I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Applied for retirement benefits about 2.5 weeks ago and have been stuck on that Step 2 status with the "cannot provide payment information" message. Reading through all these experiences has been such a huge relief - I was starting to think something was seriously wrong with my application since I've been obsessively checking the portal daily with no progress shown. Like many others here, I also have some self-employment history from running a small tax preparation service for about 6 years in the late 90s/early 2000s, so now it all makes perfect sense why my processing is taking longer for verification purposes. It's incredibly reassuring to learn that Step 2 actually indicates they're actively calculating my benefits rather than my application just sitting in some digital limbo! I was definitely caught in that compulsive portal-checking trap too - literally refreshing multiple times per day and getting more anxious each time nothing changed. Now I understand the system doesn't update in real-time anyway, so all that obsessive checking was pointless. I'm going to follow everyone's advice here and wait until I reach that 30-day mark before attempting to call, and if I do need to contact them I'll definitely try that 8 AM strategy everyone mentioned. Thanks to everyone for sharing your timelines and experiences - it's so comforting to know this is completely normal processing time and that having self-employment years naturally extends the verification process!

I'm currently experiencing this exact same situation! Applied for my retirement benefits about 3 weeks ago and have been stuck on Step 2 with that same frustrating "processing" message. Like so many others in this thread, I also have some self-employment history from running a small home renovation business for about 5 years in the early 2000s. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - I was getting really worried checking the portal obsessively every day with no changes showing up. Now I understand that Step 2 actually means they're actively working on calculating my benefits rather than my application just sitting somewhere collecting dust! It's also helpful to know that self-employment years naturally add verification time to the process. I was definitely caught in that compulsive portal-checking habit too - literally refreshing it multiple times daily and getting more anxious each time nothing appeared to change. Now that I know the system doesn't update in real-time anyway, I realize all that obsessive checking was pointless! I'm going to follow everyone's advice and wait until I hit the 30-day mark before trying to call, and if I do need to reach them I'll definitely use that 8 AM calling strategy. Thanks to everyone for sharing your timelines and experiences - it's so comforting to know this is completely normal processing time and that we're all going through this same waiting game together!

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 a new community member who's been following this discussion, I want to thank everyone for such detailed and helpful responses! I'm actually in a very similar situation to the original poster - just started receiving benefits and working part-time, but I'm in a different state so the tax implications might vary. This thread has been incredibly educational about the importance of proactive tax planning with Social Security benefits. The step-by-step guidance about checking the Benefit Verification Letter, understanding provisional income calculations, and the practical advice about W-4V withholding rates has been invaluable. It's clear that this community really looks out for newcomers and shares real-world experiences that you just can't find in official government publications. I'll definitely be bookmarking this discussion as a reference and will be sure to contribute my own experiences as I learn more about navigating the Social Security system!

As another newcomer to Social Security benefits, I want to add my voice to thank everyone for this incredibly comprehensive discussion! I'm in a slightly different situation - I'm 66 and just filed for my benefits but they haven't started yet, and I'm still working full-time making about $45k annually. Reading through all these experiences has made it crystal clear that I need to be proactive about tax withholding from day one. The calculation examples showing how combined income affects taxability have been eye-opening. I had no idea that with my salary plus SS benefits, I'd likely be in the 85% taxable range! I'm definitely going to submit my W-4V form before my first payment even arrives. Question for those with experience - would you recommend starting with 12% withholding given my higher work income, or stick with 10% and adjust later if needed? This community's willingness to share real-world experiences is exactly what new beneficiaries need to navigate this complex system successfully!

As a newcomer here, I want to echo the thanks for this amazing discussion! I'm 63 and was actually planning to file next month, but after reading through all these responses, I'm realizing I need to slow down and do more research first. The confirmation that benefits increase monthly (not just yearly) is exactly what I was looking for, but wow - I had no idea there were so many other factors to consider like taxes, spousal strategies, and even the option to withdraw your application within the first year. I'm especially intrigued by the SSA online calculator that shows month-by-month projections using your actual earnings history. That sounds way more accurate than the generic estimates I've been using. I think I need to take a step back, create my SSA account, run some detailed scenarios, and maybe consult with both a financial advisor and tax professional before making this decision. Better to take a few extra months to get it right than rush into something I might regret later. Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge and experiences - this community is incredibly helpful for those of us navigating these crucial retirement decisions!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to add my experience from having just navigated this decision last year at age 65. The monthly calculation is indeed accurate - every single month of delay increases your benefit, which was crucial for my planning. What I found most helpful was creating a detailed timeline showing not just the monthly benefit amounts, but also the cumulative benefits received over time. This helped me visualize the "break-even" point more clearly. One thing I didn't see mentioned is that if you're collecting other government benefits (like VA disability), the timing of Social Security can sometimes affect those benefits too. I had to coordinate with the VA to understand how my Social Security claim would interact with my disability payments. Also, for anyone who's self-employed or has irregular income, remember that your earnings test calculations (if claiming before FRA while still working) are based on annual earnings, not monthly - so timing within the year can matter for that aspect too. The SSA online tools mentioned by others are fantastic, but I also recommend printing out or saving screenshots of your calculations since the interface sometimes updates and you might want to reference your specific scenarios later.

I became a rep payee for my disabled brother about 8 months ago and went through this exact same nightmare! The whole system is so poorly explained to new payees - they basically hand you the responsibility without proper guidance. Here's what finally worked for me: Go to your local SSA office FIRST THING in the morning (they open at 9 AM most places) and ask specifically for Form SSA-L1226 - the Representative Payee Verification Letter. Tell them it's urgent because you can't access the beneficiary's funds. They can usually print it same day if you're there in person. While you're there, also request to switch your cousin to Direct Express card immediately. This eliminates ALL the banking headaches permanently. The application takes about 5 minutes and you can handle everything as her payee - she doesn't need to be present at all. For RIGHT NOW though, try these options to cash that check: - Local credit unions (they're way more familiar with these accounts than big banks) - Walmart MoneyCenter (not regular customer service - specifically the MoneyCenter) - Check cashing stores like Ace Check Cashing (yes there's a fee but it gets her money quickly) DO NOT under any circumstances deposit it in your personal account. SSA does random audits and mixed funds will get you removed as payee immediately. Start keeping receipts and notes for EVERYTHING right now. SSA requires annual reporting and you'll thank yourself later for having detailed records from day one. The learning curve is brutal but once you get the Direct Express card, everything becomes so much easier. Your cousin is fortunate to have someone fighting to do this properly!

As someone who just went through becoming a rep payee for my elderly aunt last year, I completely feel your frustration! Here's what I learned that might help you get this resolved quickly: First, call your local SSA office at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - the wait times are SO much shorter first thing in the morning. Ask specifically for Form SSA-L1226 (Representative Payee Verification Letter) and emphasize it's urgent because you can't access your cousin's benefits without it. If you can go in person, even better - they can often print it same day. For immediate help while you're getting the paperwork sorted, try smaller community banks or credit unions rather than the big chains. Call ahead and ask specifically "Do you handle Social Security representative payee accounts?" Many of them are much more experienced with these situations than places like Chase or Bank of America. Also consider Walmart MoneyCenter (not regular customer service) or check cashing stores as a temporary solution. Yes, there are fees, but it gets your cousin her money quickly while you work on the proper banking setup. DEFINITELY get the Direct Express card set up ASAP - it eliminates all these headaches permanently. You can handle the entire application as her payee, and once it's active, she has immediate access to funds each month without any banking requirements. Whatever you do, don't deposit that check in your personal account even temporarily. SSA does audit rep payees and mixed funds are an immediate red flag. Start keeping detailed expense records NOW - date, amount, purpose for every purchase. That annual SSA report will be so much easier if you track everything from day one. You're doing the right thing by asking questions and following proper procedures. Your cousin is lucky to have someone advocating for her properly!