Social Security application stuck in review since November - normal wait time?

Totally normal. My app took almost 3 months to process last year. They say 30 days but thats not realistic lol

The 30-day timeframe is more of a general guideline than a guarantee. Social Security is currently experiencing significant backlogs, especially for retirement applications. Since your husband's benefit start date isn't until February, your application is likely considered lower priority than those with immediate start dates. A few things you can do: 1. Check your MySocialSecurity account for any notices or updates 2. Look for any mail from SSA requesting additional information 3. Call the national number (though wait times can be extremely long) 4. Visit your local field office if you're concerned As long as the application shows as "processing" in the system, it's still active. It's actually good you applied early since your February start date gives plenty of time for processing.

I went thru the exact same thing when I filed last summer!! The website said 30 days but it actually took 67 days for my application to be approved. Don't panic, as long as it says processing your still in the queue. They are just super backed up right now.

The processing times have definitely increased dramatically in the past year. While SSA still quotes 30 days as the standard processing time, the reality is closer to 45-75 days for most retirement applications right now. The good news is that since you requested a February start date, you still have time before benefits would begin. One important thing to note: the application date (when you submitted) is what establishes your filing date, not when it's approved. So even with delays, your husband's benefits will still start in February as requested, assuming he's reached his full retirement age (FRA) by then. I'd recommend waiting another 10-15 days before taking action. If you still haven't heard anything by mid-January, then it would be appropriate to contact SSA.

THE SSA IS COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED AND UNDERSTAFFED!!! I filed for my benefits in October and didn't hear ANYTHING for 89 days!!! When I finally got through to talk to someone they said they hadn't even LOOKED at my application yet!!! The whole system is falling apart and nobody in Washington cares!!!!!

I work with Social Security claims regularly, and I can confirm that processing times have increased significantly. The 30-day estimate is outdated and hasn't been updated on their systems. Currently, most retirement applications are taking 60-90 days to process, especially for future entitlement (like your February start date). Since you requested a February start date, SSA will prioritize applications with earlier start dates first. Your application is in the system and will be processed in time for the February payment, which would actually be paid in March (Social Security pays a month behind). If you need to check on status or speak with someone at SSA, I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to SSA representatives much faster than waiting on hold for hours. There's a great video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. I've recommended it to several clients who were in similar situations with delayed applications.

My husband and I both applied for our benefits at the same time last year, and strangely, mine was processed in 3 weeks while his took over 2 months! And we submitted them on the same day! I think it depends on which office or even which employee gets assigned to your case. Just keep checking the online account every few days.

Just to add one more thing - if your husband's application is approved after February has already started, don't worry. They will make the payments retroactive to his start date. So even if approval comes in March or April, he'll still get paid for February (though as someone else mentioned, February's payment would actually come in March since SS pays a month behind).