Social Security Closed??

[catnap 15]

Hi all,

 

I recently got a divorce and am trying to change my last name back at social security. Unfortunately, all social security offices are currently closed due to pandemic. I tried to make an appointment before going in but apparently I'm not a dire enough situation for an appointment. Instead, they had me put all my ORIGINAL documents in this dropbox at the office. Which BY THE WAY, includes my Green Card. I was told it would be ready in 14 days. I called on day 14, and officer on the phone told me they had mailed my documents back to me earlier that week. I was like OK great. 2 weeks go by, there's nothing in my mail. I call again today, and it's a different officer on the phone who checked and said, oh my documents haven't been scanned in, so they're likely still with them... and that they currently have a 4-6 weeks processing time. 

 

I am LIVID. Why am I being conflicting information about such IMPORTANT documents. Anyone experiencing anything similar? 

[mam521 2,062]

Unfortunately, the SSA seems to really suffer from the lowest common denominator syndrome.  The local office tried to tell me I couldn't get my kid's social without the physical greencard, despite it saying specifically on the SSA website, among experience shared by others, that the machine readable visa in the passport was sufficient.  

 

I've never liked the idea of needing to send important documents in, especially those that prove your right to be in the US.  Sorry you're stuck dealing with this!  

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from General Immigration-Related Discussion to SSN forum ***

 

[Chancy 6,241]

2 hours ago, catnap said:

I tried to make an appointment before going in but apparently I'm not a dire enough situation for an appointment. Instead, they had me put all my ORIGINAL documents in this dropbox at the office. Which BY THE WAY, includes my Green Card.

 

It's really unfortunate that you encountered misinformed/unhelpful SSA staff.  I know it's too late in your case, but for other readers who might need to deal with this issue -- the SSA has released memos stating that non-citizens must not be requested to submit their immigration documents by mail or dropbox.  If an SSA employee refuses to schedule an in-person appointment for an application that requires presenting original passport or GC, ask for a supervisor or cite the following SSA memos --

 

EM-21041: Express Interviews for Evidence and Enumeration Actions -- https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/reference.nsf/links/05262021015248PM

EM-21056: In-Office Appointments Guidance -- https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/reference.nsf/links/09082021124856PM

 

[catnap 15]

4 minutes ago, Chancy said:

 

It's really unfortunate that you encountered misinformed/unhelpful SSA staff.  I know it's too late in your case, but for other readers who might need to deal with this issue -- the SSA has released memos stating that non-citizens must not be requested to submit their immigration documents by mail or dropbox.  If an SSA employee refuses to schedule an in-person appointment for an application that requires presenting original passport or GC, ask for a supervisor or cite the following SSA memos --

 

EM-21041: Express Interviews for Evidence and Enumeration Actions -- https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/reference.nsf/links/05262021015248PM

EM-21056: In-Office Appointments Guidance -- https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/reference.nsf/links/09082021124856PM

 

I requested a call back from a supervisor. They said they'll call back within 24-48 hours. Thanks for this! I will refer during my call. For others reading this thread - I'll keep you all posted!

[catnap 15]

Hi all,

 

They gave me an appointment and I went down to the social security office today. And they COULDN'T FIND ALL MY DOCUMENTS. And they have no idea where it is. I'm so stressed out about this. 

[chancecody 125]

12 minutes ago, catnap said:

Hi all,

 

They gave me an appointment and I went down to the social security office today. And they COULDN'T FIND ALL MY DOCUMENTS. And they have no idea where it is. I'm so stressed out about this. 

I’m sorry you are dealing with this. That’s terrible 😞.