Social Security website glitches when applying at FRA - can't complete application process

same thing happened to me last week!! so annoying. the website is ALWAYS down lately

I swear the SSA does this on purpose at the beginning of each month when everyone's trying to apply. My neighbor couldn't get through either yesterday. Try really early in the morning like 5am when the system isn't as busy.

This is a common issue with the SSA website, especially during high-traffic periods. A few things you can try: 1. Clear your browser cache and cookies completely 2. Try applying between 5-7am ET when server load is lowest 3. Make sure you're not using any browser extensions that might interfere 4. Try using a private/incognito browser window If none of those work, you can also call and request a telephone appointment to file. Just be aware that applications are effective the month you apply, so even with the technical issues, you won't lose benefits as long as you apply within the same month.

I work with SS recipients regularly and the website has been especially glitchy this past week during their system updates. Don't panic! As the previous poster mentioned, your benefits will be paid from the month you apply, even if there's a delay in submitting the application. One important thing to remember: the SSA counts your age attainment as occurring the day before your birthday, so if your husband just reached FRA yesterday, you're good to apply anytime this month without losing benefits. If the website continues to give you trouble, calling is your best option - though be prepared for long wait times. The average hold time to speak with an SSA representative is currently over an hour.

Try using Microsoft Edge browser. For some reason the SSA site works better with it than Chrome or Firefox. Had same issue last yr when applying for spousal benefits.

I had EXACTLY the same issue when trying to file for my retirement benefits last month!! The website is absolutely terrible. I wasted THREE DAYS trying to get it to work. Then I spent TWO FULL DAYS trying to get through on the phone - constant busy signals, disconnects, and hold times that went nowhere! Finally I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 30 minutes. It was such a relief after all that frustration. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU that shows how it works. I was skeptical but desperate and it actually worked! The agent I spoke with was able to take my husband's application over the phone and we got confirmation in the mail about 10 days later.

We all need to contact our representatives about the terrible state of SS customer service! My aunt couldn't get through for WEEKS trying to fix an issue with her widow's benefits. The website is constantly malfunctioning and the phone lines are a joke. They're basically forcing people to use paid services just to access their earned benefits!!! This is NOT acceptable for a critical government service that millions of seniors depend on!

Just a quick update on the technical issues: SSA posted on their Twitter account that they're experiencing intermittent outages with the online application system and are working to resolve them. They expect the system to be fully operational within 48 hours. In the meantime, they recommend calling or scheduling an in-person appointment if you need immediate assistance. One important thing to note about filing at FRA: while it's good to file promptly, remember that your husband's first payment would typically arrive the month after filing anyway. So if he files anytime in May for example, his first payment would arrive in June regardless of whether he filed on May 1st or May 31st.

My brother just went through this last month. He ended up going to the local SS office in person and they helped him file right there. Took about 2 hours total with waiting but at least it got done!

One more thing to consider - since your husband is exactly at his FRA, there's no financial penalty for waiting a few days or even a week to file. Benefits are paid the month after filing, so as long as you file in May, the first payment will come in June regardless. The only time exact timing is critical is when you're filing: - In your birthday month to start benefits that same month - When turning exactly 70 to maximize delayed retirement credits - When coordinating spousal benefits with specific start dates Since he's already at FRA and you mentioned you planned for him to start exactly at FRA, a few days delay won't impact his benefit amount or payment schedule.

I'm dealing with a similar issue right now! I'm trying to help my mom apply for survivor benefits and the website keeps timing out during the document upload section. It's so frustrating because she's already gathered all the required paperwork. One thing that helped us get a little further was switching to a wired internet connection instead of WiFi - apparently the SSA site is really sensitive to any connection interruptions. We also found that disabling our antivirus temporarily (just for the SSA site) helped with some of the page loading issues. Still haven't gotten all the way through the application process yet, but wanted to share what's worked so far. Hang in there - sounds like a lot of us are dealing with the same technical problems!