Social Security retirement application stuck in processing for 2 months despite approval confirmation - no payment received

The same thing happened to me last year! I applied in March, got verbal approval in April, but didn't get my first payment until almost end of June. The SSA phone reps will tell you anything to get you off the phone. I finally got fed up with the constant disconnects and hours of hold time and used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to someone who actually knew what was happening. Worth every penny because I had a callback from SSA within 20 minutes instead of spending another day on hold. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. My application was stuck in their final processing queue and needed to be expedited - something the first rep never mentioned.

Unfortunately, this is extremely common right now. The 30-day estimate on the website hasn't been accurate for years, and even the 60-day estimate you were given is often optimistic. Here's what you should know: 1) Your online status will likely show "in process" until the day your payment is actually issued - it rarely updates in real-time 2) If a representative confirmed you were approved, that's generally reliable information, but the payment processing is handled by a different department 3) First payments are typically scheduled for your payment date based on your birth date (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031.pdf) I would recommend: - Checking any bank accounts you've linked to SSA (they sometimes deposit without notification) - Visiting your local field office in person with your application confirmation number - Requesting to speak with a Tier 2 representative if you call again (frontline reps have limited access

THIS IS TOTALLY TYPICAL SSA INCOMPETENCE!!! I spent 5 MONTHS trying to get my benefits started last year. Every single rep told me something different. One said I was approved, one said they needed more docs, another said my app was perfect. NOBODY KNOWS WHAT'S HAPPENING OVER THERE!!! Their systems are from the STONE AGE and half the time they can't even see your file. The ONLY thing that worked was showing up at my local office at 6:30am (they open at 9am) and waiting in line. Even then I had to go TWICE because the first time they said their "system was down"!!! DON'T trust what they tell you on the phone. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!

There's actually a big backlog at SSA right now. What the representative told you about 60 days instead of 30 is correct, but even that is optimistic sometimes. The approval process has three distinct phases: 1. Initial application review (where they verify your eligibility) 2. Benefit computation (where they calculate your PIA based on your earning record) 3. Payment processing (where they set up the actual payment schedule) It sounds like you're in phase 3, which is good news! If you were approved on Dec 30th, and considering today's the 17th, you're approaching the 3-week mark for payment processing. Payment dates are determined by your birth date: - Birth dates 1-10: Second Wednesday - Birth dates 11-20: Third Wednesday - Birth dates 21-31: Fourth Wednesday If your birth date falls between the 21st-31st, your payment would be scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of the month.

First payments are a bit different - they often come as a one-time deposit that doesn't follow the regular schedule. But if they just recently finished processing your application, they might have rolled you into the regular schedule. With your birth date on the 22nd, your regular payment day would be the fourth Wednesday (January 24th this month). I'd suggest waiting until after the 24th before taking further action. If nothing arrives by then, definitely visit your local office in person with your application confirmation information.

my husbent had the same thing happen last yr. they kept saying he was approved but no $ came. then we got a letter saying they needed more papers but never said what papers!! called 5 times and nobody new what papers! ended up having to start the hole application over again!! took 4 months to get first check. so frustrating

I'm in the exact same boat but been waiting since October! Every time I call they tell me something different. First it was "just wait 30 days" then it was "we need more documents" (which I sent) then it was "everything looks good, payment coming soon" but still nothing! The website never updates. So frustrating!!

check your my social security account. sometimes the payment shows up there before it hits your bank. also the website status is useless, never updates right. good luck!

One additional point: Since we're now past January 15th, if your application truly is fully processed but you haven't received payment, you might need to check if there's an issue with your direct deposit information. Sometimes applications get held up in the final stage due to payment delivery problems. If you visit your local office, ask specifically if there are any "payment exceptions" or "non-receipt" issues with your record. These are specific technical terms that might help the representative identify if there's a payment that was approved but not properly delivered.

I work at a local SSA field office and can provide some insight into what's likely happening. The disconnect between what you were told on the phone and the reality is unfortunately common - phone representatives often don't have access to the same detailed processing information that field office staff do. Based on your timeline, your application was likely approved for benefits but may be caught in what we call the "payment authorization queue." This is a separate system from the application processing system, which is why your online status hasn't updated. The January 8th date the representative gave you was probably just an estimate, not based on your actual payment schedule. A few things to check: 1. Log into your MySocialSecurity account and look under "Payment History" - sometimes payments show there before they hit your bank 2. Verify your direct deposit information is correct in your account 3. Check if SSA has your current mailing address for any potential paper checks Since you're birth date is the 22nd, your regular payment date would be the 4th Wednesday of each month (January 22nd this month). If nothing arrives by January 24th, definitely visit your local office with your confirmation number. We can pull up your payment record and see exactly where things stand - much more detailed than what phone reps can access. Don't panic yet - delayed first payments are more common than you'd think, especially with the current processing backlogs.

I'm going through something very similar right now! Applied in early December, got the same "approval" confirmation over the phone, but still no payment. The online status is completely useless - it's been showing the same generic message for weeks. What's really frustrating is how every representative gives different timelines. One told me 30 days, another said 60 days, and a third person said it could be up to 90 days for first payments during busy periods. I've been checking my MySocialSecurity account daily, and like others mentioned, there's a Payment History section that might show something before your bank account does. I also called my bank to make sure there weren't any issues on their end with receiving the direct deposit. The advice about waiting for your payment date based on birth date makes a lot of sense. Since you're born on the 22nd, waiting until after January 24th (4th Wednesday) seems like the right approach before taking more drastic action. If it helps, I've heard from others that once the first payment finally comes through, the regular monthly payments usually arrive on schedule without issues. It's just this initial processing that seems to be the major bottleneck right now. Hang in there - you're definitely not alone in this frustrating situation!

I just went through this exact same situation a few months ago! Applied in August, got the runaround for weeks with different reps telling me conflicting information. What finally worked for me was going to my local SSA office first thing in the morning (I got there around 7:30 AM even though they don't open until 9 AM). The field office staff were SO much more helpful than the phone reps. They could actually see my file in detail and explained that my application was approved but stuck in a "payment processing hold" that required manual review. Something about my work history triggered an extra verification step that wasn't showing up in the phone system. They were able to put an expedite request on my case, and I got my first payment within 10 days after that visit. The key is asking to speak with a claims specialist, not just the front desk person - they have access to different systems. Since you're already past the timeframe the phone rep gave you, I'd definitely recommend the in-person visit. Bring your confirmation number, ID, and any paperwork you have from when you applied. Don't let them tell you to "just wait longer" - if you were approved in December, there's no reason you shouldn't have been paid by now. Good luck! The system is frustrating but once it gets resolved, the monthly payments come like clockwork.

I've been following this thread closely as I'm dealing with a very similar situation myself - applied in October and still waiting for my first payment despite multiple "approvals" from phone reps. What I've learned from reading everyone's experiences here is that there seem to be multiple processing queues and systems that don't always communicate with each other effectively. The distinction between application approval and payment processing that several people mentioned really clarifies why we can get "approved" but still not receive payments. A few additional things I've discovered that might help others: 1. The MySocialSecurity website has a "Message Center" where SSA sometimes posts updates about your case that don't show up in the main status area 2. If you have a local Social Security office, you can also try calling them directly instead of the national 800 number - they sometimes have different access to your file 3. Document everything - dates you called, who you spoke with, what they told you. This helps when you finally get to someone who can actually help For anyone still waiting, it sounds like the field office visit is really the key. Multiple people here have had success with that approach when the phone system failed them. The insider perspective from Demi was particularly valuable - knowing about the "payment authorization queue" helps explain why our online statuses aren't updating properly. Javier, definitely try the field office visit after the 24th if your payment doesn't come through. Based on what everyone's shared, you're likely just caught in processing delays rather than having any actual problem with your application.

I'm so sorry you're going through this frustrating experience! I went through something very similar last year and it's absolutely maddening when you're counting on that income and getting different answers from every representative. Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like your application is likely approved but stuck in the payment processing system - which is apparently separate from the application review system (who knew?!). The fact that a rep confirmed your approval is usually reliable, even if their timeline estimates are not. Since your birth date is the 22nd, your regular payment would come on the 4th Wednesday of each month. For January, that's the 22nd (tomorrow) or 24th depending on how they count. I'd definitely wait until after the 24th before taking further action, as several people here have suggested. If nothing arrives by then, the field office visit seems to be the magic solution based on multiple success stories in this thread. Go early (around 7:30 AM), bring all your paperwork, and ask specifically to speak with a claims specialist about "payment exceptions" or "payment processing holds" - those seem to be the key terms that get results. Also check the Message Center in your MySocialSecurity account and the Payment History section, not just the main status page. Sometimes information shows up there first. Hang in there - it sounds like once this initial bottleneck gets resolved, the monthly payments usually flow smoothly. The system is broken but you will get through this!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation - applied in late November and still waiting for my first payment despite being told I was approved weeks ago. Reading through all these experiences really helps me understand that this isn't just incompetence but actually systemic issues with how their different processing systems work (or don't work together). The insight from Demi about the "payment authorization queue" being separate from application processing finally explains why we can be "approved" but still not get paid. And the birth date payment schedule information is something I wish I had known from the beginning - I've been expecting payment on random dates when I should have been looking at the schedule. For anyone else going through this, it seems like the key takeaways from this thread are: - Don't trust the website status or phone rep timelines - Check MySocialSecurity Payment History section and Message Center, not just main status - Wait for your birth date payment schedule before panicking - If that doesn't work, visit field office early in morning and ask for claims specialist - Use specific terms like "payment exceptions" or "payment processing holds" Javier, I hope your payment comes through on the 22nd or 24th! Please update us on how it goes. This community has been incredibly helpful in making sense of SSA's confusing processes.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Applied in mid-December, got the "approved" confirmation from a phone rep in early January, but still no payment. Like others have mentioned, every rep gives different timelines and the website status is completely useless. What really resonates with me is how many people have had success with the field office visit approach. The phone system clearly has limitations that field office staff don't have. I'm planning to follow the advice here - go early, bring all documentation, and ask specifically for a claims specialist about "payment processing holds" or "payment exceptions." The birth date payment schedule information was eye-opening too. I had no idea that was how it worked and have been checking my account randomly instead of focusing on the actual payment dates. One thing I'll add - I contacted my bank directly to confirm there weren't any issues on their end with receiving SSA direct deposits. They confirmed everything was set up correctly and even noted that SSA payments usually show up with a specific identifier, so at least I know the problem isn't with my banking info. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially Demi for the insider perspective. It's both frustrating and comforting to know this is a widespread systemic issue rather than something specific to our individual cases. Hopefully we all get this resolved soon!

I just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. Applied in June, got the runaround for months with different reps telling me conflicting information about timelines and approval status. What finally broke the logjam for me was discovering that there's actually a specific form you can request called a "Payment Status Inquiry" (SSA-795) that forces them to do a comprehensive review of where your payment stands in their system. Most phone reps don't mention this option, but when I visited my local field office and specifically asked about it, they were able to submit it on my behalf. Within two weeks of filing that form, I got a callback from a supervisor who explained that my payment had been stuck due to a "verification hold" that required manual clearance - something that never would have been resolved just by waiting or making more phone calls. The key things that worked for me: - Visit field office in person (phone system is limited) - Ask specifically about Form SSA-795 Payment Status Inquiry - Request to speak with a supervisor or claims specialist, not front desk staff - Bring printed copies of all your application confirmations and any correspondence Once they submitted that form, my first payment arrived within 10 business days and all subsequent payments have been on schedule. Don't let them tell you to "just wait longer" - if you were approved and it's been more than 60 days, there's likely a specific hold that needs manual intervention. Hope this helps others who are stuck in the same frustrating situation!

I'm new to this community but currently going through this exact same frustrating experience! Filed my retirement application in early December and despite being told I was "approved" by phone reps, I still haven't received my first payment. Reading through everyone's stories here has been both enlightening and reassuring - it's clear this is a widespread systemic issue with SSA's processing systems rather than individual problems. The information about the "payment authorization queue" being separate from application processing finally explains why we can be approved but still not paid. I had no idea about the birth date payment schedule either! I've been checking my account randomly when I should have been looking at the 4th Wednesday schedule (my birthday is on the 28th). The Form SSA-795 Payment Status Inquiry that Malik mentioned sounds like exactly what I need to push for at my local field office. For anyone else dealing with this nightmare, the key takeaways seem to be: - Don't rely on phone reps or website status updates - Visit your local field office early in the morning - Ask specifically for a claims specialist - Use terms like "payment exceptions," "payment processing holds," or request Form SSA-795 - Check MySocialSecurity Payment History and Message Center, not just main status Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread should be required reading for new Social Security applicants! I'll definitely update once I try the field office approach.

I just went through this exact situation last month and wanted to share what finally worked for me. Like many others here, I was stuck in the "approval limbo" for over 10 weeks after being told my application was approved. What finally broke through was combining several strategies mentioned in this thread: 1. I went to my local field office at 7 AM (they open at 9) and was first in line 2. I specifically asked for a "claims specialist" and mentioned I needed help with "payment processing holds" 3. Most importantly, I requested Form SSA-795 (Payment Status Inquiry) that Malik mentioned - this was the game changer! The claims specialist was able to see that my payment was stuck in something called a "Treasury hold" that required manual release. She submitted the SSA-795 form and put an expedite flag on my case. Within 8 business days, I received my first payment along with a letter explaining the delay. For anyone still waiting: don't let them tell you to wait longer if you're past 60 days post-approval. There's likely a specific technical hold that needs human intervention. The Form SSA-795 seems to force them to actually investigate rather than just checking the basic status. Also, bring printed screenshots of your MySocialSecurity account showing the application date and any status messages - the field office staff appreciated having the documentation. The system is definitely broken, but there are ways to navigate it once you know the right terms and procedures. Hang in there everyone!

I'm going through the exact same situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Applied for retirement benefits in late November, got verbal "approval" from a phone rep in December, but still no payment as of today. Reading everyone's experiences here finally explains what's happening - the disconnect between application approval and payment processing systems, the birth date payment schedules that nobody explains upfront, and all these different types of holds that can occur. The information about Form SSA-795 (Payment Status Inquiry) that Malik and Giovanni shared is completely new to me - none of the phone reps I've spoken with ever mentioned this option. It sounds like this form actually forces a comprehensive review instead of just getting generic "wait longer" responses. I'm definitely going to try the field office strategy that so many people have had success with: go early (around 7:30 AM), ask specifically for a claims specialist, mention "payment processing holds" or "payment exceptions," and request the SSA-795 form if needed. It's both frustrating and reassuring to know this is such a widespread issue. The system is clearly broken, but at least now I have a roadmap for getting through it thanks to everyone's shared experiences. This thread should honestly be pinned as a guide for anyone applying for Social Security benefits! For those still waiting - we're not alone in this nightmare, and there are proven strategies that work once you know the right terminology and procedures.