Social Security early filing at 64 - worried about delayed processing & follow-up questions

Yes, they'll almost certainly contact you for more information. When I filed for my retirement benefits at 63 last year, I got an email about two weeks after my online application asking for birth certificate, marriage license (I was applying for spousal too), and bank information for direct deposit. They gave me a deadline of 30 days to submit everything. The good news is you applied with plenty of time before your benefit start date. They usually process everything within 2-3 months. Just keep checking your email (including spam folder) and your mySocialSecurity account online for any messages or status updates.

wait until they ask for documents! i uploaded mine b4 they asked and it caused confusion. they still asked for the SAME docs i already sent lol. the SSA system is weird like that. just be patient, May is still months away so ur fine!!

I went through this last year. The waiting is definitely stressful! But trust me, if they need anything they WILL contact you. And January for May benefits is actually super early - you did the right thing giving them extra time. Most people don't realize how slow the process can be.

You made a good decision applying well in advance of your desired start date. The Social Security Administration typically needs 2-3 months to process retirement benefit applications, so your January filing for May benefits provides adequate time. Regarding documentation, they'll usually request specific items they need rather than having you submit everything upfront. Standard requests include: - Birth certificate (original or certified copy) - Recent W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns - Bank information for direct deposit You can check your application status anytime through your mySocialSecurity account. When they need additional information, they'll send a secure message there as well as via mail. One important note: at 64, you're filing before your Full Retirement Age (FRA), which means you'll receive permanently reduced benefits (about 13.3% less than your full benefit if your FRA is 67). Make sure you've considered this in your retirement planning.

The SSA is TERRIBLE about communication! They'll leave you hanging for weeks then suddenly demand documents with unreasonable deadlines. I applied online and waited SIX WEEKS before they contacted me asking for my birth certificate and marriage license with just 10 days to respond! Then I sent everything and heard NOTHING for another month! Their system is broken and designed to frustrate people into giving up. Be prepared to call them repeatedly. Good luck getting through - I had to call 37 TIMES before someone picked up!!!

I've been through the SS retirement application process twice (once for my husband, once for myself) and found that using Claimyr (claimyr.com) was absolutely worth it for getting through to an agent when we had questions about our applications. Instead of calling for hours and getting disconnected, their service had us connected to a real SSA agent in about 20 minutes. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU For our situation, speaking directly with an agent was the only way to confirm they had received all our documents and that everything was processing correctly. Gave us peace of mind rather than just waiting and wondering.

I went through this last year and here's what I learned: even though I applied online, they still mailed me a physical letter asking for additional documents. I nearly missed it because it looked like junk mail! Check your physical mailbox regularly too. When I finally got the letter, I had to go to my local SSA office with my original birth certificate and driver's license.

One more important consideration for your early filing at 64: make sure you understand how the earnings test might affect you if you're still working. For 2025, if you earn more than about $22,750 before reaching your full retirement age, Social Security will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. Many people are surprised when their benefits are reduced or suspended due to excess earnings. This isn't a permanent reduction - you'll get the withheld amount back gradually after reaching your full retirement age - but it can significantly impact your short-term cash flow. Are you planning to continue working after you start collecting in May?

When I applied last year they took forever then suddenly my account showed approved! No email, no call, nothing - just checked my account one day and it was done. First deposit came right on schedule. The waiting is the hardest part honestly.

my sister waited til she was 66 and 8 months (her FRA) and her application was approved in like 2 weeks!! seems like they prioritize people at full retirement age, so early filers like us wait longer. not fair but thats how they do it i guess