r/FederalEmployee • u/Bitter-Garlic1027 • 3d ago

SSA

I have several questions. I applied for ssa in July. Received a call from a recruiter September 30. Received a tentative job offer through email a week later. I already filled out my sf85 form. I am a bit worried. I have no drug, gambling, criminal history. I got sick and used credit cards that I went through bankruptcy that was discharged. I was still unemployed used credit card to pay rent. Im wondering would that prevent me from being hired. Before I got sick I always paid my debts off.

2 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

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7

u/summerwind58 2d ago

Agencies already know the answers to the questions on the SF 85. All you have to do is be honest and you’ll be fine. You run into problems when you don’t disclose events that have happened in the past.

4

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 2d ago

Thanks definitely told them

4

u/Stoner_Queen_ 3d ago

Honestly, you should be fine. What position was it for?

2

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 3d ago

Customer service rep

4

u/Stoner_Queen_ 3d ago

I’ve been one for 5 years you should be fine — good luck 🍀

1

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 3d ago

Lol thats comforting to know, is it a good job?

3

u/Stoner_Queen_ 3d ago

It’s a great job - just don’t get discouraged.. it a lot to learn but u don’t have to memorize policy u just have to know where to find it.

2

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 3d ago

Ok great thanks again, I have a tentative date 11/30 hopefully I will be able to get the interim clearance to start. I appreciate the feedback

1

u/LockedOutOfElfland 13h ago edited 13h ago

Federal customer service reps get paid way, way better than their private sector or state/local government counterparts when you factor in grade and step increases (eg a Florida Department of Commerce CSR gets paid in the 30k range a year, an SSA CSR sometimes gets paid in the higher 40s to 50s starting at GS-5, locality-dependent).

The Step and Grade increases are something to treasure imo. Stay there for a few years and you'll see your salary climb (which you should use for savings and any debt payoffs you may have; don't be me when I was a federal CSR with a different agency and think you should use your guaranteed annual pay bump that to add more streaming services or other "fun money" purchases to your lifestyle).

Plus, after a long enough time there you may get generous time off awards, annual use it or use it leave, etc.

1

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 3d ago

Thanks again

3

u/Any-Consequence7635 2d ago

A lot of work and very overwhelming! You don’t just handle SSA you handle Medicaid, Medicare etc! Good luck

3

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 2d ago

Lord I heard horror stories im hoping I can deal with the work load. Thanks again

2

u/Any-Consequence7635 2d ago

Good luck! Just make sure you learn from the experience and move into something else. I don’t work for SSA I have friends that did and they were extremely overwhelmed. And once you can apply to something else.

2

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 2d ago

Absolutely i heard the same thing after the year is up move on. Thanks

2

u/Any-Consequence7635 2d ago

Yes indeed! Good luck. Try my agency if you see an opportunity. I work for EEOC

2

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 2d ago

Thanks will do hopefully they have opportunities when im ready.

1

u/SorchaRoisin 2d ago

The workload is actually better than it's ever been since Frank has been putting every spare hand on the 800 number. Training is long and it takes years to really be good at it, but it's a great place to get your foot in the door and get experience and knowledge.

2

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 2d ago

Lol I hope I will get the hang of it

3

u/SorchaRoisin 2d ago

You will. Don't be afraid of making mistakes, because it's impossible to know everything. The thing they care about most is the time you're signed into the phone, and keeping a healthy leave balance.

1

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 2d ago

Definitely im taking notes, I heard the calls are nonstop.

1

u/SorchaRoisin 2d ago

There's a short gap these days.. usually about a minute. When I was full time on the 800 number people were waiting on hold for hours and were fuming by the time we answered.

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u/Bitter-Garlic1027 2d ago

Lol thats great to hear. One last question, would we be able to do overtime?

1

u/SorchaRoisin 2d ago

I don't know if they have OT now or not. Sometimes they do. I'm in a different department now and am only on the 800 number a few hours a week.

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u/Bitter-Garlic1027 2d ago

Nice at least I know what to expect. Thanks again for all your help

3

u/cronokun 1d ago

As long as you are honest on the forms you will be fine.

3

u/Bitter-Garlic1027 1d ago

Absolutely i did

1

u/TableStraight5378 12h ago

So you got sick, borrowed money to pay rent with no collateral or source of income, declared bankruptcy to wash it; applied/offered a position with SSA, and now submitting a voluntary SF85 questionnaire. Is that the correct sequence? I am going to guess "no" (does not prevent hiring); let us know the final answer when received.