Contributor ⭐

Huge delays in Social Security processing new retirement applications, does anyone know why

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
April 14, 2023
436 replies
319361 views

The website for Social Security used to say that it would take up to 30 days to process new applications for retirement benefits. In a week it will have been three months. Now the website says 2-4 weeks, but that has got to still be wrong.

I gather from other forums, that a delay of 2-3 months is now normal.

What I would like to know is, why?

Every time I try to search for information, all of the results are about disability, not retirement. And not a single results explains why it is taking so long when they already have my entire work history of 47 years, etc. They have all the information they need.

What exactly is it that they do to process applications which turns 2-4 weeks into 2-3 months.

Does anyone know why?

I cannot work a job right now, my arthritis is too painful.

I can't wait more months to begin getting retirement checks, I will be homeless.

GailL1

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

@CatherineP879665

WHY ????

I participate on the Reddit Social Security Board where a lot of people who work at SSA spend some time answering some questions.

Now many of the post are on SSI ( which is the welfare disability benefit for those blind, elderly or disabled who don’t qualify for SS Disability (SSDI). SSI come out of our government’s General Fund but it is managed by SSA.

So you see these folks at SSA have a double whammy job in processing both of these entitlements.

Then they also process ALL of the Medicare sign ups, bill beneficiaries for part B premiums if they aren’t getting a SS benefit yet.

We still have 10,000 baby boomers retiring everyday and most of them don’t try to do it online and they have lots of questions on their decision to sign up -

During the Public Health Emergency (Covid-19 PHE) they also processed ALL of those Covid checks to everybody eligible. Then others were working from home and a lot of them like it - so when the offices reopened many Never came back - they just quit or retired.

So they are very short handed right now - they got more funds to hire people but like other places the pick’ ns of new hires is limited. And then they have to be trained.

Not an excuse for them - just reality.

Have you made yourself a social security account to folllow the progress of you application?

IT‘S ALWAYS SOMETHING . . . . .. . . . Roseanne Roseannadanna

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CatherineP879665Author

Contributor ⭐

Yes, I made a on-line account when they stopped mailing yearly statements. And I applied on-line. If they are so behind, then they should not have posted on-line that my application was being processed by an individual in Richmond three months ago.

I cannot work right now and in two weeks I could be homeless if this doesn't come through.

I didn't apply for disability because I had to do that for a short period of time 30 years ago and that took so long that I wound up having to sell everything I owned including my furniture trying not to become homeless while I waited to get approved.

Going to write my congressman. Just hoped someone here could give a reason why a simple straightforward basic retirement application would take three months!

DirkB349973

Conversationalist ⭐

@CatherineP879665

Go online to ssa.gov and review your benefit verification letter. If SSA needs additional info, I think it will be in that letter. You can always call SSA, and if you can't get through at the federal level, try your state SSA office. I had a delay and my state office told me exactly what document I needed to submit. I hand-delivered that document to my local office and they sent it up to the federal SSA. If you are missing info, that may reset the clock for getting benefits. Even if you have to provide additional info, I suspect you will eventually get everything you are entitled to based on the start date you entered when you applied.

If you are missing info, SSA probably sent you an email about it. If you didn't see one, check your junk/trash folder to see if your email client/provider routed it there.

fffred

Conversationalist ⭐⭐⭐

@CatherineP879665

I feel your pain, I have been there.

One point that I have learned over the past year is that the SSA doesn't process your application immediately upon receipt if the date that you want it to begin is more than a month or so in the future. So if someone submits an application in, say, February for benefits to begin in May (with the first payment in June), then that application is just going to sit in the system and won't be fully processed until May.

That's exactly what happened to me and I was given the explanation above by 1 or 2 SSA representatives when I called to inquire. I have also subsequently read that explanation in a few places, including the Reddit Social Security forum, and possibly even here in the AARP forum.

The diagram that shows the progress in the "My Social Security" does give a false promise of imminent action. Take that with a large grain of salt, and maybe a libation.

Good luck!

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CatherineP879665Author

Contributor ⭐

Thanks but no, I applied in January and requested to have my benefits begin in January, as I was in dire need of immediate assistance.

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CapeCodNancy

Contributor ⭐

I applied in August and it is only done with stage 1 of 3. I'm waiting for a call back - they can't find me (automated). I know disability will take longer but I don't know what's going on with retirement 😞 BTW disability is steadily chugging along

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ThomasH239167

Contributor ⭐

Try calling 855-897-4927....after waiting 70 days they finally directed me to call my local SS office, which worked. Or just find out where your nearest Social Security Admin office is, once you call them or go in person, they should be able to help you right away. All the other numbers were useless! If they give you a number to the person working on your case, usually near your state capitol, it is useless. They don't answer their phone, just goes to voicemail and nobody ever calls back!

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CapeCodNancy

Contributor ⭐

I just got off the phone with this number 855-897-4927. I was directed to this number before and the person did nothing more than give me the extension of a case manage who after 7 ish messages never called me back. I must have called 5 different departments. I was given this phone number again and called and got the most wonderful lady who has a case manager calling me today (fingers crossed). Anyway, it appears, although My Social Security website has me down as applying for SS and I'm locked on everything (i.e. I couldn't even re-apply) what they have is only applying for disability. Hopefully, this will be resolved today. She said they are getting quite a few calls like that - that the application didn't go through on their end. Maybe it's worth a try calling them? Just don't let them give you an extension - ask to set up an appointment. Good Luck!

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ThomasH239167

Contributor ⭐

I'm SO grateful for your post. I wasn't having any luck getting in touch with anybody until I called the number you mentioned - 855-897-4927. It's a N. Carolina number. The first time I spoke to a lady who just hung up on me when she couldn't understand me. But the 2nd time I called and the man told me details about my case, and told me to call my local office in Los Angeles. They were able to help and get my 70-day old SS retirement application approved, finally. Thanks for your help!

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PatrickC94564

Contributor ⭐

I applied November 2023. Did an interview February 8th. Turned 62 on February 20th 2024

I still haven't heard anything from SSA. When I called the 1800 number they say decision yet to be made. Anyone else in the same boat or When should ai expect payments to start

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PatrickR342634

Contributor ⭐

I am gonna be applying in 2 weeks. this will be my only income. I cant afford not to go months without it. Why they doing this?? I could not delay or cut my payments during all my life! Who is in charge of this?

GailL1

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

Then you should know the rules before applying so that you can be aware of the timing.

SSA now says to apply (4) months in advance of when you want your benefits to start.

Keep in mind that SS benefits are paid one month in arrears so if you say JULY - then your payment starts in August and the date of payment is based on a calendar of benefit payments - by your birth DAY.

Then if you are applying for early benefits at the age of 62 - you have to be 62 for an entire month before you can get your benefits so include that in your timing.

You should also read up online on any supporting docs which they may need to process your claim - and have those ready.

You should also understand how Medicare will work with your benefit if over 65 and make sure that you have your documents ready if you are signing up after you have turned 65.

\You should also be aware that if you are less than full retirement age and are still working and making over the earnings cap your claim maybe rejected or your benefit reduced because of the earnings cap.

There are lots of reasons why claims are slowed down and much of it is within your control so just understand the things you can do in order to not slow it down any further.

IT‘S ALWAYS SOMETHING . . . . .. . . . Roseanne Roseannadanna

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JaceyA990315

Contributor ⭐

Applying for retirement benefits has been a nightmare for me as I'm unemployed and have been waiting for over 6 weeks. Don't apply for benefits online it may seem like it's more convenient, but I was informed by an employee at my local SS office there are always problems with online applications as I'm proof of that. After 4 weeks with no response from SSA or approval. I got a generic form letter in the mail from a claim specialist stating he needed more information but neglected to place in the letter what that information was. I called him numerous times and left numerous messages with no response from him. When I contacted my local SS office it took a couple of people a long long time to find out what he was referring to. Eventually they had to place me on a long hold and contact this claims specialist who was in another state. I', a little past 6 weeks and just found out yesterday from my local SS office that my online application was sent to the wrong processing office! So, I still have no income, insurance or anything. This is so horrible when we have worked our entire lives to hopefully have some peace and quiet from the everyday grind and stress of working!

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JuneH580660

Contributor ⭐⭐

Unbelievable. I worked over 40 years and was forced to retire a few years ago. Living on my savings and retirement, but will be 62 in June. So I applied on March 11th to make sure I don't miss a check and it says 2 to 4 weeks for approval. What is there to approve. I am asking for what I worked hard for my whole life on my record. Called twice, after 3 hours, got nowhere. I think it is on purpose. I never received anything and don't want disability. I just want what I worked for. It has caused stress waiting for them to approve. Making me sick.

GailL1

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

@JuneH580660

Rushing the process in your case doesn’t matter.

If you aren’t gonna be 62 until June, then your 1st check won’t come until after that date - In fact, you aren’t even eligible for a SS RIB (REtirement Insurance BEnefit) until you are 62.

62 is the earliest age for SS retirement benefit
your benefit will be reduced because you are filing to receive it early.
SS Retirement benefits are paid (1) month in arrears so if you turn 62 in June, your 1st benefit will be paid in July (for June) according to the SSA Benefit calendar

If they are late - they will send enough benefit amounts to meet your early retirement date.

IT‘S ALWAYS SOMETHING . . . . .. . . . Roseanne Roseannadanna

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JuneH580660

Contributor ⭐⭐

I am well aware of all the rules and regulations, I am not looking for the check even a day early, I am looking for the letter that comes once you are approved. I also know exactly when my check should come. I am also well aware of all the information out there telling people that they will get more if they wait. A bunch of very ill intentioned information. I can fo math.

@GailL1 wrote:
@JuneH580660
Rushing the process in your case doesn’t matter.
If you aren’t gonna be 62 until June, then your 1st check won’t come until after that date - In fact, you aren’t even eligible for a SS RIB (REtirement Insurance BEnefit) until you are 62.
62 is the earliest age for SS retirement benefit
your benefit will be reduced because you are filing to receive it early.
SS Retirement benefits are paid (1) month in arrears so if you turn 62 in June, your 1st benefit will be paid in July (for June) according to the SSA Benefit calendar
If they are late - they will send enough benefit amounts to meet your early retirement date. Do you work for the goverment?

Bird in the hand.

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KarenC940882

Contributor ⭐

Please close comments on your post. They are becoming redundant and the commenters are not reading to see what has already been answered. Surely by now you have the answers you were looking for. Thanks,

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JuneH580660

Contributor ⭐⭐

No one on this has the answers they are looking for. Why the delays? Even when everything is correct and you have earned every dime and all the records match and there are no documents needed. These are people that worked for over the 35 year requirement and they are not asking for disability. They are asking to get what they have earned and asking what the delay is. No one has answered why the delay?. I know exactly when I am supposed to receive my first check, but why isn't the application approved., when it was submitted timely and said takes 2 to 4 weeks and it has been 6 now. For others on here the delay is much more severe.

@KarenC940882 wrote:
Please close comments on your post. They are becoming redundant and the commenters are not reading to see what has already been answered. Surely by now you have the answers you were looking for. Thanks,

GailL1

Community Champion ⭐⭐⭐

@JuneH580660

For specifics on your account, you will have to contact them to find out about the delay. It could be just about anything -

Like a problem I was reading about recently - the beneficiary was making too much money at 62 to get a benefit since the benefit is reduced $ 1.00 for every $ 2.00 he makes over the earnings cap ( 2024 = $ 22,230 ) before FRA (Full Retirement Age)

He initially got the benefit for a few months in 2023 and then got a letter explaining that it would be stopped until he stopped working or made much less money.

https://www.reddit.com/r/SocialSecurity/comments/1ceflrs/comment/l1iln3i/?context=3

This has to do with the Earnings Test -because you are or will be 62

https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302501021

Then there is the Entitlement rule that state you have to be 62 for a full month before benefits begin.

https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300201001

So you see it does have to go thru a process and for those who are 62 there are additional reviews like the ones above in the SSA Program Operations Manual System (POMS)

Sorry it has been delayed for some reason.

IT‘S ALWAYS SOMETHING . . . . .. . . . Roseanne Roseannadanna

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SiobhanP970130

Contributor ⭐

I read that it takes 6 weeks. I'm not surprised either with all the boomers retiring daily. We can apply 4 months ahead of when we expect to get our first check. That's what I did.

R

rolocedoc

Contributor ⭐⭐

6 weeks is only a month and 2 weeks; I've waited 3-4 months and have not received any or update notification if there's any missing documents that I've submitted - should we wait longer to suffer?

J

JuneH580660

Contributor ⭐⭐

I got the run around and all set now getting my deposits monthly. However I did find every SS number and called regularly. Look to see what office is handing yours. Mine was being handled in Jamaica queens even though I am in Jersey. I was on the phone everytime for a long hold. I would use my time to go thru paperwork or clean my house, not hanging up until I got a live person. Finally the person that helped and blessed me fixed the glitch, holding up my letter of approval and I was able to get a copy of it within hours. The squeaky wheel, as they say. Real Shane, but this is reality. Don't give up. Fight Fight Fight!

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c697281r

Contributor ⭐⭐

Partisan Congressional budget cuts to SS staff have had a significant impact to processing, similar to IRS. It will get worse with the new administration's cuts to "big government".

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StevenS868231

Contributor ⭐

Thank God for those cuts.

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Lisa2255

Contributor ⭐

It's nice, Steven, that you can find entertainment and joy in the misery of everyone of your fellow Americans who have to use the Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security that is guaranteed to all Americans and is now being chainsawed by Trump and his President Musk. It's sad, and it's a hollow victory, when the neighbors around you are starving and dying because you got to 'own the libs'.... but I guess you are probabaly not a very good person. Or you'd not think that way. Just my guess. So karma will get you in the end, it always does with evil.

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