead yelling at them from the desk. I must have disturbed him from his private phone call to get a rude responds.
when i got # i sat down for less than 5mins and proceeded to the window. its was hard to hear what the clerk was asking. they need a better way in calling out these #s either make use of the tv screens.
very satisfied finished in less than 10 mins.

Amazing place. Great service and super helpful. There were 2 security guards (both were kind, funny and helpful); one even called to the back for me to see if the documentation I had to request a replacement card for my daughter was sufficient. I went there after 1p and expected to have a long wait, but I was in and out in 15 mins.

Hands down the best government agency office I have ever been to. It’s inside the office building on the 3^rd and 4^th floors. The security staff are super helpful and kind and the ticketing service is fast and efficient. Just have all of your documents with you and you’ll be out in 15 minutes (I’ve gone morning and afternoon and both times have been super quick). Wish every other office could be this seamless and amazing.

Is this the best government office experience that I have ever had? I think so.
I went in with a book because it was lunchtime, in Manhattan, but I didn’t even make it two pages into my book. The staff and security personnel were friendly and efficient. Thanks!

Guys — this place is ACTUALLY helpful and quick. I’ve been to many government offices and much feel like i’m just a number with no personality or that i’m not in need of some help…
Front desk = very helpful. Asked what I needed help with and told me where to head.
Check In Area = Two security guards, helpful in pointing where to check in, how to check in, and what to do. I had brought coffee in, and instead of making me throw it out, i just had to drink it outside the office. I could still hear all the numbers being called and one security guard waited with me and had a lovely conversation.
Window = I was getting my name changed after being married. The lady behind the window was super helpful and efficient. Had me check over all my information twice before submitting. She ALSO kept saying «Congratulations on your Marriage, isn’t that wonderful» — and was legit about it.
All in all, in and out in less than 30 minutes. I did go in at 7:15 (doors open at 7:30) but the security guard said get there before 8am and you’ll go through quicker.
Why a missing star? If you could set up appointments, that would be a nice touch.

The Social Security office was a bit confusing to find, but thankfully the front desk and security officers to the building were very nice and kindly directed everyone in the right direction. They must be used to seeing confused and dazed people slowly approaching their nice and shiny lobby looking for the Social Security office. Here’s a tip if no one is there to reach you — down the hall to the right, take the elevator to the 3^rd floor.
Once you get off the elevator, there are 2 machines that you can use to check in to get your ticket. As if that wasn’t simple enough, there are also additional security guards present to direct you and help with any questions.
I arrived at the office shortly after 730am, there was only a small handful of people already waiting in the seating area. The seating area consisted of a row of cushioned black chairs facing 40 individual stations. Unlike other SSA offices that I have been to, each station was clearly sectioned off so that you could handle your business in private. The office was very clean and orderly, they have a strict no cell phone or eating policy. This was perhaps the best experience that I had at any government office, everyone was so cheerful and sweet.
I was called up in exactly 12 minutes and was out of the office in less than 30 minutes. Even as I was leaving there were still only a few people behind me. A few tips for anyone anticipating a visit to the SSA office — go early and go in the middle of the week to avoid long waits and long lines. Also, come prepared with all the necessary documents — everything can be found online but if for some reason you are missing any documents they have a plethora available onsite for you to fill while you wait.

For an official place, that usually is unpleasant to visit, this place is relatively nice. The staff is friendly, and try to help, and you can tell that they understand that most people here would prefer not to be here, so they kind of making it easier.
First, getting here early, like 7 – 7:30 can make a difference between leaving within an hour, and waiting 2 – 3 hours when arriving later. The line start before they even open.
Second, the place is clean and fresh for SS office. So I must say that they do a great job. Well-​oiled machine, other need to learn!

Reviews are correct very easy! Nice clean office. Competent people. Just look up what you need before. They have applications there but might as well fill out online and bring (with marriage license passport etc). I got there at 7:30 and was done by 8 am. Three minutes of that was the window the rest was waiting. Not bad at all!

Very well organized and sufficient office! I was in & out within 30 minutes. I’m very impressed!!! Do yourself a favor and just come to this office and get your business done quickly!

Went in at 1:35pm on a Friday. When they close at 3pm. So really risky.
BUT was pleasantly surprised. I was out and processed within an hour and there was quite a good amount of people there before me.
Honestly the DMV was faster around 34^th. But that was ridiculous in the sense I was in and out there in 15 minutes so in my head they deserve ⁶⁄₅ stars and the SS deserves a solid ⁵⁄₅.
Good job!

When a Government service office can efficiently get you in and out their office with a pleasant smile in the morning, they deserve 5-​stars!
First, the office is open at 7am for the early birds. I was aiming for 7:30 but didn’t arrive until 8am [sigh]. I was prepared for a crazed waiting room but there were only 25 people in queue. The helpful security guards directed me to to print my waiting ticket at the touch screen kiosk and fill out the application and the waiting game began.
The waiting room is clean and quiet. Conversations were at a minimum as it was relatively early. Note: Cell phones are not permitted at the window (how disrespectful that would be); nor pics as I attempted to take one of the waiting room and was lightly reprimanded (didn’t know that tidbit). Within thirty minutes, I was serviced and out the door. TIP: It’s beneficial to have ALL your paperwork filled out in advance and required documents at hand. Kudos to me.
Now if only the US Postal system could work this effortlessly…

Got to Penn at 8:45 hopped on the 2 to Fulton, got back to Penn by 9:30. This place is super convenient as its right by the subway, its clean, and the staff is friendly.
I got there, got a number (B90) and they were up to B88. Damn so quick and effortless. This is a true diamond in the rough when it comes to SS Offices. I am glad I read the reviews on Unilocal and took the chance with coming here. It was a great success! :)

No need to put it off really. This was a well oiled machine from where I stood. I needed to change my name because I got married. But I’m the world’s biggest procrastinator so I asked for a little time off to go get this done before work this morning. I was anticipating waiting forever. Not so. I was sitting for maybe 6 minutes. Smooth experience. Your standard government employees but I wasn’t expecting much. I went in with low expectations and this office exceeded them.
I also made it in to work before my whole team. So I consider this an extremely successful trip.

This place has to be hands-​down one of the most efficiently run government agency office I’ve waltzed into.
Having been to ones in California and Washington, I can safely say that New York has got it’s isht together.
FIRSTLY, the building is literally a 2 minute walk from the train station directly off of the 2/​3/​A/​C line, so it doesn’t really get more convenient than that (also just a couple of blocks from the N/​R if needed).
SECONDLY, the facilities are spacious and clean, and the security staff will guide you if you need directions.
The office itself is, as everyone else has stated, on the 3^rd floor. Take the last set of elevator banks on your right hand side. Check-​in at the kiosk near the entrance, and save time by printing and filling out the applications beforehand on the handy SSC website.
Grab a ticket number and wait. I waltzed in at 9AM and waited no more than 5 minutes before having my number called. The woman at the window was polite and efficient and filed my replacement card papers in roughly 10 minutes, give or take.
The easiest form of ID to bring is probably your U.S. Passport if you’ve got one, just FYI!

This is how government offices should be run. Friendly front desk, friendly security guards, friendly staff members. I’m guessing everyone who’s rated this place has had a bad experience at one government office or another (ahem DMV ahem), and with such low expectations inflation of stars is expected.
This place, however, is great, I walked in around (late) lunch time and waited 20 minutes exactly. The whole process to apply for a replacement card lasted all in all a grand total of 5 min. Even though that’s quick I didn’t feel rushed at all. She even took the time to have me double check the information she entered into the system TWICE.
Service here was definitely appreciated.