Social Security retirement application stuck in step 2 for 3 months - no payment received

My application took 7 weeks to process back in October, which I thought was long, but 3 months is ridiculous!!! Have you tried going IN PERSON to your local SSA office?? Sometimes they can see more details than they tell you over the phone. The system is BROKEN right now with all the baby boomers retiring. I heard they're SEVERELY understaffed in the processing centers.

OMG I'm in almost the exact same situation! Applied in late October for a December start date. My application has also been stuck in step 2 for months, and I haven't received a penny either. I've called multiple times but keep getting the runaround. One rep told me there's a huge backlog due to staffing shortages. Another said something about my earnings record needing verification. It's so frustrating not knowing what's happening!

My brother had his application stuck for 2 months then suddenly it went thru and he got backpay for all the months he missed. Maybe thats what will happen to u. Did u have any complications like worked for federal govt or railroad? Those take longer I heard

The delay you're experiencing is longer than normal, but unfortunately not unheard of lately. A few things to check: 1. Verify your earnings record is complete on your my Social Security account 2. Check if you received any notices by mail (sometimes they send letters requesting additional information without updating the online status) 3. If you worked for any non-covered employers (some government positions), this can add verification time If your application is truly stuck, you might need to request a critical case designation. SSA can expedite processing if you're experiencing financial hardship due to the delay. You'd need to explicitly request this when you call.

have u tried checking ur bank account? sometimes they dont update the website but the money goes thru anyway. my status never changed from processing but i got paid anyway lol

I had a similar frustrating experience trying to reach SSA about my delayed retirement application a few months ago. After dozens of failed calls and hours on hold, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real person. They basically hold your place in line so you don't have to wait on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU When I finally got through, I found out my application had been flagged for additional review because I had worked overseas for a few years. They needed additional verification that never showed up in my online portal. Once I provided what they needed, my benefits started within 2 weeks.

Check if you set up direct deposit correctly. I had a similar situation where my status was stuck, but the issue was actually that they had my routing number wrong. I only found out when I finally got someone on the phone who actually looked into my case details. Also make sure they have your correct mailing address in case they're trying to send you physical letters with requests for information.

Has anyone else noticed that applications submitted right before the COLA announcement seem to take longer?? I wonder if they're delaying yours because of the 2026 COLA adjustment! My friend applied in December instead of November and hers went through in just 3 weeks!

Update on my situation: I FINALLY got through to someone helpful! Turns out my application was sitting in the queue because they were trying to verify my last employer's information, but they never told me they needed this verification! Once I provided it, my application moved to step 3 within 48 hours. Maybe something similar is happening with yours?

Since you've already waited three months, I'd recommend taking these steps: 1. Request to speak with a supervisor when you call the 800 number - they have more authority to investigate 2. Ask specifically about whether your claim has been assigned to a claims specialist. If it has, request their direct number 3. If going to your local office, bring ID, your Social Security card, bank information, and any correspondence you've received about your application 4. Request written documentation of your application status to have a record By law, your benefits must be paid retroactively from your entitlement date once approved, including any delayed months.