I had to go to our local office once...I was the only one there...but there were 3 workers.....doing absolutely nothing.
Came here to say something similar. I had to go to get a copy of my card. Made an appointment on line. Went to the office and sat in the waiting area for about five minutes. I was expecting the be there a lot longer. I was out of the building in 15 minutes. It was actually a pleasant experience (as far as those things go.)
I signed up to start receiving my benefits last October. I verified my information on line. Submitted my application on line. I started getting my payments the next month. I never spoke to a human.
I have to believe my experience was about “average.”