Social Security benefit application stuck in review since November - February payment at risk?

I went through something similar last year. Applied in September, didn't hear anything until mid-December. They eventually processed everything with no issues, but I was sweating it for a while! One thing I learned is that SSA processing times vary widely depending on which field office handles your claim. Some are really backed up while others process claims quickly. As long as you applied before you wanted benefits to start, they should pay you retroactively, so you won't lose any money even if they miss the February payment date.

This happens ALL THE TIME with SSA!!!!! My sister waited THREE MONTHS and then found out they had "lost" her application! Check your My Social Security account every few days and CALL THEM. Don't just wait or you might end up like my sis having to start all over again.

The good news is that even if they don't process your application in time for the February payment, they'll include any back payments you're owed when they do finally process it. The official processing guideline is 6 weeks, but it's often taking 8-12 weeks right now due to staffing shortages at many SSA offices. If you want to be proactive, I'd recommend calling your local office directly rather than the national number. Sometimes they can check on things more efficiently. If your application truly is straightforward as you describe, it should just be a matter of time before approval.

have u tried calling them? sometimes they need more info but dont tell u. my cousin waited 4 months before he called and they said they needed his birth certificate even tho he uploaded it online. try calling early in the morning like 7:30am right when they open

I had the exact same issue last year when I applied for my retirement benefits. After waiting almost 10 weeks with no updates, I was getting anxious about missing payments. I tried calling the regular SSA number multiple times but couldn't get through after being on hold for hours. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA agent within 30 minutes instead of waiting on hold all day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU When I finally spoke to someone, turns out they were waiting for employment verification from a job I had 20 years ago! Once I explained the situation, they processed my application within a week. Definitely worth checking if there's a simple hold-up they haven't communicated.

My retirement application was delayed too. I got really worried but then randomly got approved after 10 weeks with no communication. My first payment showed up right on schedule even though the online status never updated until after I was paid. The system is just slow sometimes.

This happened to me in December. The website showed "in review" for months! I finally went IN PERSON to my local office (got there 45 minutes before they opened and still waited 2 hours). Turns out they were waiting on me to submit a form that they never told me about! Something about additional income verification. Check your online message center too - sometimes they send notices there that don't trigger an email alert. The most frustrating part of the Social Security system is their lack of communication. They expect you to follow up with them rather than proactively reaching out when they need something from you.

Based on everyone's feedback, I'd definitely recommend contacting SSA rather than continuing to wait. While many applications do process automatically without issues, when there is a problem, they often don't proactively reach out. One important thing to know: even if they miss your February payment date, when they do approve you, they'll include any back payments you're entitled to. So you won't lose any money - it just might be delayed. Make sure when you talk to them that you confirm your payment start date so they backdate correctly. And don't worry too much about having a straightforward application - sometimes those get delayed too just due to workload and staffing issues at particular offices.

update us after u talk to them! im curious what the holdup is

I wanted to add one more thing - when you do speak with SSA, be sure to ask them to note in your file that you've been trying to follow up on your application status. This creates a paper trail showing you've been proactive, which can be helpful if there are any issues later with payment timing. Also ask them for a specific timeframe for when you should expect a decision, and get the name of the representative you speak with. These simple steps can make follow-up much easier if needed.