A TRIP TO THE SOCIAL
SECURITY OFFICE
I had to go
to the Social Security Office the other day.
I wanted to have my check direct deposited to a new bank account. I tried to do it on line, but I couldn’t prove
that I was me. It was annoying, but I
can understand. I’ll bet lots of old
dudes and dudettes get ripped off and have their check sent where they don’t want
it sent. People take advantage of old
folk, so if the SS office wants to be difficult, that is all right with me.
I went with
Mrs. Cranky, she understands banking numbers and stuff like that better than
I do as she used to work for a bank; also I find when the bureaucrats give you
a hard time, it helps to pull the old man card and act extra stupid while the
wife helps them out. Instead of good cop
bad cop, we play dumb spouse, smart spouse…somehow it makes them go from mean
pricks to helpful.
Anyway.
We had to go
and speak to a real person. The office
is a zoo. Zillions of people, many not
too bright and very old, or young and working the system. Surprisingly enough even though it was
crowded the line moved pretty fast. While
we waited we people watched.
One elderly
lady in particular caught our eye. She
was well passed her prime, but not ready for embalming. What got our attention was her heavy facial
work. She had lip plumping, cheek
lifting, face pulling and eye work. She shouldn’t
have bothered as the end result made her look like a really old Michael Jackson
imitator…after he overdosed.
Face work
lady was having some difficulties about something and was arguing with one of
the SS workers. She left the workers
booth in a huff and as she passed by she stopped and said to us in a near rage,
“Be careful who you take advice from.”
I responded,
“Ok, thank you for that.”
She went and
sat in a huff waiting for something, when our number was called.
We finished
our business, changing the address to send my check and also getting access to
the on-line function in about five minutes.
On the way
out I stopped by the facelift lady and said, “We got good advice from the right
people, thank you!”
I know…I’m a
prick…but she just annoyed me!
I remember the days when I had to go there; I'd take a book and a bottle of water, some chocolate in case I got hungry. Then they changed the system, so when you go in you are seen by someone with a computer who can maybe fix your problem right there or direct you to the waiting area with a ticket number. Add to that, our online system is easy enough to negotiate, even with updating and/or changing personal details, so now I do it all from my lounge room.
ReplyDeleteHere in the country it usually does' take long at the social security office. I don't go during peak times, but they do good work here.
ReplyDeleteBut the times I did have to wait I often saw "characters."
Anything that has to do with officialdom is a nightmare -- at least in terms of the waiting. People watching is a life-saver in these situations -- as long as you aren't the one people are watching!!
ReplyDeleteLOL :) I haven't been to a Social Security office, but if it is similar to the people that go to the Department of Motor Vehicles, its always good people watching times.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got your problem fixed sooner than later :)
betty
Well, you have the SS office or Walmart. Both can be much alike.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day Cranky. ☺
"The old man card"....! I play the "ditzy grandma card" when I realize too late that I brought an expired coupon - they usually override it!
ReplyDeleteHave never been inside a SS office but you confirmed my suspicion that they are a close cousin to the DMV. When I bring provisions for a multi-hour wait, I'm "next in line!" - when I don't, I'm #87 looking at "now serving #22!"
The sight of that crowd would make me cringe... did you have to wait long? I haven't been to an SS office for years, everything I have to do is done by post ... whose a lucky girl then?
ReplyDeleteI do most of my aggravated people watching at Comcast.
ReplyDeleteHaving a positive attitude goes a long way in situations like this.
ReplyDeleteI hated going there, but our social security office was very helpful. The worst part was setting off the security at the door with my titanium hip.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a trip not worth taking!
ReplyDeleteYou did good on the way out. Sometimes its best to stay patient and kind. You get better service that way (sometimes). imagine being on the other side of that desk . geeez!
ReplyDeleteLisa
Why do I keep thinking of it as the Social Insecurity office?
ReplyDeleteYou could always say you were trying to be helpful back to her!
ReplyDeleteThat's why some people get a warning from a cop and others get a ticket. Well done and love your parting shot.
ReplyDeleteGood you got in and out of there in only one day and managed to get what you wanted.
ReplyDeleteThe social security administration is the worst run agency on the planet. I'm stuck dealing with them a lot at work and it ALWAYS sucks.
Social Security offices are crazy. "Zoo" is the right way to put it!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in school, I worked at a Legal Aid office for summer and had to go to SSA offices a few times. I finally learned you either call ahead and set an appointment or show up first thing in the morning and stand outside waiting for the place to open up.
Glad you got your situation straightened out with only a modicum of annoyance.
What is going on in the magical land of New Jersey, where the DMV and SS offices are pleasant excursions for a cranky old man?
ReplyDeleteNot looking forward to the time when I will have to deal with them!
ReplyDelete