Social Security application stuck on step 2 since December - normal processing time?

yes totally normal mine took 3 months to go from step 2 to 3, dont worry about it

I had the exact same experience last year! Applied in October for January benefits and it sat at step 2 forever. I freaked out and called SSA every week - which was IMPOSSIBLE to get through to anyone!!! They either disconnected me or I waited 2+ hours only to be told "it's processing normally" with zero details. My application finally moved to step 3 after about 10 weeks, and my benefits still started on time. The online status bar is useless.

The MySocialSecurity portal status updates don't always reflect the actual processing activity happening behind the scenes. For retirement benefits, SSA aims to process applications within 4-6 weeks, but current processing times are averaging 8-12 weeks due to staffing shortages and increased application volume. A few things to know: 1. Your application is timestamped when received, so your intended start date should be preserved 2. Sometimes applications move directly from step 2 to completion without showing step 3 3. They generally prioritize applications based on the benefit start date, so yours will get more attention as March approaches If you're approaching the 12-week mark with no movement, that's when I'd suggest more aggressive follow-up.

my daughter works for ssa and says they are SUPER backed up right now. jan-march is their busiest time for new applications so everything is slower than normal. if your benefit start date is in march they prob wont even look at your application until mid-february tbh

I had EXACTLY the same experience in 2023! Applied Nov 10th and sat on step 2 until February. I tried calling SSA like 20 times and never got through - their phone system is the worst thing I've ever experienced. Complete disaster! I was panicking because I needed to make decisions about healthcare enrollment that depended on knowing my SS benefit was approved. When I finally got through after trying for WEEKS, they told me everything was fine and on track. Did my benefits start on time? YES! Did the website update properly? NO! The whole system is broken and somebody needs to FIX IT!!! But your benefits will likely start on time if that helps ease your mind.

If you're worried about your application status and can't get through on the normal SSA lines, I'd recommend using Claimyr.com. I was in exactly your situation last year (stuck on step 2 for months), and after trying for days to reach someone, I found this service that actually got me through to an agent in under 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. The agent was able to tell me exactly what was happening with my application and gave me a timeframe for processing. Totally worth it when you're feeling anxious about these delays.

my app sat at step 2 for like 4 months lol and then one day bam just got the approval letter in the mail. the website never even updated. ssa computer systems are from like 1982 i swear

One additional point: if you do need confirmation of your application status for financial planning purposes, you can request a "Benefit Verification Letter" once your application is processed. This official document confirms your benefit amount and start date, and many financial institutions accept it as proof of income for loans, housing applications, etc. You may be able to get this even before your first payment is issued. If your application isn't showing progress within 30 days of your intended start date (so by early February), that would be a good time to make a more concerted effort to speak with an SSA representative.

btw i think FRA is 67 not 65 now so r u taking early benefits at 65? that might be why its taking longer cuz they have to calculate the reduction