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MY continuing Embassy nightmare, need to vent

I made the origional app for my daughter to be issued a Social Security Card in August of 2006. She has her number. However she has never received her card. WTF?

-------------------------------------------------------

ME

Ronald Packowitz
Consul
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy
Bogotá, Colombia
ACSBogota at state.gov

Dear sir,

My daughter is now in her 15 month of waiting to receive her Social Security Card. I was told by one of your staff many months ago, that by the end of November, my daughter might have her card. Should you like to review my communications, I've copies of all e-mails sent and received to the FBU Bogota. I don't understand what the delay is as her card number was issued on 07/08/2006. And I was further advised by the "Office of International Operations" that the card should have been mailed out a few days after that.

Please provide my daughter with her due Social Security Card.

Thank you.

THEM

Dear Mr. Xxxxxx, we sent an email to our regional office asking them is there anything we can do for you to receive your daughter's social security card. We also aked them if your daughter is already approved/receing ssa benefits.
As soon as we get an answer, we will get back to you.
Sincerely,
Federal Benefits Unit
American Embassy Bogota

ME

Hello, Yes my daughter is receiving her benefits. That's why I know that her number exists and the date. I even now know the number. Just need the official card.

ME

Ronald Packowitz
Consul
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy
Bogotá, Colombia

Dear Mr. Packowitz,

My daughter is still without her SS Card. I'm very concerned that it may have fallen into the wrong hands. It has been 2 months since I've heard anything from your people at the embassy. My daughter is receiving her benefits.

Thank you.

THEM

Dear Mr. Xxxxxxxs, our regional office just confirmed your daughter's social security number as xxx-xx-xxxx.

ME

Dear FBU,

Thank you for your response. I've know what my daughters number is for a while now. What I need is her original Social Security Card.

THEM

Dear Mr. Amyes, if you need a replacement social security card for your daughter, you must do it again and in person.
The documentation required is her US passport and your US passport along with a letter to Social Security explaining the reasons why you are need a replacement card. Without the application, social security won't issue a replacement card.
We regret any incovenience this may cause.
Sincerely,
Federal Benefits Unit
American Embassy Bogota

ME

This issue has become very old. I want my daughter to receive her origional card. Not a replacement. Why should I have to spend more of MY time and MY MONEY. Check your records I've had to complete applications 2 times now. The problem is with you people not me! What is wrong with you people? I'm now starting to think there may be some criminal activity within the people issuing or distributing new cards. It's now time that I begin reporting my experiences to the proper authorities. I've kept copiers of all communications (electronic and paper).

By Lowell on Feb 14, 2008, 10:46 in Friendly Talkzone.

Lowell says on Feb 14, 2008, 10:57:

bump

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Waterdawg says on Feb 14, 2008, 11:34:

American Govt.stupidity has a long arm and knows no bounds ..

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 14, 2008, 11:36:

Lowell, I don't understand, are you having the cards mailed to you in Colombia or something? Or were they supposed to be delivered in person at the Embassy and never showed up?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

jickster2255 says on Feb 14, 2008, 11:39:

was your daughter born in the states or colombia?

jra

0 funny, 0 helpful.

slguy says on Feb 14, 2008, 15:30:

Lowell,

do you actually need physical possession of the card for any special purpose? or just pissed at the ludicrous inefficiency?

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on Feb 14, 2008, 22:02:

Maybe the US Social Security system is staffed with former Colombian bank employees.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on Feb 14, 2008, 22:08:

I guess we got off lucky. My wife applied for her Social Security Card in May of 2007. She received it in November. 7 months is a cake walk compared to your 1.5 years. By rule, US government agencies are horrible from customer service to efficiency. But, I would bet a cup of coffee that the US Soc Sec system might be the most fucked up out of them all. Followed by a close second - the IRS.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

0 funny, 0 helpful.

tomtom33 says on Feb 15, 2008, 00:26:

Sometimes you have to pick your battles. I have no idea where my original SS card is, if I even ever had one. However, I receive yearly mailings from SSA and my earnings are correct to date. I am reasonably sure that I can start collecting in 2 1/2 years at age 62. And I am reasonably sure that I will never need that original card.

Let it go.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lowell says on Feb 15, 2008, 10:08:

They've now washed their hands of the whole issue. In my family, it was a proud day when you received your origional card. I'm now longer proud to be a subject of the United States of America Government.

I also have concerns that someone else now has the card.

They also haven't paid my daughter for 19 months of due benefits. Had I received the funds when due, I'd have much more to show for it. Not now with the peso being where it is. Funny how when they found out that I'd received an overpayment a few years back, they were very forceful in regaining their money. WTF?

I think that I may never return to the States. Why?
---------------------------------

Dear Mr. xxxxxxxx, we understand that you are disappointed. However, the Embassy does not issue social security cards. All applications and certified copies of supporting documents are sent to the Social Security Administration in Baltimore for processing.
If you have any further questions, you may write directly to the address where we mail these applications at:
Social Security Administration
Office of International Operations
SS-5 Workgroup
P/ O. Box 17758
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Sincerely,
Federal Benefits Unit
American Embassy Bogota

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 15, 2008, 10:16:

That email seems to answer the question, though.

If you're having something mailed from a Federal Office in Baltimore, Maryland to wherever you live in Colombia, I'm guessing the fault lies with the "Colombian Mail Service".

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lowell says on Feb 15, 2008, 13:35:

USA mail is sent to Texas and when I have enough, I courier it here in Colombia.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Gator says on Feb 15, 2008, 17:13:

Lowell, do you have a disability???

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lowell says on Feb 16, 2008, 07:15:

yep, body a wreck and mind may be starting to go too.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Gator says on Feb 16, 2008, 07:23:

Have a friend in USA get the SS mail then DSL to you.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lowell says on Feb 17, 2008, 07:32:

usually just use fedx economy and get it in about 3 days.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

0 funny, 0 helpful.