VIsiting the Social Security Office

When we were putting together everything to send to Lynn for our taxes, two things of mine were missing.  One was the 1090 from Social Security.

Gary called Lynn for advice on what to do.  He gave Gary a number that I should call.

When I called the number, there were prompts to help them assist me, which actually was no assistance at all.  None of the choices fit my issue.  When I said 'missing form for taxes' I had to listen to five minutes of how to determine taxes for self-employment.  When I was asked for my last name (speak the name, then spell it), I was told at least 10 times that I could not be understood when I said "Siemens....S...I....E....M...E..N....S"  Finally I asked to speak to someone alive, and the automated thing heard and understood that.  The response was that someone would be able to help me in 27 minutes or if I wanted to leave my number for a call back, someone would be available in 40 minutes.  I hung up.

I knew from experience that visiting the Lafayette Social Security office was futile.  I had been there several times, each time without success.  One time I left close to tears, and I remember telling Gary that I was going to cry and had tears starting at the corners of my eyes.

Another experience was with a woman who called me about Medicare. She was in Georgia and was not helpful at all.  She contradicted everything I was told at the Lafayette office, and once again I was close to tears when I finished the call.

During my last full week at Ivy Tech, I spent much time in Kokomo, and one day after chatting with Celestine and sharing my experiences with her, she suggested that I go to the office in Kokomo.  I remember walking in and taking the number, being called quickly to the window, and having explanations to my questions given in a calm, quiet, friendly manner.   It was a quick process, and I felt like I had really been listened to and that my concerns were legitimate.

Since I was going to be in Kokomo yesterday for lunch with Rhonda and Phylliss anyway, I decided to visit that same office again.  Fortunately when I searched the map for it, it was just a 4 minute drive from the restaurant.

I walked in, registered, took my number (188), and stopped at the bathroom (I ALWAYS have to stop at the bathroom). I took a seat in the waiting room and immediately heard, “Last call for #188” so I hopped up and went to the window. I told the gentleman I had not received the statement I needed for taxes, that we had moved 18 months ago, that my husband had received his but I had not, that I had called a number and had gotten nowhere. He asked for my drivers license. He asked for my address, nodded and said the one on record was wrong and asked for the new one so he could change it, asked for my phone number and changed it, stood up and walked to the printer, then handed me the sheet I needed for our taxes. Done! Wow! I thanked him several times and he said if I ever needed anything again to just come in. Super helpful and friendly!

Kindness can go a long way!

Plus we have the paper we need!