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

[CatherineP879665]

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.

[Winter2025VA]

Michelle @MichelleL594699 , from the posts ON THIS SITE, about 4 to 5 months for approval. Someone posted they made an appt at their LOCAL office & got approved. It was an "online" application & they had gone in to "check" the STATUS. Maybe this may work for you. I hope you get approved REALLY SOON. Nicole!

➡️[*** MICHELLE 

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@MichelleL594699 wrote:

Applied May 7th for benefits to begin on July 1st (30 days, right?).  Crickets.  Contacted my do-nothing Congressman Issa in July-no reply at all.  Contacted both senators and have only received a cursory form reply from one of them.  Maybe the workforce should not have been decimated?

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[Winter2025VA]

Yes Alexa @alexajame , per the posts ON THIS SITE.

[1] 4 to 5 months for approval.

[2] Like you mentioned - some people got "help" from their Congressperson.

[3] I will add this to what you said about CALLING them. People have "posted" - make an appointment to visit your LOCAL office to "check" on an ONLINE application = got approved.

Take care,

Nicole!

➡️[*** ALEXA 

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@alexajame wrote:

I’m so sorry you’re going through this, I know how stressful these delays can be😔.
Unfortunately, you’re right many people are now experiencing 2–3 month (or even longer) waits for retirement benefit processing. From what I’ve gathered, the main reasons seem to be:

• Backlog from pandemic-related staffing shortages that still hasn’t cleared
• System updates and modernization efforts slowing certain workflows
• Manual verifications for some applications, even if records are complete

You might want to try:

• Calling your local Social Security office directly (sometimes they can escalate urgent cases)

• Contacting your U.S. Senator or Representative many have constituent services that can help push things forward

• Checking your online “My Social Security” account daily for any status changes

I really hope your application is processed soon so you can get the support you need❤️.

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[alexajame]

Thanks for adding that info, Nicole🤗.
4–5 months is definitely longer than I expected, but it’s good to have a realistic timeline. I’ll also keep in mind the tip about making an appointment at the local office that might be worth trying if things don’t move soon.

[Winter2025VA]

You are welcome Alexa @alexajame and fingers crossed you get approved VERY SOON my friend!!! Nicole  💛

➡️[*** ALEXA 

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@alexajame wrote:

Thanks for adding that info, Nicole🤗.
4–5 months is definitely longer than I expected, but it’s good to have a realistic timeline. I’ll also keep in mind the tip about making an appointment at the local office that might be worth trying if things don’t move soon.

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[Winter2025VA]

[Monday 7/14/25]

(1) Anyone got approved this week?

(2) Anyone still waiting on approval?

Take care,

Nicole  ‌👵‌  (Social Security Forum)

[NekoniK131232]

Another data point for you: applied online for retirement benefits 2nd June, approved 11 August, so that's 70 days.  I was applying for an October start, so not in a particular hurry.

[Winter2025VA]

CONGRATS Nekoni @NekoniK131232 !!! Any "tips" to share with folks still WAITING? Thanks for stopping by, Nicole (Social Security Forum).

➡️[*** NEKONI 

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@NekoniK131232 wrote:

Another data point for you: applied online for retirement benefits 2nd June, approved 11 August, so that's 70 days.  I was applying for an October start, so not in a particular hurry.

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[NekoniK131232]

Kind of you, thanks.  I really didn't do anything special at all -- it seems to depend on which office reviews your application. 

Appreciate your good work here.  -N.

[Winter2025VA]

Yes Nekoni @NekoniK131232 , I agree dear friend. Take care, Nicole!

➡️[*** 

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@NekoniK131232 wrote:

Kind of you, thanks.  I really didn't do anything special at all -- it seems to depend on which office reviews your application. 

Appreciate your good work here.  -N.

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[d504611w]

It's been 3 months for me and I still haven't received a response!

[GailL1]

@d504611w 

I will assume that you are already age 62 or older.  If you are your FRA or older, the process may go somewhat faster.

What month did you put on the application that you wanted your benefits to begin?  

Normally you are notified a few weeks before your benefits will be scheduled based on your direct deposit date.  Remember that SS benefits are paid one month in arrears so if you put down August as your beginning benefit month - your 1st benefit will not be paid until September.  

Have you checked your SS account to make sure that your application has been received and is in the queue to be processed.

[Winter2025VA]

@d504611w , from the posts on THIS SITE.

(1) Approvals within 4 to 5 months.

(2) Some people got help from their Congressperson.

(3) Some made an appt at their LOCAL office & got approved [was an online application].

I hope you get approved SOON!!!

Nicole!

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@d504611w wrote:

It's been 3 months for me and I still haven't received a response!

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[RickS467730]

I applied on August 15th. I got notified yesterday that I will start receiving benefits the second Wednesday of September. Today SSA pinged my account for a $0 deposit. 

[Winter2025VA]

CONGRATS Rick @RickS467730 !!! Any tips to share with folks who are still waiting or getting ready to apply? Take care, Nicole!

➡️[*** RICK 

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@RickS467730 wrote:

I applied on August 15th. I got notified yesterday that I will start receiving benefits the second Wednesday of September. Today SSA pinged my account for a $0 deposit. 

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[RickS467730]

Not sure if I did anything special or just hit a lucky part of cue? I started the application on the 9th and completed it on the 15th. I did check the box that said I disputed my numbers as my 2024 salary has not been tabulated as of yet (941 filed in January '25). I said I was employed but not taking salary in 2025. My FRA is February 2026. Decided to take benefits early (By the numbers I should have taken it earlier).

I don't think I did anything special but that is what I did. 

[Winter2025VA]

Thanks for "sharing" Rick @RickS467730 !!! Your post will "help" folks who are getting ready to "apply"  👍  Take care, Nicole!

➡️[*** RICK 

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@RickS467730 wrote:

Not sure if I did anything special or just hit a lucky part of cue? I started the application on the 9th and completed it on the 15th. I did check the box that said I disputed my numbers as my 2024 salary has not been tabulated as of yet (941 filed in January '25). I said I was employed but not taking salary in 2025. My FRA is February 2026. Decided to take benefits early (By the numbers I should have taken it earlier).

I don't think I did anything special but that is what I did. 

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[dorothym954754]

Same here...filed May 5th 2025 and have not heard anything from them. I checked my on lline acct it only says not able to verify my earning. Then check to see If I recvd a mesage...no mesasges. Ive read on line that sometimes they do have questions but won't contact you, you have to check you on line acct, which I did. NO MESSAGES. 

iIm lost as to what to do. I called on 6/25 and they said to soon vall back in about 30 days. Im calling now but not able to get thru yet.......wow so frustrating.  I do know they have a backlog but a email, text with an update would be helpful!

[Winter2025VA]

Dorothy @dorothym954754 , from the posts on THIS SITE

(1) Approvals within 4 to 5 months.

(2) Some people got help from their Congressperson.

(3) Some made an appt at their LOCAL office & got approved [was an online application].

I hope you get approved SOON!!!

Nicole!

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@dorothym954754 wrote:

Same here...filed May 5th 2025 and have not heard anything from them. I checked my on lline acct it only says not able to verify my earning. Then check to see If I recvd a mesage...no mesasges. Ive read on line that sometimes they do have questions but won't contact you, you have to check you on line acct, which I did. NO MESSAGES. 

iIm lost as to what to do. I called on 6/25 and they said to soon vall back in about 30 days. Im calling now but not able to get thru yet.......wow so frustrating.  I do know they have a backlog but a email, text with an update would be helpful!

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[GailL1]

@dorothym954754 

Are you applying for EARLY retirement benefits?  We you at least 62 years old on May 5?  If no, when did you turn 62?  

Depending upon you answer to the above, I maybe able to explain your delay.

What month did you tell them you wanted your benefits to begin?

They do not have the time to email, text or give updates.  Didn’t before and don’t now - the update is on your SSA account but if there are reasons that are part of the enrollment process they don’t explain it.  You can make an appointment to go into your local office and they will explain it.

[RobertG887674]

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!

[GailL1]

@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.  

[GailL1]

@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.

[Winter2025VA]

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!

[GailL1]

@Winter2025VA 

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)

[Winter2025VA]

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!

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@GailL1 wrote:

@Winter2025VA 

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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[GailL1]

@Winter2025VA 

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 

[Winter2025VA]

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

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@GailL1 wrote:

@Winter2025VA 

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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[bpenza]

  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).  

[BrianH712359]

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! 

[GailL1]

@BrianH712359 wrote

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

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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. ⬇️

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.