Social Security application stuck in Step 2 but first payment coming soon - anyone else?

dont worry about it mine was stuck on step 2 forever but my payment showed up on time. the online status thing barely ever updates

My husband and I both applied online last year and had completely different experiences. Mine went through in like 3 weeks and updated to step 3 right away. His stayed on step 2 for over 2 months but the payment still showed up on time. I think it depends on which office is handling your claim and how backed up they are. The online system is terrible about updating status.

This is actually a very common issue with the MySocialSecurity online portal. The status indicators often lag significantly behind the actual processing of your claim. Here's what's happening: 1. Your application is likely being processed normally 2. The payment systems and the online portal systems are separate 3. The payment can be scheduled while the online status remains unchanged Since you've already confirmed with both offices that everything looks fine, I wouldn't be concerned. The 67% on-time rate for your processing center is concerning, but that statistic includes all types of claims including disability, which take much longer than straightforward retirement claims. If you're within 30 days of your expected payment date and still worried, you can request a critical case flag, but based on what you've described, I'd expect your payment to arrive on schedule in February despite the unchanging online status.

I just went through this EXACT same thing!! Applied online in September, chose December start date, and my account was STILL showing Step 2 on December 1st when I was supposed to get my first deposit. Called and called and couldn't get through to anyone!!!! I was FREAKING OUT thinking I'd have no money for Christmas. BUT THEN... the payment just showed up in my account on December 3rd like magic, even though the stupid online account STILL said Step 2. It didn't update to Step 3 until almost two weeks AFTER I got paid! The online system is COMPLETELY USELESS for tracking your application. Don't stress about it!

If you're really concerned about reaching someone at Social Security to get a more detailed update on your application, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was in a similar situation last year - stuck on step 2 for weeks and couldn't get through on the 800 number. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I spoke with was able to see notes in my file that weren't reflected in the online status. Turns out they were just waiting on verification from my former employer and everything else was fine. Gave me peace of mind instead of stressing for weeks.

I work with SS recipients regularly, and this lag in the online system is unfortunately very common. Here's what you should know: - The online portal (MySocialSecurity) often remains at Step 2 even after claims are fully processed - Initial retirement claims with straightforward earnings records are typically processed within 4-6 weeks - The payment systems operate independently from the status tracking systems - Most initial retirement payments are made on schedule regardless of the online status Since you've already verified with both offices that everything looks good, and your requested start date is January 2025 (with first payment in February), you're still within normal processing timeframes. The system will often update all at once right around the time of payment. One thing to check: log in to MySocialSecurity and look for any pending Action Items or messages in your inbox. Sometimes they need additional information but the notification doesn't trigger a status change.

My brother in law had his stuck on step 2 for THREE MONTHS but got paid on time. Then one day it suddenly jumped to step 3 (completed). The online system is basically worthless for tracking the actual status. As long as you have a confirmation number from when you applied, you should be fine.

This happened to my mom to!!! She was so worried cause the website never updated but then the money just showed up in her bank one day!

mine was stuck on step 2 for over 3 months and then i checked one day and i had already been paid for 2 weeks lol. dont worry about what the website says its never right

The Social Security Administration is COMPLETELY INCOMPETENT when it comes to their online systems!!! I had to call 27 TIMES over THREE DAYS just to speak to someone about my application that was stuck on step 2 for MONTHS!!!! And guess what they told me? "Oh everything is fine, your payments start next month" WHY COULDN'T THE STUPID WEBSITE JUST SAY THAT??? This is why people get so frustrated with government agencies. They can send people to MARS but can't make a website that actually shows the correct status of your application!!!!

One additional point: If your payment does not arrive as scheduled in February, immediately call the national number (1-800-772-1213) and request to speak with a claims representative. Make sure to mention: 1. The exact date you filed online (have your confirmation number ready) 2. That you've already confirmed with both offices that your claim looks fine 3. That your payment was due but not received This will trigger a payment trace and escalation if needed. However, based on what you've shared, this likely won't be necessary. The vast majority of retirement claims with a future start date are processed correctly even when the online status doesn't update.