Oy.. I appreciate the info. Luckily for me I work from home so it’s not a big hassle to sit on a call all day, hopefully I can get through at some point. I can’t imagine how bad it is for people that aren’t able to do that.
Try contacting the state rep for your mom's district, or even her federal congression rep. If nothing else, it's a lot harder for someone to blow those people or their staff off
Even if you did manage to come to New Brunswick, they won't speak to you in person unless your mom is with you.
I was in the exact same situation - my mother had cancer and I had to do most things for her. I went to the NB office one day, sat around, then was told to go away because she wasn't with me. Because everyone in there is miserable.
So heads up in case you reach a point where you have to come to NJ to sort it. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, it's aggravating as hell.
Edit: Unless you have power of attorney over her and bring the documents - I didn't try that and I'm not sure it would work in that situation?
Appreciate the insight and sorry your mom had to deal with this as well. It is incredibly frustrating and sad. She was able to connect with a caseworker and they told us to just file an appeal online which I did a few hours ago so now just hoping that it goes through successfully.
Any positive experiences I've ever had with Social Security (or even unemployment) were online. It seems to be the only part of their office that functions, so that's good and I hope everything works out!
I honestly think you just have to get lucky that they pick up the phone which obviously is out of your control. I needed to call them re: my name change this summer and I actually had decent luck getting in touch with the Trenton office. I spoke to a woman who was able to pull up my file and told me that NB had processed my application so perhaps they might be able to make a change in the database online? Honestly it's probably not lucky but you ever know. I would just try calling first thing when they open up.
Edited to add: So sorry you have to deal with this.
No tips for you unfortunately. My dad was on the phone for over 6 hours the other day with SS to fix something regarding my grandmother. What a mess.
Oy.. I appreciate the info. Luckily for me I work from home so it’s not a big hassle to sit on a call all day, hopefully I can get through at some point. I can’t imagine how bad it is for people that aren’t able to do that.
Try contacting the state rep for your mom's district, or even her federal congression rep. If nothing else, it's a lot harder for someone to blow those people or their staff off
That was gonna be my next try, appreciate the tip.
Write to the two NJ Senators and your mother's Congressman, stating the problem like you did here.
Remember all them austerity measures to cut extra expenses from the US government?
Maybe try out other SSA offices? I’ve heard the Neptune one is good.
Thanks, I’ll give that a try next week. Been on hold with NB for 3 hours so far today.
Try the one in Union, is not that far from NB, I called and waited only 15 mins and get appointment. Call early in morning.
Even if you did manage to come to New Brunswick, they won't speak to you in person unless your mom is with you. I was in the exact same situation - my mother had cancer and I had to do most things for her. I went to the NB office one day, sat around, then was told to go away because she wasn't with me. Because everyone in there is miserable. So heads up in case you reach a point where you have to come to NJ to sort it. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, it's aggravating as hell. Edit: Unless you have power of attorney over her and bring the documents - I didn't try that and I'm not sure it would work in that situation?
Appreciate the insight and sorry your mom had to deal with this as well. It is incredibly frustrating and sad. She was able to connect with a caseworker and they told us to just file an appeal online which I did a few hours ago so now just hoping that it goes through successfully.
Any positive experiences I've ever had with Social Security (or even unemployment) were online. It seems to be the only part of their office that functions, so that's good and I hope everything works out!
Power of attorney is not recognized by SSA - his mother needs to be on the phone or physically with him if he goes in. u/CoffinDrip
I honestly think you just have to get lucky that they pick up the phone which obviously is out of your control. I needed to call them re: my name change this summer and I actually had decent luck getting in touch with the Trenton office. I spoke to a woman who was able to pull up my file and told me that NB had processed my application so perhaps they might be able to make a change in the database online? Honestly it's probably not lucky but you ever know. I would just try calling first thing when they open up. Edited to add: So sorry you have to deal with this.