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

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.

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[Monday 7/14/25]

 

(1) Anyone got approved this week?

 

(2) Anyone still waiting on approval?

 

Take care,

Nicole  ‌👵‌  (Social Security Forum)

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Waited to claim until FRA which happened this month.  Applied last FEBRUARY to have it start June 1.

Wasn't approved until the last minute in May. Still waiting. Supposedly first payment will now be six weeks after the requested date for FRA benefits and they automatically applied for Extra Help and are deducting Medicare part B premiums that I'd already paid and duplicating all that stuff I was pretty much forced to do at 65.

 

So seems they're having folks fired for no reason by D.O.G.E. also, but that's another rant.

For me, they're supposed to start payments a half year after I'd applied online and for less than I'm due. Letter received was apparently automated and has numerous mistakes but at least the US Post Office delivered that from thousands of miles away.

Good luck!

 

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@RobertG887674 

Any overpayment that you make for your Part B premiums will be refunded to you.  When your benefit comes in July - remember that your Part B premiums deducted for that benefit will be for July.  Part B premiums auto deducted from your benefit deposit is always for the current month (the month the payment is credited to you).  This is the way it has always been and yes, it is kind of complicated going from directly paying Part B premiums to having them auto deducted - just figure out when your Part B started (on your Medicare card) and then figure up how many months your have paid before the auto deduct from benefits begin - then you will know if you have overpaid and should get a refund.  

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@RobertG887674 

Social Security benefits are paid one month in arrears.  So if you put down you wanted benefits to start in June, then your 1st payment will be in July for the June benefit.  

 

Benefits for retirees go out based on your birth Day - like this schedule shows.  The legend is at the bottom for you to figure out which Wednesday your benefit should be expected in your direct deposit.

IMG_0161.jpeg

 

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Robert @RobertG887674 , I hope you get your benefits SOON!!! I often wonder IF "Extra Help" will be around NEXT YEAR 2026. I am SO GRATEFUL for it as it pays my Part B premium for me I think here in Virginia. Lol, either way - State of Virginia is paying it. Take care!

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@SpringIsHereVA 

Extra help (that’s a Rx program) should be around - I don’t know of any reason that it would not be -

If your state (Virginia) your Part B premiums that is under the 

Medicare.gov - Medicare Savings Program and “Extra Help” is tied to many of the categories.

 

Sometimes states allow more in eligibility standards that these minimum requirements that the Feds assign.  States do this  to cover more people in whichever program.  The State when times are tough with their budgets might then reduce these higher limits of eligibility but never more than what the Feds have listed as the minimum requirements. (the ones in the Medicare link above)

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I guess when 2026 gets here, we will know @GailL1 . Don't have the time to read your links, but thanks for providing them. Take care!

 


@GailL1 wrote:

@SpringIsHereVA 

Extra help (that’s a Rx program) should be around - I don’t know of any reason that it would not be -

If your state (Virginia) your Part B premiums that is under the 

Medicare.gov - Medicare Savings Program and “Extra Help” is tied to many of the categories.

 

Sometimes states allow more in eligibility standards that these minimum requirements that the Feds assign.  States do this  to cover more people in whichever program.  The State when times are tough with their budgets might then reduce these higher limits of eligibility but never more than what the Feds have listed as the minimum requirements. (the ones in the Medicare link above)


 

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@SpringIsHereVA 

 

Medicare.gov- Help With Drug Costs - What is Extra Help? 

 

The eligibility limits change somewhat every year. It is also covered in the annual booklet of Medicare and You also 

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Yes @GailL1 I know & as usual appreciate your link, but no time to read it. Take care!

 


@GailL1 wrote:

@SpringIsHereVA 

 

Medicare.gov- Help With Drug Costs - What is Extra Help? 

 

The eligibility limits change somewhat every year. It is also covered in the annual booklet of Medicare and You also 


 

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  Filed my application on March 22,2025.  Today June 13, still waiting in step 2 like all of you. I tried calling but that was a complete waste of time rolling around in an automated circular maze.  Now reading these posts, I guess 4-5 months is the norm?  The recommendation is to file online. Maybe I should plan a vacation and camp out at the Social Security Office? (If there is still one in existence).  

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Filed my retirement application online on 5/2/25. Got stuck in Step 2, as have so many others, so I called the national number on 7/3 and got through in 15 minutes, using the term "application status" with the automated prompt. I was routed to a live person who looked up my app and referred me to my local office. Called them and, after another short wait, was referred to the office in Richmond, CA, to which my online app was initially routed. Called them (thankfully, another short wait) and the gentleman told me the person to whom the app was assigned "hadn't got to it yet." He said he would process it right away. One day later, July 4th, my online account indicates Step 3 is finally complete and the downloadable benefits letter confirms I'm good to go. At every step the folks at Social Security were courteous and helpful. Moral of the story: If it's been over 30 days since applying, call them, explain the situation clearly & respectfully, and maybe, just maybe, you'll get the outcome to which you're entitled. Good luck! 

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@BrianH712359 wrote

. . . . If it's been over 30 days since applying, call them . . . 

=================

Please don’t do that especially if you aren’t even close to the month that you wanted your benefits to begin - that’s the order they are put into when the application gets to the SSA- the month that you want your benefits to begin and since Social Security benefits are paid (1) month in arrears then if you put down July - your 1st benefit will be paid in August based on your birth day and the correlated benefit date.

 

Also if one is applying for EARLY retirement benefits at age 62, remember that you have to be 62 for an entire month before benefits are entitled.  

 

Step 1 - SSA has received your retirement application and unless you are requested to send added info - your benefit will be processed according to the month you want the benefits to begin.   You can apply up to 4-months before you want your benefits to begin - if filing for early retirement at 62 - NO further back than exactly 4-months.

Step 2 is the holding period which may include any additional reviews like if Medicare comes into play - as it gets closer to your month of choice, they may test your direct deposit bank account just to validate it.  

Step 3 is when your benefit is being scheduled to go out based on the schedule. ⬇️

IMG_0161.jpeg

Very few applications get thru in 30 days - usually those for the people who are at the MAX for delayed retirement credits at age 70.  Or perhaps those who have reached FRA and want to get back pay - Filing for early benefits gets no back pay, it is processed as it comes or for the month that one wants their benefits to begin.

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Brian @BrianH712359 , thanks for stopping by to share. Maybe things are getting BETTER for July 2025, hope so & CONGRATS!!! This year 2025 had people posting 4 to 5 months for approvals. Some had to make "an appointment" before their LOCAL office would give them the "status" of their "online" application = but got approved. One had to contact their Congress Person, kept getting the run around. Wow, NO hours on HOLD - that is awesome. Anyone else has any FEEDBACK for us? Brian's feedback is indeed ENCOURAGING. Happy 4th everyone. Nicole  (Social Security Forum)

 


@BrianH712359 wrote:

Filed my retirement application online on 5/2/25. Got stuck in Step 2, as have so many others, so I called the national number on 7/3 and got through in 15 minutes, using the term "application status" with the automated prompt. I was routed to a live person who looked up my app and referred me to my local office. Called them and, after another short wait, was referred to the office in Richmond, CA, to which my online app was initially routed. Called them (thankfully, another short wait) and the gentleman told me the person to whom the app was assigned "hadn't got to it yet." He said he would process it right away. One day later, July 4th, my online account indicates Step 3 is finally complete and the downloadable benefits letter confirms I'm good to go. At every step the folks at Social Security were courteous and helpful. Moral of the story: If it's been over 30 days since applying, call them, explain the situation clearly & respectfully, and maybe, just maybe, you'll get the outcome to which you're entitled. Good luck! 


 

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Yes @bpenza , 4 to 5 months for approvals per the posts ON THIS SITE. Also folks posted that their Congress Person helped & visiting their local Social Security Office (appointment required). Good luck, Nicole  👵

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I turn 62 in July 2025. I was able to finally apply for SS on April 15th, 2025. The website says 30 days, it has been almost 7 weeks since I applied and I have not heard anything. I am really worried that they wont start my payments in Aug 2025 as they said would happen. Anyone have any idea how long it is actually taking to get an approval? 

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I’m also 62 and had to unexpectedly retire in April. Filed for both retirement and SSDI but SSDI won’t process until the other is complete. 

•online app received 05/22/25

*received paper forms on Friday, 06/06/25

*completed and mailed paper app from post office on Monday, 06/09/2025

 

iIt’s been five weeks since the app was mailed. I’ve called and left msgs with my case mgr(?) three times and no reply thus far. 

I check my acct online almost daily and it never changes. Both applications stuck in step 1 ( electronic app received but awaiting the rest of the application). I shows this to my attorney and she didn’t seem concerned. Said this was normal. 
i’m still feeling uneasy about this. 

And I can’t seem to get through to anyone to even find out what the actual issue is ( or if there is
one)

bad enough I was forced to retire eight years early, then billionaires with no political acumen but money coming in left and right ( like Tribbles) decide to “play” with our social safety nets. Why?  Because it could be fun and won’t effect them in any negative way and, will actually line their pockets.

 

Sorry for the rant. I get worked up when I don’t know how I’m going to pay my bills. 

 

 

 

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@Linda

Just a couple of things that could have some delay on your application progressing in the system.

 

Since you filed for early Social Security retirement at the age of 62 - one important rule that many people don’t seem to know about is that you have to be 62 for an entire month before receiving benefits.  

 

SSA.gov - Retirement Age and Benefit Reduction 

 

You can file up to 4-months before you want your benefits to begin - at 62 it cannot be any more than that because the online system will keep looking at your age and if you aren’t already 62 then it will keep trying to give you the Disability application since that is the benefit that those less that 62 can apply for benefits.

 

The average wait times for benefits has always been 3-4 months now it is more like always at least 4 because there are so many baby boomer retiring now - 10,000 a day and this will continue up until 2030.

 

Sure a few applications can get thru very fast - 30 days - but those are usually the one that are at or over their full retirement age - better yet, those who have hit 70 and their benefits stop accruing any increase except for Cost of Living.  

 

For the majority of people it take 4-months to get the application in, reviewed, get clarification on any issue to which they have questions about your benefits.  

 

SSA sorts the applications by the month a beneficiary wants their benefits to begin.  Since benefits are paid one month in arrears - let’s say you put down you wanted your benefits to begin in July, your 1st benefit will be deposited in August depending on the day of your birth based on this calendar.  The legend is shown on the bottom left of the Social Security calendar.

IMG_0161.jpeg

 

I do not know why your retirement application has not progressed passed Step 1.  

1.  When did you turn 62 years of age?

2.  What month did you put down on your retirement application to begin benefits?

 

Since you also filed for SSDI at the same time - which you most certainly can do - that application is gonna take much longer but if approved for SSDI you will get the larger amount at the time you are approved for SSDI.  This could take a very long time depending on your diagnosis and the reason why you cannot work.  

 

To help your SSDI application go thru swiftly your diagnosis would have to be one (or more than one) of the ones listed on the SSA ‘s Compassionate Allowance list or your condition is terminal and has been medically documented by your docs as being so.

 

SSA.gov - Compassionate Allowance List  

 

Your history of the [any] disability with doctors and other providers records, your treatments to date and any treatment plan you are currently on or have recently received along with your diagnosis(es) and prognosis - all are very valuable for the disability review. 

 

Remember that the disability has to stop you from working - any work at least during application if at all possible.

 

But IF you are successful in getting SSDI, your retirement benefit will be cancelled and you will get your full benefit under the SSDI program - you will also be in line to get Medicare after you have been on SSDI for 24 months.

 

Thought I would give you a heads up on how both of these benefits work at least during the application process.

Good Luck

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Linda @LindaS915638 , so sorry you are worrying about your bills. Someone had posted that their Congressman had helped them. Maybe yours will. Good luck, Nicole!

 


@LindaS915638 wrote:

I’m also 62 and had to unexpectedly retire in April. Filed for both retirement and SSDI but SSDI won’t process until the other is complete. 

•online app received 05/22/25

*received paper forms on Friday, 06/06/25

*completed and mailed paper app from post office on Monday, 06/09/2025

 

iIt’s been five weeks since the app was mailed. I’ve called and left msgs with my case mgr(?) three times and no reply thus far. 

I check my acct online almost daily and it never changes. Both applications stuck in step 1 ( electronic app received but awaiting the rest of the application). I shows this to my attorney and she didn’t seem concerned. Said this was normal. 
i’m still feeling uneasy about this. 

And I can’t seem to get through to anyone to even find out what the actual issue is ( or if there is
one)

bad enough I was forced to retire eight years early, then billionaires with no political acumen but money coming in left and right ( like Tribbles) decide to “play” with our social safety nets. Why?  Because it could be fun and won’t effect them in any negative way and, will actually line their pockets.

 

Sorry for the rant. I get worked up when I don’t know how I’m going to pay my bills. 


 

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@dwtucker63 

IF filing for Retirement benefits early at age 62, you must be at least 61 years and 9 months old to apply for benefits - filing any earlier will bring up a Disability application rather than Retirement because you aren’t yet eligible for filing for Retirement benefits.  

 

The earliest you can apply for retirement benefits is four months before you want your benefits to start.

 

If you are under full retirement age and you are still working after you file for receiving retirement benefits, SSA may withhold some of your benefits if you have excess earnings over the earnings limit for Retirees that are younger than full retirement age. 

 

Beneficiaries that are at or over their Full Retirement age are the ones that might be approved and start their benefits in that 30 day window - less stuff has to be checked and reviewed at that point. 

 

If you listed July as the month you wanted your benefits to begin and you applied in April and you have not heard anything yet about being in the queue and at at least step 1 or 2 out of 3, you may need to find out if you applied too early or if there is a problem with your earnings.  Have you checked your online account and there is no indication there as to where it is in the system?  IF NOT, make an appointment with your local SSA office to check on it.  

 

This is not to say that it will not be started in the month of July (Paid in August) - just concerned that you have not heard that it has at least been received and it is in Step 1 out of 3.

 

Here is the SSA pay calendar so you can see when to expect payment every month when they are started. The legend is on the bottom left as to which Wednesday will be your direct deposit date. 

IMG_0161.jpeg

 

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I applied in the allowed window. Prior to being allowed to apply, I did see the disability form. So I waited until April 15th and it no longer asked me for the disability form. Benis should be paid in Aug for a July 62 birthday. According to the website, I am in step 2 of 3. I quit working at 59.5, so having a working income is not an issue.

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I am in the same situation as you. I applied in March for benefits to start in July with the first check coming in August. I’ve been stuck on step two since a few days after I submitted the online application. I have a friend who is three months older than me. His benefit was to start in April with the first check in May. He did not receive approval until April 2. So using that as some guidance, I’m going to wait until mid July before I call or go to the Social Security office. I just think that they don’t work on the applications until they have to, and they try to get them done prior to when the first payment is due.

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John @JohnD113023 , per the posts ON THIS SITE, 4 to 5 months for approvals. Good Luck, Nicole  👵

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@dwtucker63 , per the posts ON THIS SITE.

 

(1) 4 to 5 months.

 

(2) Someone got approved after visiting their local office.

 

(3) Another person got help from their Congress Person.

 

I hope you get your 1st benefit payment SOON!!!

 

Take care,

Nicole  👵

 


➡️[*** @dwtucker63 wrote on Tuesday 6/10/25:

I turn 62 in July 2025. I was able to finally apply for SS on April 15th, 2025. The website says 30 days, it has been almost 7 weeks since I applied and I have not heard anything. I am really worried that they wont start my payments in Aug 2025 as they said would happen. Anyone have any idea how long it is actually taking to get an approval? ***]


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Thank you

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[Sunday 6/8/25]

 

(1) Anyone got approved this week?

 

(2) Anyone still waiting on approval?

 

Take care,

Nicole  👵  (Social Security Forum)

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Well, I found this site after googling a question on delays in getting benefits approval. Silly me, when I read it took 30 days, I thought they might be being truthful! My application ought to be clear cut as I waited until age 70 and there should be absolutely no issues with my online application. But it is 7 weeks and counting! I guess I won’t worry until I get to 12 weeks! 

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@atownkenny , I hope you get your benefits SOON!!! Per the posts ON THIS SITE, 4 to 5 months for approval - but some sooner. Some made appointments with their LOCAL Social Security Office to check on the status of their "online" application = approved. And Congress folks helped some after being contacted. Good luck.

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I made my appointment for full retirement on 1/6. At that time my appointment was on 2/25/25. My review took 3 weeks and was approved on 3/19/25. It been in the processing center since then. I've been waiting 4 months and sill counting.  I've been calling every 2 to 3 weeks since April.

The only thing they can do is send a note every 30 day. I've waited 50 years for this moment that should be a great time in my life. Instead I'm. Struggling and have nothing but anxiety. I'm owed 5 figures at this point with no end in sight.

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Yes, Nicole, That's correct. I'll do that. It's been so long and they just tell me it's at the processing facility in Philly.  They can't call i can't go there. I feel like they're hold my benefits hostage.


@MichaelC448961 wrote:

I made my appointment for full retirement on 1/6. At that time my appointment was on 2/25/25. My review took 3 weeks and was approved on 3/19/25. It been in the processing center since then. I've been waiting 4 months and sill counting.  I've been calling every 2 to 3 weeks since April.

The only thing they can do is send a note every 30 day. I've waited 50 years for this moment that should be a great time in my life. Instead I'm. Struggling and have nothing but anxiety. I'm owed 5 figures at this point with no end in sight.


 

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