Kudos to the Social Security Administration

I wasn't planning on it but I ended up spending some time in the Social Security Administration office today.  A friend who doesn't drive needed a ride out there and I was available.  When we walked in, the waiting room was packed and I anticipated a really long wait. Since I had something I had been wanting to check on I signed in on their electronic system and was impressed that it was a straight forward, easy to use, touch screen system. We took our numbers and found two seats together. The wait, just a little over an hour, was made easier by the large flat screen TV mounted high on the wall which, among lots of other information, posted the numbers as people were called.  One of the messages that came up frequently was a long list of Social Security related questions/processes that you could take care of at home on your computer. Like "Why are you all sitting here? Go home and do this on line." I also spent some time people watching, trying to be unobtrusive about it. What a variety of shapes, sizes, ages, colors and hair styles!  When my number was finally called, I was very pleased with how efficiently my question was answered.  My friend was called next and I was most impressed with the gentleman who worked with her. I got to sit in on the conversation. She (a somewhat mentally challenged 26 year old) was applying to get control of her benefits. All of her support team feel she is ready for this move. Her mom, who has a drinking problem, has had control until this time, and seems to have been drinking up at least some of the money that should be coming to my friend.  Anyway, the gentleman who met with my friend carefully took her through lots of questions - proving to himself that she was competent. He tried to trick her with one question, asking her in which city in New Jersey she was born. She was born in South Carolina and told him so in no uncertain terms. She answered every question correctly, was well prepared with paper work and at the end of 15 minutes was awarded control of her own finances. I came away very impressed with the care he took and his ability to put her at ease. he made sure she had his contact information and explained carefully the best way for her to contact him if needed. I hope the Social Security people appreciate him.