Social Security application processing delay - waiting since November with January start date

I filed in September and didn't hear ANYTHING for almost 8 weeks!! The website says 30 days but that's just not realistic right now. They're super backed up from what the agent told me when I finally got through. Don't panic yet!

Social Security is experiencing significant backlogs right now, especially with retirement claims. The 30-day processing guideline is just that—a guideline. In reality, 6-8 weeks is becoming more common for straightforward retirement applications. A few things to know: 1. As long as you applied prior to when you want benefits to begin (January), you should be fine even with the delay. 2. If approved, benefits will begin as requested regardless of how long processing takes. 3. First payments typically arrive the month after your benefit month (so February payment for January benefit start). I wouldn't worry too much yet, but if you're approaching 8-9 weeks with no update, it might be worth contacting them.

STILL NO WORD?? Call them NOW!! Don't wait any longer! When I applied last year they lost my application completely and I had to start over!! The website never updated to show there was a problem. I ended up having to wait 3 extra months for my first check because of their mistake. Don't assume they're processing anything!

After dealing with busy signals for THREE DAYS trying to reach Social Security, I finally used this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in about 20 minutes. Saved me literal hours of frustration. You might want to check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU if you decide to call. The agent I spoke with told me they're running about 6-8 weeks behind on processing retirement claims right now.

when i applied in october it took 7 wks to get approved, the website never updated until suddenly i got a letter in the mail saying i was approved! first check came in december exactly when they said it would. don't worry too much, they're just really slow with the paperwork part but once approved the payments are usually on time

If your application is straightforward (standard retirement benefit at or after your FRA with no complications), then waiting 6-8 weeks is unfortunately normal these days. However, certain factors can cause delays: - If you're filing for both retirement and spousal benefits - If you have government pension offset (GPO) or windfall elimination provision (WEP) considerations - If your earnings record needed corrections - If you worked outside the US Do any of these apply to your situation? That might explain a longer processing time.

My wife waited 9 weeks last year. They're always behind in winter months because so many people retire at end of year. Jan 1 is biggest retirement date

i had the same worry but mine came thru! i filed in aug and got my first payment in nov which was what i wanted. the website never updated until after i got my first deposit lol. their system is from the stone age

Just to clarify something important: even though your first payment may be delayed due to application processing, you won't lose any money. If you requested benefits to start in January and they don't approve your application until February, your first payment will include any retroactive amounts owed. Also, remember that Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month they're due for. So January benefits are paid in February, February benefits in March, etc. This trips up a lot of new beneficiaries.

Have you checked your my social security account online? sometimes they update the status there before sending anything in mail. also check your spam folder for emails they might have sent!