I'm new to this community and dealing with almost the identical situation! Filed my retirement application in late August for a February start date and have been stuck in "processing" status for over 3 months now. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a relief - I was starting to think there was something specifically wrong with my application, but it's clear that these 3-4 month delays have unfortunately become the norm. What strikes me most is how many of us have almost identical timelines - August/September applications for February/March start dates, all stuck in processing limbo with zero communication from SSA. It's frustrating that they can't even send a simple automated update acknowledging the delays. The phone system horror stories here have definitely convinced me to avoid calling unless absolutely necessary! I'm going to follow the advice about waiting until I'm within 30 days of my benefit start date before getting worried. It's reassuring to hear from folks like Andre and Zoe that benefits typically start on time even when approval comes late. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this community has been a lifesaver for understanding we're all navigating this bureaucratic maze together!

I'm new to this community but experiencing the exact same frustrating situation! Applied for my Social Security retirement benefits in mid-August for a March start date, and I've been stuck in "processing" status for over 3 months now with absolutely no updates from SSA. Before finding this discussion, I was starting to panic thinking I had made some error in my application or that it had gotten lost in the system somewhere. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both incredibly reassuring and deeply annoying - reassuring to know these 3-4 month delays are apparently the new normal rather than something specific to my case, but annoying that the SSA has become so inefficient with such terrible communication. It's crazy that what used to take 30-45 days now routinely takes 4+ months with zero updates sent to applicants. The phone system horror stories shared here have definitely convinced me to avoid calling - spending hours on hold just to get disconnected sounds like absolute torture! I think I'll follow the advice about waiting until I'm within 30 days of my benefit start date before trying to contact them. It's unfortunate that such an important milestone has become such a stressful waiting game, but I'm so grateful to have found this supportive community. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - it really helps to know we're all navigating this SSA maze together!

After you figure out why they took the extra money, make sure to document EVERYTHING. Names of reps you talk to, reference numbers for calls, copies of all forms you submit. This has saved me multiple times when dealing with SSA mistakes. Also - when you submit the SSA-44 form, consider taking it to your local office in person and getting a receipt, rather than mailing it. They're notorious for "losing" mailed forms.

I had almost the exact same experience! They took an extra $250 from my October payment with absolutely no warning. Turns out it was retroactive IRMAA collection from earlier in the year - they were "catching up" on what I supposedly owed since January. What helped me was calling early in the morning (around 8:15 AM EST) right when they open. I still had to wait about 45 minutes, but that was much better than the 2+ hour waits later in the day. The rep explained that when they determine IRMAA mid-year, they collect the back-owed amount by taking larger deductions for a few months until they're caught up. In your case, since you retired in 2023, you should definitely qualify for an IRMAA appeal based on "work stoppage." That's exactly the kind of life event that can get your premiums reduced. Just be prepared - they'll want documentation like your final pay stub or retirement letter from your employer. Good luck dealing with this mess! At least you're not alone in fighting these surprise deductions.

For anyone looking for this info in the future, I found the official SSA payment calendar on their website at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031-2024.pdf (they update it yearly). It clearly shows all the adjusted dates when regular payment days fall on holidays. Really wish they made this easier to find! Would save everyone a lot of stress and phone calls.

I work at a local Social Security field office and can confirm what others have said - you'll definitely receive your payment on December 24th since Christmas falls on the 25th. We process these early payments automatically, so there's no need to call or take any action on your part. The system is set up to ensure no one experiences delays due to federal holidays. Just wanted to add that this same rule applies year-round for any federal holiday that falls on your regular payment date - Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, etc. The payment always comes the business day before, never after.

I want to add something that might help with your application process - consider requesting a face-to-face appointment at your local SSA office instead of trying to handle everything over the phone. I know it's an extra step, but for complex situations like yours involving CIC benefits for a disabled adult child, having all your documents reviewed in person can prevent delays and misunderstandings. When you go, bring: - Your son's DAC award letter - Your ex-spouse's Social Security number and retirement claim information - Documentation of your caregiving role (medical records showing you as primary contact, etc.) - Your divorce decree showing custody arrangements - Proof that you haven't remarried The in-person representatives tend to be more experienced with unusual benefit combinations, and you can get immediate clarification if there are any issues with your application. Plus, you'll have a paper receipt showing exactly when you applied, which helps with that protective filing date everyone mentioned. I did this for my sister's similar situation last year, and while the appointment took about 2 hours, she walked out knowing her application was complete and correct. Sometimes the extra time upfront saves weeks of phone tag later. Either way though, definitely call Monday to establish that protective filing date first!

I'm also caring for a disabled adult child and went through the CIC application process recently. One thing I want to emphasize that hasn't been fully covered - make sure you understand the difference between "child in care" for CIC benefits versus just being a caregiver. SSA has specific criteria for what constitutes having a child "in your care" for benefit purposes. For a disabled adult child, you generally need to show that you're providing personal services (help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meal preparation) OR that you're exercising parental control and responsibility for the child's welfare. Since your son has autism and needs constant supervision, you'll likely meet these requirements easily, but be prepared to document this relationship clearly. I had to provide a detailed statement about my daughter's daily care needs and my role in meeting them. Also, something I wish I had known earlier - if you've been informally providing this care without any official documentation, start gathering evidence now. Things like being listed as emergency contact on medical forms, attending medical appointments, managing his benefits or finances, etc. The more you can show an ongoing pattern of care and responsibility, the stronger your case will be. The good news is that once you're approved, the benefits continue as long as you're providing care and remain unmarried (or married only to the child's other parent). There's no age limit where they stop, unlike some other Social Security benefits.

As someone who works in retirement planning, I want to emphasize how fortunate you are to be asking this question BEFORE filing rather than discovering the reduction after the fact like so many others in this thread have shared. The math is pretty straightforward in your case: waiting 10 months until November will save you approximately 5.6% on your monthly benefit FOR LIFE. Given that you're still working part-time and earning $24K annually, it doesn't sound like you urgently need the Social Security income right now. One additional point I haven't seen mentioned - since you're continuing to work, make sure you understand how your benefits will be taxed once you do start collecting. With your part-time income plus Social Security, you might find yourself paying taxes on up to 85% of your benefits depending on your total income. This is another factor that might make waiting until your exact FRA more beneficial, as the higher monthly benefit amount can help offset some of the tax impact. The stories shared here about people losing $85-137 per month permanently really illustrate why those extra 10 months are worth waiting for. That reduction compounds over decades of retirement!

As someone who's been lurking in this community for a while but just created an account to respond to this thread - WOW, what an education! Emma, you are SO lucky to have found this advice before making your decision. Reading through all these personal stories of people losing $85-$137+ per month FOREVER because they filed just a few months early is honestly shocking. I had no idea the reduction was permanent and affected everything going forward, including COLA increases. The consensus here is crystal clear: wait until November! Ten months might feel long when you're thinking about it, but it's nothing compared to potentially 20+ years of reduced benefits. Plus you're still working part-time so you have income coming in. One thing that really stood out to me from all the responses is how many people said they wish someone had explained this to them before they filed. The SSA really should do a better job making this clear - the difference between "turning 66" and "reaching your exact FRA" seems to trip up a lot of people. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences, even the painful ones. This thread should be required reading for anyone approaching retirement age!