[millie58]

I took original birth certificate and my birth certificate. I asked a guard about mailing them in and he said they could get lost in the mail.

I also tried getting a different number and was told that SS doesn't do that. (I adopted my 2 from foster care).

[Stormster]

Originally Posted by Fe2002

Oh my goodness, Stormster you and I are living in the same NIGHTMARE. But afer reading some of the replies I wonder if I brought it on myself...

I took a PTO day to apply for DD SS card on 8/13... nothing, no response whatsoever. I TRIED to call... couldn't get through. I took another day off on 11/6, they said that the original person didin't process my paperwork... basically just left it sitting there. This new guy claimed he was processing it while I was sitting there at that moment.

He also claimed I had ALL my paperwork in.. although I didn't offer up that DD was adopted and he never asked. In retrospect I wonder if i should have said something (I had the freaking finalization papers with me) especially since it is 12/1 and I still don't have a card! I tried calling today, ALL DAY and couldn't get through. I may have to pay another visit to that horrid, horrid place!

Can I still apply for the adoption tax credit using the temporary # I used last year?

I'm not sure, i think so but i'm only guessing. Good luck!

[feelingreyt]

Originally Posted by Stormster

Feeling I have two certified copies of everything but they want original originals no?

Mine all have the raised seal. I think as long as it has that you are ok!

[Ladyofmoonlight]

Yeesh! That sounds pretty horrific. Bad service is awful enough, but after a 2 hour wait with a fussy toddler? Believe me, I used to work customer service, but even on my worst days I was never that rude. I guess some people just like to see others miserable.

I'm a little surprised since our visit went so smoothly, though we live in a different area. I was worried because the SS office was busy, my son's name had just legally been changed so it was different on different forms, and he's not a US citizen yet. The line moved quickly, I was treated wonderfully, they took time to explain everything to me, and actually appologized that it would take longer to receive his SS# than normal (something didn't check out in their database). I'm really shocked too that you'd need his adoption paperwork. It should not make one bit of difference at this point, especially with your names on his birth certificate. I knew I'd need it with my son not being a citizen, but I really can't see any way y'all would actually have to show that. Learn something new every day I guess.

Good luck getting that done. Personally I might try to go back in at a different time, with an appointment so you know you'll get in. I'm too paranoid to put original documents in the mail!

[Stormster]

If I go North the people are nicer (away from NYC) i can go to another office right?

[devildogwife]

Originally Posted by Ladyofmoonlight

I'm really shocked too that you'd need his adoption paperwork. It should not make one bit of difference at this point, especially with your names on his birth certificate.

Even after we got Cam's ammended BC, we still needed his final adoption decree. I also sent my DH with a copy of his insurance card.

Sorry you had such a bad experience Storm. Thankfully ours was painless. Applying for SSI and a medicaid waiver for him though, .

[lovemy2boys]

Yes - you can go to any ss office...

[loveajax]

I sent DH to do this....and he had to go back with different papers like 4 times. It was so freaking annoying (and the lady was actually "nice" to him). I am so sorry, Storm. I would not let them "take" the originals....no way!

I once had to take a client to a SS office....it was like one of Dante's circles of hell. So sorry you had to deal with this!

[SupaModel]

Well now that I got the BC I guess my turn in coming soon. I think i'll try and go next week. Wish me luck!

[KatiesEd-dad]

Just like with everything else with the government, it's usually a boondogle and you get a different answer from everyone you talked to. Katie's bmom applied for a SS card just after birth in Katie's original name and then subsequently sent us the card when she got it. After we finalized and we had her new BC's I trudged down to the local office to change her name on the social security card only to find that they had moved to a new building the week before. Back to the truck, pay the parking fee, drive another 20 minutes to the new office. Luckily, there were only about 2 people ahead of me. When I got up there, I presented the BC, Adoption finalization decree and immunization records with both her new name and old name. The SS worker told me that I needed the name change documentation. I was like, WTF?
I told her the adoption decree is what changes the name. She says "no", she's got to see a paper from the court that says "baby's name used to be this and now is this" I said it doesn't exist. She says I have to back to court and get a name change for our daughter. I tell her she really doesn't understand. She give me that blank, federal, civil servant look. I say to her, "What would I need to apply for a new SS# for my daughter". She says, "BC and immunization record". I say, "Here ya go, I'd like to apply for a SS# for my DD" Three weeks later, we got the card. It is kind of weird that there is this whole other identity out there that will never exist other than for the 8 months she was her other name, but it still does exist out in federal gov record land.

JMHO, YMMV

[Stormster]

Originally Posted by SupaModel

Well now that I got the BC I guess my turn in coming soon. I think i'll try and go next week. Wish me luck!

i'll coach you. Just do everything I didn't do.

[Stormster]

Wow. I so know the feeling today. Of all of it.

Originally Posted by KatiesEd-dad

Just like with everything else with the government, it's usually a boondogle and you get a different answer from everyone you talked to. Katie's bmom applied for a SS card just after birth in Katie's original name and then subsequently sent us the card when she got it. After we finalized and we had her new BC's I trudged down to the local office to change her name on the social security card only to find that they had moved to a new building the week before. Back to the truck, pay the parking fee, drive another 20 minutes to the new office. Luckily, there were only about 2 people ahead of me. When I got up there, I presented the BC, Adoption finalization decree and immunization records with both her new name and old name. The SS worker told me that I needed the name change documentation. I was like, WTF?
I told her the adoption decree is what changes the name. She says "no", she's got to see a paper from the court that says "baby's name used to be this and now is this" I said it doesn't exist. She says I have to back to court and get a name change for our daughter. I tell her she really doesn't understand. She give me that blank, federal, civil servant look. I say to her, "What would I need to apply for a new SS# for my daughter". She says, "BC and immunization record". I say, "Here ya go, I'd like to apply for a SS# for my DD" Three weeks later, we got the card. It is kind of weird that there is this whole other identity out there that will never exist other than for the 8 months she was her other name, but it still does exist out in federal gov record land.

JMHO, YMMV

[loveajax]

ed, i need to assume a new identity...can you give me katie's original ssn...hahaha!

btw, what is YMMV?

i love the "blank civil servant" look.....

[KatiesEd-dad]

Originally Posted by loveajax

ed, i need to assume a new identity...can you give me katie's original ssn...hahaha!

I'm saving that one for myself, might come in handy someday.

Originally Posted by loveajax

btw, what is YMMV?

Your Mileage May Vary

Originally Posted by loveajax

i love the "blank civil servant" look.....

They must take a class in it, cause they all look the same when they do it.

[4everwaiting]

Bless your heart Storm! I'm sorry that this happened to you! I agree, if it doesn't matter where in your state you apply, go north... The people on northern NY are soo nice! I love it up there-other than the temperatures, BBBRRRRRR I bout froze the first of October a few years ago! Beautiful, but cold!

Maybe next time you'll get a nice one- there are crabs in every crowd. Lucky for you, you now know which one to avoid on your next visit!

S