How quickly did Social Security send your first retirement payment after approval?

I applied online for my SS retirement benefits and got my first payment exactly 30 days after my application was approved. Make sure you check your MySocialSecurity account online - sometimes they show pending payments there before they actually hit your account. Also depends if you're getting direct deposit or a check. Direct deposit is way faster.

congrats on retiring!! i got my first deposit about 3 weeks after they approved me. but my sister waited almost 6 weeks so it really varies i think

It typically takes 30-60 days from approval to first payment. The important factor is when you applied in relation to your birthday month. Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month they're due, so if you applied close to your birthday month, there might be a slight delay as they process everything. Here's what affects the timing: - Whether you applied online or in person (online is faster) - Whether your application had any complications - The current workload at your local SSA office - Whether you're receiving payment by direct deposit or check If it's been more than 60 days since approval, I'd recommend contacting SSA directly.

The SSA is ALWAYS slow! I waited over TWO MONTHS for my first payment and they never explained why. Every time I called they just said "it's processing" and hung up on me. The system is broken!!! Don't count on that money coming anytime soon. They make us wait while they sit around doing nothing all day.

When I retired in 2023, I got so frustrated trying to check on my payment status. Kept calling SSA and getting disconnected after waiting for hours. I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real agent in like 20 minutes. They helped me figure out there was a small issue with my direct deposit info that was causing the delay. You might want to check it out at claimyr.com if you're having trouble reaching someone. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

my cousin waited like 3 months cause ssa messed up his birthdate in the system lol. make sure all ur info is right

To give you an accurate timeline: 1. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month they're due 2. The payment date depends on your birth date: - Birth dates 1-10: Second Wednesday of the month - Birth dates 11-20: Third Wednesday of the month - Birth dates 21-31: Fourth Wednesday of the month Since you mentioned your birthday is in June, your first payment would typically arrive in July, on the Wednesday determined by your birth date. If you're already approved and it's showing as processing in your account, you're on track. For future reference, applying about 3 months before you want benefits to begin is ideal.

Don't forget that your first payment might be prorated depending on when you applied and when you want benefits to start. They don't always start on the first of the month.

Update us when you get your payment! I'm curious now since everyone seems to have had such different experiences. Also, congrats on retirement!