I had already waited three months for the approval that was supposed to take 30 days. My Social Security application was in some kind of paper purgatory. It was understandable. Thousands of employees had been fired. Offices, closed. The phone system was jammed and the computer system was down. As DOGE tore deeper into the failing heart of America, I convinced myself it was too late.
Before giving up, I set aside a day to spend on the phone. Maybe there was a person somewhere who could help, not that I really believed it.
I called the national toll-free number first. I waited an hour before I hung up. I called the SSA office 600 miles away where my online application had been routed. I was on hold three times before being disconnected all three times. Then I called my local office and in under 30 minutes an actual voice answered. It was Ms. Thomas, she said, and how could she help me? I suddenly felt as if I didn’t have a problem any more, not with Ms. Thomas on the line, but I told her anyway.
You’ve been waiting since when?
(I told her.)
She repeated the date, sounding suitably shocked.
I’m so sorry you’ve been waiting but have you heard about what’s going on over here?
Yes, I said. That’s why I’m amazed to be speaking to you.
Your application is not being handled in our office but I will contact the office that has it, leave a message for the person it was assigned to, and let you know the status. Can you hold while I do that?
Yes.
(Scary long wait.)
Ms. Miller? The person who has your application has not responded, but when they do, I will call you back. I will definitely call you back today.
She stressed “definitely” and “today.”
I told her how sorry I was for what she was going through, how much I appreciated her and her co-workers, and how cruel, unfair, unjust and downright criminal this situation was. She was obviously doing everything she could for every caller who got through, everyone who would otherwise be left behind.
We just want to be here for you as long as we can.
That stopped me, that phrase repeated again: here for you. It was but a slender filament, that lifeline, but all lifelines are.
A few hours later, she called. After languishing in the afterlife, my application had been approved. Because of her.
I have to believe that on every corner of every street in every town in this once-great nation there are people who just want to be here for you, people who want to do their jobs and get stuff done and feel good about it.
It feels good to help people, you see. It feels bad to only help the billionaires. But here we are.
I’m so glad you got actual answers! Blessings to those good souls who really want to help.
Comment by Sharle Kinnear — April 8, 2025 @ 4:56 pm
When true human compassion is heartbreaking in itself… so grateful that there are such good people in our lives.
Comment by Jo Ann — April 8, 2025 @ 5:04 pm
There are so many caring and compassionate souls in our midst. I pray we seek them out, be one & keep hope alive.
Comment by Nurah — April 8, 2025 @ 6:20 pm
Thanks for sharing that ray of hope! Philo
Comment by Phil Odom — April 8, 2025 @ 6:35 pm
I’m reminded of a couple of years back when I visited the Fountain Valley office and Mr. Pham helped me. I commented on his cheery mood and he said smiling, “Can you believe it? I get paid to help people! I get PAID to help people! I’m so lucky.”
Comment by Nedi — April 8, 2025 @ 7:24 pm
I’m glad to read this.
Interesting that the structure of this institution is apparently so transparent that Mrs. Thomas can see what is going on with your application.
It sounds like Mrs. Thomas’ work has become more complex though.
I do the dishes at a place for homeless people every Wednesday evening. I call it fitness with dishes (it’s quite hard work).
It feels good to help people.
Comment by Simone — April 9, 2025 @ 12:28 am
Thank you,Maezen.
Be well,
Jimmy
Comment by James Fox — April 9, 2025 @ 4:00 am
We take care of a 97 yr old veteran, and I’ve spent a lot of time on the phone with the VA, Job and Family Services for Medicaid, and Social Security. I always thank the people for being there. Always. And, like you, I’ve been told that they just want to help people.
It’s criminal, that this 97 yt old man is worried that his Medicaid, Social Security, and VA benefits will be cut off, and that he will be on the street.
Comment by Debra Bures — April 9, 2025 @ 4:42 am
This melted my heart…now tears.
Thank you for this story. We need to hear, uplift and amplify such experiences with kind and caring people at the center. Thank you.
Comment by Katharine — April 9, 2025 @ 7:24 am
After three months, this is 100% my experience trying to apply for Medicare.
Still waiting for a Ms. Thomas to enter the picture. God bless the few employees who are inundated with calls for assistance.
Comment by Jane — April 9, 2025 @ 9:38 am
Oh dear! I suppose that as regards Medicare, we were lucky to apply by phone in December after my husband was suddenly fired from his NASA job (a week after the election put Musk in charge). We required telephone interviews which had to be hastily rearranged after we evacuated during the wildfire. During my SS crisis, a piece of advice I didn’t need to use was to call my local congressman’s office. I was told that the staff there should help me. But it may be doubtful that in a red state you have a representative eager to get involved in what amounts to political warfare.
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — April 9, 2025 @ 9:58 am
Thank you for this. These reciprocal acts of kindness will help us survive this insane governmental regime.
Comment by Donna J Hilbert — April 9, 2025 @ 9:38 am
“Creating peace in her world “
(Quote stolen from Maezen” 😊
Comment by susan francy — April 10, 2025 @ 4:24 am