So after considering everyone's advice, I think I'm going with option 1 - starting at my FRA in June. The math makes sense, and I'd rather have the money now than wait for a slightly higher amount later. This whole DRC processing delay feels like something they should explain better on the SSA website. Without this forum, I might have waited until November thinking I'd get an immediate increase! Thanks to everyone who helped explain this confusing policy. I feel much more confident about my decision now.

Great discussion everyone! As someone who just went through this exact same situation last year, I can confirm everything that's been said here. The DRC processing delay is real and incredibly frustrating when you're trying to make this decision. One thing I'd add is that you should also consider your spouse's situation if you're married. Spousal benefits and survivor benefits are based on your Primary Insurance Amount, so delaying can affect those calculations too. In my case, my wife's potential survivor benefit made it worth waiting the extra months even though I didn't see the increase right away. Also, @Connor Gallagher, make sure to keep documentation of when you actually apply and what start date you request. I've heard of cases where SSA made errors in processing the application, and having your own records helped people get it corrected. The whole system could definitely use some modernization!

I work at a local SSA field office and see this situation frequently. Here's what likely happened and what you should do: 1. **Most common scenario**: You started the online application but didn't complete the final submission step. The SSA website saves partial applications for 30 days, so you might still be able to log in and finish it if it was recent. 2. **Check for saved applications**: In your MySocialSecurity account, look for a "Continue Application" or "Saved Applications" section. If your partial application is there, you can complete it. 3. **Timeline concern**: Don't panic about February 2025. You can apply up to 4 months before your desired start date, so you still have time even if you need to start over. 4. **Medicare Part A**: This is automatically processed when you apply for retirement benefits if you're 65+. No separate application needed in most cases. **Next steps**: Call 1-800-772-1213 between 8-9 AM for shortest wait times. Have your Social Security number and birth date ready. The representative can immediately tell you if there's ANY application on file for you. If nothing exists in their system, you'll need to reapply, but you're not too late for your February 2025 start date.

So I helped my mom apply, we finished the application and have a confirmation number & email saying she completed it but there is nothing on her my social security account saying she sent an application. After reading this thread I checked to see if maybe somehow we didn’t finish but theres no continue application either. I can’t find any status update on her application. It was sent at the end of September. I know social security is backed up a bunch, could that be why we can’t find anything? There’s nothing reflecting an application was sent except the confirmation number & email she has.

Update: Just wanted to let everyone know that I did get an acknowledgment letter in the mail yesterday (about 10 days after submitting online). It confirmed my application is being processed and didn't mention anything about needing a physical signature. Thanks to everyone who helped calm my nerves about this!

Thanks for sharing the update! This is really helpful for others who might be going through the same confusion. That acknowledgment letter is exactly what you want to see - it means your electronic signature was accepted and your application is moving through the system normally. The fact that they didn't request any additional signatures confirms what everyone here has been saying. Hope your processing goes smoothly from here!

Just so you're fully informed: When you do get through to SSA, ask them about both your survivor benefit AND your own retirement benefit. Sometimes it makes sense to take one benefit now and switch to the other later. For example, some widows take their reduced retirement benefit at 62 and then switch to their full survivor benefit at their FRA. Others do the opposite. The right strategy depends on the benefit amounts and your financial needs. Make sure the SSA rep explains ALL your options.

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I completely understand feeling overwhelmed right now. What everyone has said is correct - unfortunately you cannot complete a widow's benefit application entirely online. The SSA system requires phone contact to verify the death and collect specific survivor benefit information that their online portal isn't equipped to handle. A few tips to make the call process easier: Call early in the morning (around 8 AM) or later in the afternoon (after 3 PM) when hold times tend to be shorter. Have a list ready with all your questions so you don't have to call back. And don't feel pressured to make any final decisions during that first call - they can explain your options and you can take time to think about the best strategy for your situation. The most important thing right now is just getting the application process started. You've got this, and this community is here to support you through it.

After reading your subsequent comments, it sounds like you received a notice requesting additional information rather than an outright denial. This is a normal part of the process for many applicants. To resolve this efficiently: 1. Gather your identity documents (birth certificate, driver's license, passport if you have one) 2. Collect any tax documents you have, especially for years you suspect might be missing 3. If you can't access your earnings record online, request a copy by calling SSA or visiting an office 4. If you worked for that county library, obtain documentation about whether it participated in Social Security Schedule an in-person appointment at your local SSA office if possible. Bring all documentation with you. This type of issue is much easier to resolve face-to-face.

I had a similar situation happen to me two years ago! It turned out to be a combination of issues - they couldn't verify some of my employment from the early 2000s AND there was a discrepancy with my name (I had legally changed my last name after divorce but apparently one employer had reported earnings under my maiden name). The good news is that once I provided the documentation they needed (old W-2s, court documents for the name change, and my birth certificate), everything got sorted out within about 6 weeks. Don't panic - this is more common than you'd think, especially for people who've had gaps in employment or name changes. One tip: if you can't get through by phone, try calling right when they open at 7 AM in your time zone. That's when I finally got through after days of trying.