Social Security application stuck in processing since January - normal wait times in 2025?

I filed in December 2024 and it took about 6 weeks to get fully processed. The SSA is definitely running behind schedule right now. What I'd recommend is calling them directly to check on your application status - the online system often doesn't update as frequently as it should. Call early in the morning (right when they open) for the shortest wait times. When you do get someone, ask them specifically if there's any information they're missing that might be causing the delay. Sometimes applications get stuck because they need one additional document they forgot to request.

Thanks for sharing your timeline. 6 weeks doesn't sound too bad actually. Did they backpay you for the time during processing? I'm starting to worry I'll need to dip into savings if this drags on much longer.

i applied last november and didn't hear ANYTHING for like 2 months! then suddenly money showed up in my account!! the website never updated until after i got paid. crazy system honestly

Wow, that's frustrating but also somewhat encouraging. Good to know the money might just appear even without updates. Did you try calling them during the wait?

The Social Security Admin is COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED right now!!! My sister waited 10 weeks and I waited 8 weeks in 2024. They're short-staffed and the systems are ancient. My friend who works for SSA told me they're prioritizing disability claims because of the backlog. Retirement claims are lower priority because they assume you have other resources while waiting. IT'S NOT FAIR but that's how the system works. Don't expect communication - that's the first thing they cut when they're behind.

While the SSA is experiencing delays, I wouldn't say retirement claims are officially

My coworker just went through this! She applied in November and didn't get approved until late January. Almost exactly 10 weeks. She said the worst part was not knowing if something was wrong or if it was just slow. Hope you hear something soon!

After trying for weeks to reach someone at Social Security about my delayed application (submitted in December, similar situation to yours), I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an SSA agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours or getting disconnected. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUWhen I finally spoke with someone, they told me my application was actually pending because they needed verification of my last day of work, even though the online system never indicated any issues. Might be worth checking if there's something simple holding yours up too. The current processing time they quoted me was 6-8 weeks for straightforward retirement claims.

Is this service legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone at SS about my application too but nervous about giving info to third parties...

Yes, it's legitimate. They don't access your SSA account - they just connect your call to Social Security so you don't have to wait on hold forever. I was hesitant too but it worked exactly as advertised. The agent I spoke with had no idea I'd used a service to get connected.

Social Security retirement benefit specialist here. The current standard processing time for straightforward retirement applications is 6-8 weeks, though some field offices are reporting longer timeframes due to staffing shortages. A few important points to know:1. Your benefit start date of January 2025 is secure regardless of when processing completes. You'll receive all benefits due from your filing date.2. The online status rarely updates between submission and final approval. This is unfortunately normal.3. If it's been more than 4 weeks, I recommend calling the national number (1-800-772-1213) to verify nothing is missing from your application.4. Military service (even reserves) sometimes requires additional verification which can add 1-3 weeks to processing time.5. First payments typically arrive on the 3rd of the month, or the 2nd Wednesday, 3rd Wednesday or 4th Wednesday depending on your birth date for all subsequent months.The silence is frustrating but typical. Your application hasn't been lost - the system just doesn't provide updates during processing.

Thank you for this detailed response! It's reassuring to know the January start date is secure. I'll give it another week or two before calling to check. Do you know if I need to do anything special to ensure direct deposit is set up correctly? I provided my bank info during the application.

You're welcome! If you entered your direct deposit information during the online application, it should be correctly established. However, it's one of the things worth verifying when you call. Occasionally the banking information doesn't transfer properly from the online application to the processing system. When you speak with a representative, specifically ask them to confirm your direct deposit information is properly recorded in your claim.

am i the only 1 who thinks its crazy we gotta wait months for our own money?? paid in for 40+ years and then they make us wait and worry?? smh

EXACTLY!!! And then they wonder why people get so frustrated with government agencies. We work our whole lives and then have to FIGHT for what we're owed! The system is BROKEN.

Just checking in - have you heard anything yet about your application? I'm planning to file mine next month and getting nervous about the wait times everyone's mentioning.

Nothing yet! It's been almost a month now with zero updates. Based on what others have shared, I'm trying to be patient for at least another 2-3 weeks before I really start pushing for answers. I'll update here when something happens.

One thing I forgot to mention - if you created a my Social Security account online (ssa.gov/myaccount), you might get updates there before you receive anything by mail. Also, make sure your mailing address is current with SSA, as they often send requests for additional information by mail without calling or emailing. I've seen people's applications delayed for months because they missed a letter requesting one simple document.