I just wanted to jump in and say how incredibly helpful this entire discussion has been! I'm not currently going through this process myself, but my sister is planning to apply for divorced spouse benefits later this year, and I've been trying to help her understand what to expect. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences has given us such a clear picture of the timeline and process. The consistent advice about submitting documents in person, making copies beforehand, and getting receipts is exactly the kind of practical guidance that's impossible to find on the SSA website. It's really wonderful to see community members sharing their real experiences to help others navigate this confusing system. The waiting and uncertainty is clearly the most stressful part for everyone, but knowing what's normal versus what should be cause for concern makes such a difference. For anyone still in the waiting phase - it sounds like you're all doing everything right and are well within normal timeframes. The consensus seems to be that patience is key, but there are good options (like that Claimyr service someone mentioned) if you need to be more proactive after the 6-8 week mark. Thank you all for creating such a supportive and informative discussion!

I'm currently going through this exact same process and this thread has been such a lifesaver! I applied for divorced spouse benefits about 4 weeks ago and was starting to get really anxious about not hearing anything yet. Reading everyone's experiences has reassured me that I'm still well within the normal timeframe. What I find most frustrating is how the online application gives you absolutely no indication of what happens next - it really does feel like you're just submitting into a black hole. The "in process" status doesn't tell you anything useful! It's crazy that in 2025 we're still relying on snail mail for such important communications. I'm definitely planning to submit my documents in person when I get the letter. After reading all these stories about lost mail and delayed processing, getting that receipt and having originals returned immediately seems like the only smart approach. I've already made copies of everything and double-checked my mailing address in my account. One thing I'm curious about - for those who submitted documents in person, did you feel like the SSA staff were knowledgeable and helpful? I'm hoping the in-person experience is better than trying to navigate their phone system or website!

I'm new to this community and going through the exact same situation! Filed my retirement application in mid-August for a March start date and have been stuck in "processing" status for over 3 months now. Before finding this discussion, I was convinced something was wrong with my application, but reading everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring. It's amazing how many of us have nearly identical timelines - August/September applications for February/March benefits, all sitting in processing limbo with zero updates from SSA. The complete silence is definitely the most frustrating part. Like others have mentioned, even a basic automated email acknowledging delays would eliminate so much stress for all of us! The phone system nightmare stories here have totally convinced me to avoid calling for now. I'm going to follow the community advice about waiting until I'm within 30 days of my benefit start date before getting concerned. It's comforting 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 such a lifesaver for understanding that these 3-4 month delays are the unfortunate new normal rather than something specific to individual cases. It's reassuring to know we're all navigating this SSA maze together!

I'm new to this community and dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! I filed my retirement application in early September for a March start date and have been stuck in "processing" status for over 3 months now with zero communication from SSA. Before finding this discussion, I was starting to panic that I had made some error or that my application had gotten lost in their system. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - it's clear that these 3-4 month delays have unfortunately become the new normal rather than something specific to individual cases. The complete lack of communication from SSA is really what makes this so stressful. Even a basic automated update acknowledging longer processing times would eliminate so much anxiety for all of us! The phone system horror stories shared here have definitely scared me away from attempting to call - the thought of spending hours on hold just to get disconnected sounds miserable. I think I'll follow the excellent advice about waiting until I'm within 30 days of my benefit start date before trying to contact them. It's reassuring to hear from folks like Andre and others that benefits typically start on time even when approval comes late. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this community has been such a lifesaver for understanding we're all navigating this SSA bureaucracy together!

I went through this process about 6 months ago and it was much smoother than I expected! The save feature is definitely reliable - I actually had to use it three times because I kept getting interrupted by phone calls. Each time I came back with my re-entry number, everything was exactly where I left it. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: make sure you have your most recent W-2 or self-employment tax records handy. The system asked me to verify some earnings information from recent years. Also, if you've ever changed your name (marriage, divorce, etc.), having those documents nearby can be helpful just in case. The whole thing really is designed for people like us who want to avoid those long office waits. Just take your time with each section - there's no rush once you start!

I just completed my online Social Security retirement application last month and wanted to share a few additional tips that helped me! First, clear your browser cache before starting - I had some weird loading issues initially that this fixed. Second, when you get your re-entry number, take a screenshot of the page AND write it down - belt and suspenders approach! The application will ask you to estimate when you want your first benefit payment, so think about that beforehand. You can choose up to 4 months in advance. Also, don't worry if you see a message about your application being "under review" - that's totally normal and doesn't mean there's a problem. One last thing - after you submit, you'll get a receipt number. Keep that safe too! You can use it to check your application status online. The whole process really is much less stressful than I thought it would be. Good luck with your application!

As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to add my perspective to help reassure you! I'm 68 and currently going through the exact same planning process you've been through. I've been researching whether to start collecting at my FRA or wait until 70, and the earnings limit question has been one of my biggest concerns too. What I've learned through my research (and what everyone here is correctly telling you) is that the earnings test has very specific age-based rules. The $61,160 limit your coworker mentioned is real, but it only applies to people in the calendar year they reach their FRA - and only for the months BEFORE they actually reach FRA in that year. Since you're already 69 and past your FRA of 66 and 4 months, that limit doesn't apply to you at all. I actually called the Social Security Administration myself last month to get clarity on this exact question, and the representative was very clear: "Once you reach Full Retirement Age, there is no earnings limit. You can earn any amount without any reduction in benefits." Your strategy of delaying until 70 while continuing to work is exactly what I'm planning to do as well. The combination of maximized benefits through delayed retirement credits PLUS unlimited earning potential makes it a really smart approach for people in good health who can continue working. Don't let one confused coworker derail years of careful planning - you're absolutely on the right track!

As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to add my voice to the overwhelming consensus here - your coworker is absolutely wrong and you have nothing to worry about! I'm 72 and have been in your exact situation. I delayed my Social Security benefits until age 70 while continuing to work, and I currently earn about $78,000 annually from my part-time business consulting work. The earnings test confusion happens all the time because people don't realize there are actually different rules for different age groups. The $61,160 limit your coworker mentioned is real, but it ONLY applies to people who are collecting Social Security benefits in the year they reach their Full Retirement Age, and even then, only for the months BEFORE they actually reach FRA in that year. Since you're already 69 and well past your FRA of 66 and 4 months, you're in the "no earnings limit" category. When you start collecting at 70, you could earn $85,000, $150,000, or any amount - your Social Security benefits will never be reduced because of your work income. I've been successfully collecting my maximized Social Security benefits for over 2 years now while maintaining substantial earnings, and there has never been any issue or reduction. The Social Security Administration doesn't even ask about my work income anymore because once you're past FRA, the earnings test simply doesn't exist. Your plan to wait until 70 for maximum benefits while continuing to work part-time is excellent - you get the best of both worlds! Don't let workplace misinformation derail what sounds like a thoroughly researched and smart retirement strategy.

Just wanted to share my experience as someone who went through this same confusion last year! I ended up calling SSA three times because I kept getting different information from different representatives about how the withholding worked. What finally cleared it up for me was understanding that there are really two separate tax calculations happening: 1) The optional withholding from your monthly checks (if you file W-4V), and 2) The actual tax calculation when you file your return (where standard deductions matter). The withholding is just an estimate/prepayment - it doesn't have to be perfect. I started with 12% withholding and it worked out pretty well for my situation. The key thing is that you can always adjust it if needed. Don't stress too much about getting it exactly right on the first try!

I went through this exact same situation when I started my benefits 8 months ago! The confusion between withholding and actual tax calculations is so common. What really helped me was using the IRS withholding calculator online to estimate how much total tax I'd owe for the year, then working backwards to figure out what percentage to withhold from SS. With your $32,500 in benefits plus a pension, you'll definitely want some withholding. I'd suggest starting with 10% like others mentioned, but also consider making a small quarterly estimated payment if your pension doesn't have withholding. That way you're covered from multiple angles and won't get hit with underpayment penalties. The W-4V form is really straightforward once you get it - took me less than 5 minutes to fill out and mail in. Just remember it takes about 6-8 weeks to take effect, so the sooner you submit it, the better!