Friday, November 13, 2009

Thank you Social Security

This morning, after months of putting it off, I got up my courage and drove to the social security office to apply for a new card for me (my wallet was stolen three years ago in Denver... I know, I know, they say never to carry your SS card in your wallet, well now I won't) and an original for Van.

He never got his because the hospital filled his birth certificate full of all sort of crazy untrue things including NO GIVEN NAME. Not sure what they did with all the paperwork I filled out, but... I digress.

I knew I couldn't put it off forever, but when I went in Denver to add Risser to my SS card it took four hours. I just couldn't imagine what Van would do for four hours in an office full of people, on a floor covered in who knows what, in a room where technically you're not supposed to eat or drink.

So after almost going in Brooklyn, and almost going in Salt Lake, and almost going in LA, I went in Sacramento. And can I just say? I love Sacramento! I don't know if living in the capitol city just has its organizational perks or if it took a brilliant westerner to think to create a separate office that just deals with SS card applications.

I arrived ten minutes before the office opened and was the FIRST ONE THERE! What!? When I asked one of the workers getting out of his car if this was the right entrance for replacement SS cards he looked at me quizzically and said, "yes, but we don't open until 9:30" and walked inside. Confused at his confusion, I looked at my phone and saw it was 9:21.

At 9:30 on the dot, the doors opened and after a brief lecture about not taking weapons "including tools of trade" inside. I and a band of five or ten others were greeted by 14 windows open and ready for business staffed by friendly, efficient employees.

In less than 20 minutes, the dreaded chore was done and Van and I celebrated our newly documented americanness with some yummy breakfast sandwiches and a trip to IKEA.

8 comments:

Dad Risser said...

So why can't they do that with the DMV? Try it there once and let me know how it goes.

Derek Bitter, M.A. said...

Was this Van's first experience with The System?

MARTHA said...

I'm so grateful for your happy efficient.

Jaclyn said...

after stopping by the Santa Clarita SS office about 3 times and walking away after seeing the line, I finally changed my name 1 1/2 years after being married. 1 window. Really. maybe i'll move to Sacramento the next time I change my name.

A and M said...

Merrick's SS card never came in the mail so I went to the office here in Orange County. I also anticipated some pain & suffering while I waited in line.
Lo & behold...I took a number & 10 min. later I was walking out the door with Merrick's number & all!

Eddie said...

OK, you have inspired me to get mine too. I lost it many many many years ago. I don't even remember when. My birth certificate is falling apart & there's a chance I accidentally shredded it. I'm afraid to look for sure. I need to gather the nerve to get my proof of citizenship too.
Carline

gk risser said...

Carline, are you sure you belong in this country?

jared & amber said...

I too am glad you got through so easily. Thanks for meeting me for lunch, it was great to see you - it's been a long time. We'll have to get together again soon!