If going into your Social Security office is anything like "take a number and take a seat"...

[jtuck004]

where the first time you learn to bring a bag with a book and water if you ever have to return.

Try to remember to smile at the clerk who greets you - maybe a little extra for that person in front of you for whom it might have slipped their mind.

I was just reminded that the public-facing window at a government job can just suck the soul out of you. Not the only job that does that, but I don't think many people thought it could be one of the perks. This is a time of keeping deficits down which benefits those with money, as so many other things do. So we are not allowed to hire the people to make your service better.

So if you have any suggestions on how to do that going into the second half-hour in one of those plastic chairs, they are welcome.

[msongs]

1. our local SS office has an appointment system that is pretty close to accurate nt

[Go Vols]

7. +1

I sat there once,then made appointments afterwards.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. Made online appointments and have never waited more than 5 minutes.

[usedtobedemgurl]

3. Ours won't let you bring in a drink.

[ret5hd]

5. I know!!!

I had just got the bitters in and was filling the shot glass when they told me "NO!".

[yeoman6987]

4. Make an appointment. Get right in. I'd never wait. A waste of time that's unnecessary.

[Zen Democrat]

6. I'm on social security and have never been to an office. I did everything online.

They asked for documents which I sent, and voila! painless.