I was able to get through to SSA finally! The agent confirmed I'll only get 6 months of retroactive benefits, so I've definitely lost some money by waiting. But at least I'm getting it sorted now. The agent mentioned my benefit amount is a bit higher than it would have been at exactly 70 due to my extra work years, just like someone mentioned here. Still mad at myself for not knowing about this sooner though!

Great to hear you got through and are getting it sorted out! Don't beat yourself up too much - this is unfortunately a very common mistake because SSA doesn't do a good job of informing people about the rules around age 70. At least you caught it relatively quickly compared to some horror stories I've heard. The silver lining about your higher benefit amount from the extra work years is nice too. Make sure to keep an eye on when your first payment arrives - sometimes there can be processing delays even after you've applied.

Thanks everyone for the responses. I'm going to try to get through to an agent to check on my application status. It sounds like the wait time is normal but I want to make sure they don't need any additional documents from me. I'll update when I know more!

I went through this exact same situation last year! Filed in September at my FRA, didn't get my first payment until December 20th (3rd Wednesday). The "in process" status is totally normal - mine showed that for about 6 weeks with zero updates. One tip: if you do call SSA, ask them to confirm your direct deposit information is correct in their system. My neighbor had his application approved but his first payment was delayed because they had an old bank account number on file. Also, keep checking your MySocialSecurity account - sometimes the status updates overnight without any notification. The waiting is the worst part, but it sounds like you're right on track for a December payment!

To summarize for the original poster: Since you just reached FRA last month and want benefits ASAP, select the current month as your benefit start date. Just be prepared that it might take 2-3 months for your application to be processed and payments to begin. Once they do start, you'll receive any back payments owed to you. And since you're already at FRA, there are no penalties or reductions regardless of when you start.

One additional tip that might help - when you submit your application online, make sure to print or save a copy of your receipt/confirmation number. If there are any delays or issues with processing, having that reference number will make it much easier when you need to follow up with SSA. Also, you can check your application status online at ssa.gov using your my Social Security account. Good luck with your application!

Based on what you've shared, I'll offer some perspective on realistic timeframes: 1. Simple spousal claims (no offset): 7-14 days 2. Spousal claims with pension offset calculations: 21-30 days 3. Complex cases with multiple factors: 30-45 days Since your application moved to a Processing Center and it may involve pension offset calculations, you're looking at category 2 or 3. I'd recommend waiting until you're at day 25 before becoming concerned. One important note: if you check your application status online, it won't show detailed progress once it's at the Processing Center - just that it's under review. This is why it appears "stuck" at step 2.

I'm going through something similar right now! Filed my spousal application 3 weeks ago and it's been bouncing between offices too. Started at my local office in Tampa, then moved to Birmingham Processing Center, and now it's showing Atlanta. I was panicking thinking something was wrong but after reading everyone's experiences here, it seems like this office-hopping is just how they manage their workload. The uncertainty is definitely the hardest part - I keep checking the tracker multiple times a day even though I know it probably won't change. At least now I have a better idea of realistic timelines. Sounds like anything under 30 days for cases with complications is actually pretty normal. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

Just curious, have u considered working more hours now to intentionally go over the earnings limit by a lot? If ur gonna get most benefits withheld anyway, might as well earn more $$ now, right?

I went through a similar situation a few years back and want to share what I learned. The key thing to understand is that there are actually THREE different mechanisms at play here that people often confuse: 1) **Early filing reduction**: This is permanent and can't be undone after 12 months 2) **Delayed retirement credits (DRCs)**: 8% per year if you suspend benefits 3) **Earnings test adjustment**: Happens automatically at FRA if benefits were withheld due to work In your case, since you're earning $35K and working 30 hours/week, you're definitely over the earnings limit. Here's what I'd suggest: Don't suspend voluntarily. Instead, let the earnings test do its thing and withhold your benefits naturally. You'll get the adjustment at FRA AND you won't lose out on any months where your earnings might dip below the limit. The earnings test adjustment can be surprisingly generous - in my case it brought my benefit up to about 90% of what the full FRA amount would have been. Not perfect, but much better than I expected when I first claimed early. Also, Lucas makes a great point about working more hours if you're comfortable with it. The earnings test has a cliff effect, so earning $25K vs $40K might result in the same benefit withholding.