I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago! Here's what I learned from the experience: The ID.me verification route that several people mentioned really is the way to go - it worked like a charm for me. I was locked out of my account for similar reasons (forgot security questions, changed phone number), and the ID.me process took maybe 15 minutes total. One tip that helped me: before starting the recovery process, gather all your documents in one place - driver's license, Social Security card, and maybe a recent pay stub or tax return. Even though ID.me primarily uses your photo ID and selfie, having everything handy made me feel more prepared and confident going through the process. Also, don't stress about your cancelled application from 18 months ago. As others mentioned, it won't hurt your new application at all. In fact, when I reapplied after recovering my account, the SSA representative mentioned that having a previous application (even a cancelled one) in their system actually helped verify my identity during the process. The whole experience taught me to write down my security question answers somewhere safe - lesson learned! Good luck with your recovery!

Just wanted to add one more recovery option that saved me when I was in a similar situation last year - if you happen to remember the approximate date when you originally created your MySocialSecurity account, you can mention that when going through the ID.me verification or when speaking with an SSA representative. They can sometimes use that information along with your other details to help verify your identity more easily. Also, if you have any old Social Security statements (the paper ones they used to mail annually), those can be helpful to have on hand as they contain information that might be useful during the verification process. The ID.me route really does seem to be the most reliable based on everyone's experiences here - I was skeptical at first but it worked perfectly for me. One last thing: once you do get back into your account, consider setting up text alerts for important account activities. It's a newer feature that can help you stay on top of any changes to your account in the future. Hope this helps and that you get back into your account quickly!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share my experience since I just went through this process with my daughter last year. The 2-year waiting period the SSA rep mentioned is definitely wrong - that's not how DAC Medicare works at all! What actually happens is: 1) Your son needs to apply for DAC benefits first (he should qualify since his disability started at 19), 2) Once approved for DAC, there's a separate 24-month waiting period for Medicare that starts from his DAC entitlement date, not from when you started retirement. The good news is that if he's approved, he might be entitled to retroactive DAC payments going back to when you first started collecting retirement benefits. I'd strongly recommend calling back and asking specifically to speak with a disability specialist - the general reps often don't understand DAC rules. Also, definitely look into Medicaid eligibility for the gap period before Medicare kicks in. It saved us thousands in medical costs during that waiting period. Good luck!

As someone who went through this exact situation with my adult son two years ago, I can confirm that the SSA representative gave you completely incorrect information. The 2-year waiting period they mentioned doesn't exist for DAC Medicare eligibility. Here's what actually needs to happen: Your son needs to file for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits on your work record first - this is a separate application from your retirement benefits. Once he's approved for DAC benefits, THEN there's a 24-month waiting period before Medicare begins, and this 24-month period starts from his DAC entitlement date, not from when you started collecting retirement. Since his disability began at 19 (before age 22), he should definitely qualify. I'd recommend calling SSA back and asking specifically to speak with a disability specialist rather than a general representative - they're much more knowledgeable about DAC rules. Also, definitely apply for Medicaid in your state during the Medicare waiting period if possible. The whole process took about 4 months for us to get the DAC approval, but it was worth it. Don't let that first rep's confusion delay you from getting started!

I'm in the exact same situation! Applied about 2 weeks ago and have been stuck on Step 2 with that frustrating "processing" message. I also have some self-employment income from freelance writing work I did for about 5 years in the early 2000s. This thread has been such a relief to find - I was starting to panic thinking something was wrong with my application because I've been checking the portal obsessively every day! Now I understand that Step 2 actually means they're actively working on my benefit calculations, not that my application is stuck somewhere. It's also really helpful to know that self-employment history naturally adds processing time for verification. I'm going to stop checking the portal constantly and wait until I reach the 30-day mark before trying to call. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and timelines - it's so reassuring to know this is completely normal and that we're all going through the same waiting process!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just applied for retirement benefits about 10 days ago and that Step 2 status has been driving me crazy with worry. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a huge relief - I had no idea that Step 2 actually means they're actively calculating benefits rather than just sitting in some queue! I also have about 3 years of self-employment history from running a small pet-sitting business in the late 90s, so now it all makes sense why the processing might take longer. I was definitely falling into that obsessive portal-checking trap too - literally checking multiple times per day and getting more anxious each time nothing changed. It's so reassuring to know that the system doesn't update in real-time anyway, so all that checking was pointless! I'm going to follow everyone's advice and be patient until I hit that 30-day mark before trying to call. Thanks to everyone for sharing your timelines and experiences - it really helps knowing we're all in this together and that this is completely normal processing time!

One more tip that might help - when setting up the dedicated account, make sure the bank understands it's an SSI dedicated account. Some banks have special procedures for these accounts and can help ensure you don't accidentally mix funds. Also, consider keeping a simple spreadsheet or notebook tracking every expense with the date, amount, what it was for, and attach copies of receipts. This will make your annual reporting much easier and provide clear documentation if SSA ever requests an audit. The peace of mind is worth the extra paperwork!

Just wanted to add one more consideration - when you're dealing with the dedicated account, make sure you understand the timing requirements. SSI backpay in dedicated accounts typically needs to be spent within a certain timeframe (usually 9 months from when it's received), or SSA may start counting the remaining funds toward the $2,000 resource limit. This is separate from the installment payments some people mentioned. Also, if your daughter turns 18 while there's still money in the dedicated account, the rules change slightly since she'll become her own payee. It's worth asking SSA about this timeline when you set up the account so you can plan accordingly for any larger purchases like equipment or therapy programs.

As someone who's been managing rep payee accounts for multiple family members over the past 8 years, I can confirm that proper account setup is absolutely critical. I've seen the SSA become much more strict about enforcement recently - they're definitely ramping up compliance reviews. A few additional points that might help: **Bank shopping tip**: Don't just stick with your current bank if they're giving you trouble. I found that smaller community banks and credit unions often have staff who are more knowledgeable about specialized accounts like rep payee accounts, and they typically offer better terms (lower fees, higher interest rates). **Documentation strategy**: Beyond the great spreadsheet advice already given, I also photograph receipts with my phone and store them in Google Drive folders organized by year and month. Makes everything searchable and you never lose a receipt. **Red flag warning**: Be very careful about mixing funds even temporarily. I know someone who "borrowed" from their child's rep payee account during a tight month with full intention to pay it back, but got selected for review before they could replace the money. Even though they paid it back within two weeks, SSA removed them as payee and appointed a third-party organization instead. The good news is that once you get the system down, it really does become routine. And honestly, the discipline it teaches about financial tracking has helped me manage my own finances better too!

I'm just getting started as a rep payee for my younger brother who's receiving SSI benefits, and wow - this thread has been like a masterclass in what I need to know! I had our initial appointment with SSA last week and they barely scratched the surface on these requirements. One thing I'm wondering about that I haven't seen mentioned - do the rules differ at all between regular Social Security dependent benefits (like the original poster's daughter will receive) versus SSI benefits? I want to make sure I'm following the right guidelines since SSI seems to have stricter rules about resources and asset limits in general. Also, for those of you who've been doing this for years - do you have any advice on explaining the financial restrictions to older kids/teens? My brother is 16 and starting to ask questions about "his" money and why he can't just have direct access to it. I want to help him understand without making him feel like I'm controlling his life. The organization systems everyone has shared are amazing - I'm definitely stealing the binder + digital backup approach and that quarterly record-keeping schedule. Better to start with good habits from day one!