Social Security Administration

Staff are professional andpleasant. Office is small, but spacious enough and clean. Go in prepared with all necessary paperwork and identification, don't expect everything to be done yesterday, especially if you didn't plan. Treat the staff like people. My experience was a positive one.

I dropped into the office without an appointment on Tuesday at 9:30am seeking help to fill in my SS pension application. I brought all my paperwork and photo IDs, so I wouldn't waste anyone's time, including my own. I also brought a book to read in case there was a long line ahead of me.The office was easy to find, had plenty of parking, appeared clean and well organised with about 10 chairs in the waiting space, 3 glassed-in mini offices providing sound privacy, and a simple system of checking in and getting a ticket. The restrooms were conveniently next to the reception desk and were clean and properly stocked.There were four people ahead of me and I waited only 10 or 15 minutes for my number to be called. Ginger, at window 3, gave me great service with genuine warmth and professionalism. I actually enjoyed the whole encounter as we shared several laughs while Ginger answered my questions and completed my form online. Before 15 minutes passed, she had my application all finished and an email awaited me when I got home, acknowledging that my application had been received and was in the system. Good job done!Before going to Port Angeles, I had read some dispiriting reviews for all Social Security offices within reasonable traveling distance of my home. None of the locations were rated any better than the others, so I chose the one closest to me, an hour's drive away. Well, I couldn't fault a single thing about my visit - leaving me wondering if the people who leave negative reviews are those having a really bad day and who take it out on government staff. People who have a good experience like mine, probably aren't so motivated to write a review. Unfortunately I believe many find it's easier to criticize than to give praise when it's earned. Honestly, the Port Angeles staff fully deserved a five-star rating and I'm happy to recommend this office to anyone. If you go there, you will be assisted by friendly, helpful and efficient staff who really care about doing a good job for their customers.Come in with a book or screen game to entertain you if you have to wait; make sure you have all your necessary papers and IDs with you; and when you're called up to the window, tell them you just read a 5-star review about their great service. You'll have them smiling at once and will soon be walking out the door with all your SSI needs resolved.

Hard to get an appointment, so happy finally got in and have to do it again soon enough.

Looked online for the answer to a question and didn't find it. I filled out their online form, and of course never got a response. So I decided to call, which I did on my lunch break at work. I get a recording telling me they're busy and it'll be 42 minutes, please hold. Or, we can call you back in 2 hours. Being as I have a half hour lunch and can't be called at work, I still have no answer to my question. Makes for easy planning, doesn't it?

Although I can relate to the frustrations of those giving the Port Angeles Social Security Office poor ratings for short office hours, long wait times and inadequate staff and seating, I feel it unfairly diminishes the fantastic people that are there doing very difficult jobs.I've been in twice without an appointment and yes, seating is limited, and yes, I waited, but not an exceptional amount of time (30-40 minutes). Perhaps making an appointment would save time, I don't know. I do know the individuals behind the counters are doing their best to help us, and as quickly and efficiently as possible. (They made a follow up call promptly at a predetermined time and were a pleasure to speak with.) That said, they have to follow the rules"

They didn't help me when I needed my social security awards letter they are not helping people very much anymore.

Too short of hours, not enough seats in the main lobby where you are expected to wait in line for at least an hour before getting into the office. Some of us have difficulty with standing for that long. Also there is not enough staff to handle everyone who happens to be waiting all the way up to closing and don't even get seen, so you then have come back the next day and hope you get to talk to someone.

Feel free to ignore the 'no food and drink' sign since people bring drinks in. The building opens at 8am, the office itself opens at 9am. Not sure which is worse: Waiting to deal with government or having to listen to the people in the waiting room. It's a federal government office opened three hours a day; it sucks.

I have tried calling the SSA office in Port Angeles, Washington numerous times. No one answers the phone, ever... and you can’t go to their office to speak with anyone. This office needs new staff or more staff to help with important assistance for people.