Applied for Social Security online but can't get through to SSA after 45 days - no callback option?

same here!! they told me to call back too and i tried FIVE TIMES yesterday. each time got hung up on. the call volume is insane right now because of all the COLA adjustments and tax season questions. the whole system is broken!

There's actually a pattern to when you might get the callback option. The SSA phone system only offers callbacks when wait times are between 15-120 minutes. When it's over 120 minutes, they just disconnect you like you experienced. Try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM local time or late in the afternoon around 4:00 PM when call volume typically decreases. Also, check if your local field office has reopened for in-person visits. Many offices are taking limited appointments now, and an in-person visit is often more effective than phone calls for application issues. For online applications, 45 days without an update isn't unusual these days, especially for retirement benefits. The system should automatically process your April start date even if you don't hear anything, but it's always better to confirm.

Listen I went thru this EXACT same nightmare last month when applying for my spousal benefits. Spent WEEKS trying to get someone on the phone with no luck. I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to a real SSA agent in under 20 minutes. Cost some money but saved me literally days of frustration. Check out their demo video here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU and their website is claimyr.com. After I finally got through, turns out they were missing a document from my file but never bothered to tell me! Got it resolved in one call. Would have waited another month otherwise.

This might sound silly, but have you checked your spam/junk folder? I had a case where all my SSA email notifications were going to spam. Also, sometimes the mySocialSecurity message center will have updates that don't trigger email notifications. Another thing - if you filed for retirement and you're at or past your FRA (Full Retirement Age), the application process is usually more straightforward and shouldn't take as long. If you're filing early (before FRA) or have any complicating factors (foreign employment, government pension, etc.), that could explain the delay. In my experience, calling the national number is almost always a nightmare. Try finding the direct number to your local field office. They're not officially supposed to give these out, but sometimes they're listed on Google Maps or other directories.

Hey there. I work at a senior center and help people with SS issues all the time. Here's the BEST method I've found to reach someone: 1. Call the national number (1-800-772-1213) 2. As SOON as the automated system picks up, press 1 for English (or 2 for Spanish) 3. Immediately after that, press 7 (this is a semi-hidden option for people reporting fraud, but it gets answered faster) 4. When you get a person, politely explain you need to check on your retirement application status. They'll usually transfer you to the right department. Also, 45 days is unfortunately pretty standard for processing right now. They're severely understaffed, especially with all the COLA adjustments happening. But it's definitely time to check in. If all else fails, contacting your Congressional representative's office can work wonders. They have dedicated SSA liaisons who can often get answers within days.

Update: I tried calling right at 8 AM today using both the main number and the tip about pressing 7. The fraud line actually told me they couldn't help and transferred me back to the main queue, but at least I got a human! After about 30 minutes on hold, I finally spoke with someone. Apparently there was an issue with my earnings record for my last employer - something about the dates not matching what they had on file. The agent was able to fix it right there on the phone and said my application should now move forward. She said I should see an update in my online account within 7-10 business days. Thank you all for the suggestions! Getting through early in the morning definitely seemed to help.

u got lucky!! i still cant get thru 😤