Social Security Office, Mountain View CA

Sigh. I had a phone call scheduled with this Social Security office today, but they did not call me like they said they would (it's been 90 minutes after our scheduled call time). Really disappointed.

This is one of the best encounters I have ever had with the SSA in Mountain View. Talked to an operations supervisor (Ms. Michelle Estrada). Courteous, understanding, professional. She listened to my problem and instead of pawning me off to another governmental department she actually reviewed my history and told me how she was going to help me right on the spot (ie, she was going to submit my request to CMS to get a refund of a Medicare monthly premium that was inappropriately charged to me). She was the most customer-focused staff person that I have ever talked to in the SSA. She absolutely believes that the SSA serves the public and that all interactions should reflect that credo. Kudos to her leadership at the Mountain View SSA office.

Arrived 15 min before closing but they had closed already. They should stand by what the post online and on their doors.

I got really helpful response over the phone. The SS officer was extremely polite and understanding, and explained everything in detail.

Frustrated to deal with SSA! My wife applied retirement benefits in early April and despite its promise in its website that it will be processed within 2 to 4 weeks, nothing was heard from SSA about the outcome in the past two months. Online enquiry will not solve the problem. Tried to call SSA office multiple times but telephone message advised the caller to call back later due to hugh number of calls received. The poor SSA service dealing with members of the public had existed many many years and no improvement had ever been made. The substandard customer service from EDD also occurs and remains unchanged year after year! I wonder why Governor Newsom did not spend more financial resources to improve the performance of these agencies by utilizing the current State surplus.

Good service and it is fast. You can go there and get the appointment. Before your appointment calling, be ready with the form filled, the form is also available there.

Line early before opening they only allow limited number inside or you line up outside rain or shine

I received an excellent service from a wonderful good looking lady, Tera. She has a calm voice that made you very comfortable. She's very helpful & fully explained in details what are needed & to expect. Good job Tera! Also, the office is nice, clean & well maintained.

We have been waiting over 1 hour and had to leave because our numbers didn't move. It feels like turtles work there, the person at the window number 6 was sitting with the agent for over an hour.

Waited for 1 hour and the officer just told me they couldn’t help me. And then she just didn’t talk to me anyway. I was very disappointed, but I still said “have a good day” politely to the useless officer at last. She didn’t even look at me. What a nice person!

2nd Update: Went to ANOTHER office (NOT THIS ONE!) and the officer was very nice. He helped me figure out all the problems. Really appreciated!

After reading many reviews on the internet I came at 9am. There was a queue outside the office about 20-25 people. I left office 9: 38am I spend all together 38 minutes including getting ticket, sitting waiting, and talking to social security staff. Quite positive experience. Very professional and polite.

Helpful, efficient staff. In today's visit, the staff member who helped me quickly took care of the filing I had come in to make and then resolved a whole different issue I asked about by completing a separate filing with me on the spot. All in 30 minutes including a short wait time.

People who comes to here are ones who seek help. I personally think they can try to be more helpful than they are.

I made an appointment and got there a little early. The guy actually saw me 10 mins early. There was adequate parking too.

One of the more pleasant social security offices I've ever been to. Clean, orderly, and quick service! An easy sign in / check in system, and then just sit for a bit and wait for your number. Lots of staff working, and water fountains for waiting as well.

I went to replace my social security card. It was pretty simple. I filled out the application form and showed them my passport and green card. Within 10 minutes it's all done.

Friendly and quick staff. Parking is a bit tight. Went there without an appointment and came out within 45 mins.

I went in there couple of times to take my friends and to be frank I felt really good. Everything is so organized and you don't need to wait in long queues holding a token in your hand (happened to me when in sunnyvale SSN office.currently closed)

Maybe the other reviewer had a bad day: The office moved to Shoreline in 2016. The location is very nice, the staff is friendly, the wait time met my expectations as a walk in (~45 mins).
Everything went smoothly and in a very nice atmosphere!
I can totally recommend it.
[The one cutting the line might have been somebody with an appointment, that's a more likely explanation. ]

Worst office I have ever been to in the whole states. Attitudes are really bad, and they even asked you out in service to serve someone not in line but may be a relative or something. Unbelievable!