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]

[Monday 3/24/25] Donald @DonaldD413774 , fingers crossed she receives her 1st payment soon!!! Take care, Nicole  👵

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[*** @DonaldD413774 wrote 3/24/25:

My wife retired 4/21/25 and applied for benefits the 2/3/25 for her benefits to begin 4/1/25. In checking the website all it indicated was in process. She called their number in the morning after 30 days. The wait on hold was about an hour. When someone finally came on all they could tell her was that her application looked in order and was in process. She was  told that processing time was typically running 60 days and she should see something around April 5th. ***]

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[Winter2025VA]

[Sunday 3/23/25]

Karen @KarenF958848 , I am sorry to hear this. I can imagine the worry and stress for you.  ☹

➡️ One poster had said after visiting their LOCAL office to check on their ONLINE application = they were APPROVED.

➡️ Another poster had suggested the following.

Jeffrey @JeffreyA826398 WROTE:
‎Calling or emailing your local congressional representative's office and asking for help is effective. They have power to push things through. It also alerts government reps of the delay issues.

*** Maybe one or both might work for you. ***

Good Luck,

Nicole  👵

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[*** @KarenF958848 wrote 3/23/25:

I applied on Feb 2, 2025, with an expected begin date of April 1st, thinking this would be gracious plenty time to receive my first SS deposit.  I’ve had my final Federal FERS Supplement upon my birthday last month, and now am extremely concerned about making ends meet, as I have a little part-time job, but am a caretaker for two severely handicapped parents, so cannot work more hours.  I am at my wit’s end and a nervous wreck. I plan on going to out local SSA office in town this week. I sure hope this helps. An insight? ***]

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[bobhudak]

I applied for regular ss on 12/9/24 with a check expected in April. Still on step 2 but I made a phone appointment for my wife who will move from her benefit to spousal benefits when I collect. I was told that on her call 3/25/25 they would be able to check my benefits to give her the correct amount. Wish me luck!!

[Winter2025VA]

[Sunday 3/23/25] @bobhudak good luck to you and your wife!!! A few people have posted here saying they were finally approved. One said stopping by their local office to check on their "online" application helped. They were APPROVED. Take care, Nicole  👵

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[*** @bobhudak wrote:

I applied for regular ss on 12/9/24 with a check expected in April. Still on step 2 but I made a phone appointment for my wife who will move from her benefit to spousal benefits when I collect. I was told that on her call 3/25/25 they would be able to check my benefits to give her the correct amount. Wish me luck!! ***]

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[rolocedoc]

Hi! I just want to say this direct to the point, no matter what situation we are in, Social Security will not make you, me or anyone else a top priority - we all are treated to get our retirement benefits in a timely manner due to the volume of claimants. I worked part time with The Franchise Tax Board at the height of the pandemic and we get tons of letters, forms to process by the hundreds and less workforce to handle the processing, we have to be patient, it will come straight to your bank account if you set up direct deposit, if not, a check will be mailed to you - while waiting for it - get a part time job, there's a lot of work from home for retired people - just be smart coz some would take advantage asking for a small fee and there's a lot of scammers prying on senior citizens coz they know we get fixed monthly benefits from Social Security - always be cautious - have a nice weekend

[MarkG766531]

 How long will the re-entry number allow you to get back into the social security application page after you have saved and exited? Is there a limit, or can you wait months to complete a started application?

[GailL1]

@MarkG766531 

I answered your question in your other post about it. 

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Social-Security/Re-entry-to-complete-started-Social-Security-Applicati... 

[MarkW495344]

After approval, things are moving fast on my end. The letter showing my benefit and first payment was on my account the day after approval, and my bank account also showed a test to make sure account information was correct. Now it's just a matter of making sure payments go through near as to when they should. Feels nice however to be out of the dugout and on to the field. 

[Winter2025VA]

[Friday 3/21/25] I am SO GLAD to hear this Mark @MarkW495344 !!! Any TIPS for folks getting READY to "apply" for their RETIREMENT Social Security? Take care, Nicole  👵

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[*** @MarkW495344 wrote 3/21/25:

After approval, things are moving fast on my end. The letter showing my benefit and first payment was on my account the day after approval, and my bank account also showed a test to make sure account information was correct. Now it's just a matter of making sure payments go through near as to when they should. Feels nice however to be out of the dugout and on to the field. ***]

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[rolocedoc]

Hi - I guess mine was on the top of the file - I've just received a deposit in my account, I'm heading to the bank to get some cash and buy groceries for my family to enjoy - good luck to all! Have a nice day!

[MarkW495344]

I had a notice this morning that there was an update on my application, and when I went online, the needle had moved to step 3, marked as approved. A letter is being sent to me which will indicate my benefit, so now just waiting on that. It took 4 months and 1 week to alter, so I should have my benefit letter within 2 weeks. Hoping this alleviates fears for those still in the waiting process.

[Winter2025VA]

[Wednesday 3/19/25] Mark @MarkW495344 that is GOOD news!!! Take care, Nicole  👵

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[*** @MarkW495344 wrote 3/19/25:

I had a notice this morning that there was an update on my application, and when I went online, the needle had moved to step 3, marked as approved. A letter is being sent to me which will indicate my benefit, so now just waiting on that. It took 4 months and 1 week to alter, so I should have my benefit letter within 2 weeks. Hoping this alleviates fears for those still in the waiting process. ***]

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[rolocedoc]

Maam - I guess >  this - The website for Social Security used to say that it would take up to 30 days to process new applications for retirement benefits >  30 days processing time - is somewhat - deceiving! When I filed in August 2024 - it took 4 months to process my claim - and they gave me retro funds equivalent to 6 months - I guess they backdated it - from June to November, the check came in the mail, I've opened a bank account, and the rest are deposited straight to my bank. Now, that it is - again - delayed - they will do another retro from January to March or maybe till June - I'm just guessing, okay - it can happen, right? Xing my fingers - I'll check my bank account tomorrow.

[rolocedoc]

Those who rely on SS Benefits - if this is your only source to be able to buy food and pay bills, well, you need to find a part time employment while waiting for your $$$ gets deposited to your bank account or a check mailed to you - you'll starve if you don't find part time employment.

[rolocedoc]

To All - this was just posted - it's a wait and see!

Second round of March Social Security payments goes out in 5 days

[Winter2025VA]

[Monday 3/17/25] @rolocedoc , where was this posted?  🤔

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[*** @rolocedoc wrote:

To All - this was just posted - it's a wait and see!

Second round of March Social Security payments goes out in 5 days ***]

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[rolocedoc]

Hi - I guess mine was on the top of the file - I've just received a deposit in my account, I'm heading to the bank to get some cash and buy groceries for my family to enjoy - good luck to all! Have a nice day!

[GailL1]

It’s the regular schedule for benefit payments based on one’s birthday if on Social Security Benefits after 1997.

A regular schedule if for Supplemental Security Income or a mixture of  Social Security and Supplemental Security Income.  Or for those who get Social Security benefits if benefits were set up before 1997.

SSA.gov Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments 2025 

See the bottom of the page for details.

[Winter2025VA]

[Monday 3/17/25] @GailL1 , I am NOT sure IF you were "answering" the question I had asked @rolocedoc or this is just one of your titbits to share?

Either way, @rolocedoc needs to provide links and sources for the information they posted.

THEY POSTED:

Second round of March Social Security payments goes out in 5 days.

Anyway, just wanted to "clarify" as you used the "reply" button on my post. This site is already a "hot" mess.

MY COMMENT: My Retirement Social Security does NOT go out in 5 days so have NO idea what or why this info was posted. Mine is direct deposited into my bank on 3rd of EACH month. Earlier IF a weekend or holiday is involved.

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[***@GailL1 wrote 3/17/25:

It’s the regular schedule for benefit payments based on one’s birthday if on Social Security Benefits after 1997.

A regular schedule if for Supplemental Security Income or a mixture of  Social Security and Supplemental Security Income.  Or for those who get Social Security benefits if benefits were set up before 1997.

SSA.gov Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments 2025 

See the bottom of the page for details. ***]

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[rolocedoc]

This is good news, the wait time is shorter - from 5 days to 2 days! Let's be thankful to the Lord - Second round of March Social Security payments goes out in 2 days!!

[rolocedoc]

Everyone! It's a wait and see - we / I can not predict what's to happen in 5 days, so just relax, continue with your everyday life - wait and see!

[GailL1]

@Winter2025VA 

I guess some news sites are just counting it down from 5-days to 2-days - just google the comment and it comes right up.

Second round of March Social Security payments goes out in 5 days

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/finance-and-economy/3348553/second-round-march-social-secu... 

[fffred]

When applying on the SSA website there is a small disclaimer as follows. "After you apply, you can expect a letter letting you know if your benefits are approved or if we need more information. If you apply early -- say two to four months before your chosen start month -- you should expect the letter towards the end of your chosen start month. Otherwise, you'll typically get it within 30 days of applying."

I haven't seen this information elsewhere. I was very annoyed myself when I applied for SS a few years ago and it "took forever". In my case, it seemed that the disclaimer above was not shown once the application was submitted (if I had even seen it in the first place). If I was presented with that disclaimer each time I checked my application's status I would have had better understanding of the process and I wouldn't have been so worried or annoyed. Now that we are planning for my wife's application I have seen this disclaimer and understood the process better.

The disclaimer explains a lot. If the application is submitted "early" (as per SSA, 2 to 4 months before your planned start) you are not gonna hear from them until near the end of your chosen start month. By definition, this means that an early applicant will be waiting for up to 4 months. This is regardless of that little blurb they show on My Social Security how your application is in progress and it seems like it's hung up forever.

Per the SSA (https://www.ssa.gov/ssa-performance/processing-time-benefits) about 85% of all old age applications are processed on-time. A pretty good record in my view. I suppose that, by definition, that includes those applications that were submitted early and did not get approved until up to 4 months later. Again, this seems reasonable because they tell us (see above) what they're going to do. 

I suspect that most people who wonder about their application are probably on the standard timeline and just need to be patient, waiting for that target date. 

[AnthonyA847984]

I don't understand the lack of communication. I applied on December 10th with the expectation of receiving my first check on or around March 19th (based on my birthday). It's been 107 days and they still have yet to make a decision. What could be possibly wrong? I've been calling and calling with no callback, a notification letter, or any information. Amazing when they want something, they give you a date and you BETTER get it to them by or before or else!!

[GailL1]

Did you say that you wanted your benefits to begin in March?  If so the SSA determines this to be your March benefit and since Social Security is paid one month in arrears, then that means they will pay the March payment in April.

That could be one of the reasons you haven’t heard anything - your benefit award letter isn’t sent out until right before your payment is scheduled to begin.  So, if the above explanation is correct, you should hear something in about early to mid April.  

This is the way it has always been - They work on new claims based on the month people want them to start with those at or over FRA 1st followed by those who are getting benefits early.

If you haven’t heard anything about needing more info - you can just wait for your letter of benefits - check you online acct because it will probably show up there before you get it in the mail.

One other thing - Have you already set up your Medicare benefit if older than 65?

[Winter2025VA]

[Monday 3/17/25] Anthony @AnthonyA847984 .

➡️  One poster had said after visiting their LOCAL office to check on their ONLINE application = they were APPROVED.

➡️  Another poster had suggested the following.

Jeffrey @JeffreyA826398 WROTE:
‎Calling or emailing your local congressional representative's office and asking for help is effective. They have power to push things through. It also alerts government reps of the delay issues.

*** Maybe one or both might work for you. ***

Good Luck,

Nicole 👵

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[*** @AnthonyA847984 wrote:

I don't understand the lack of communication. I applied on December 10th with the expectation of receiving my first check on or around March 19th (based on my birthday). It's been 107 days and they still have yet to make a decision. What could be possibly wrong? I've been calling and calling with no callback, a notification letter, or any information. Amazing when they want something, they give you a date and you BETTER get it to them by or before or else!! ***]

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[GailL1]

@Winter2025VA 

Maybe a good idea IF they know the SSA schedule for establishing  benefits and then think there is a problem of some sort.  Most likely it is just the normal wait. 

Claims are processed based on the month that the beneficiary indicates they want them to begin - i.e. if you say March then your March benefit will be paid in April since benefits are paid one month in arrears.

They will 1st work on those benefits for those who are AT or OVER their Full Retirement Age followed by those who are wanting to start early.  

If you want your benefit early and are still working and making an income over the earning limit, you maybe contacted because the deductions for being over the limit could cancel out the whole benefit.

You will be contacted if they have any questions or concerns -

I realize people are anxious right now but it just take time - the normal amount of time based on the number of baby boomers retiring especially since a lot of them like to do it at the end of a year or the beginning of the next.  

Also if one is already over 65, they need to make sure that they have their Medicare Part A set up already or all of it unless they are still working and have a HDHP with an HSA as an employer group health plan.

[rolocedoc]

Hi there! If I were you, I would just keep myself busy with a part time work rather than worrying about on something you can't do about - it's delayed - once it become good again then they will just do a direct deposit if you have set-up your bank account, if not, they're likely to send a check in the mail - I'm just saying, that's what I did - I've waited and it just arrived to my bank account - please be patient - have a nice week!

[GailL1]

@fffred The folks I talk to who work there all say they work on claims based on start date requested, 1st by those at or over their FRA.  Then those that are filing for early benefits.

I just think some people are panicking and they build up all kinds of doom and gloom in their head.  

Sure there was lots of claim filing at the beginning of this year - somehow people like a marking point to their SS retirement - so they do it at the end of one year or the beginning of the next - 

The also had the repeal of the WEP/GPO and those people wanted their money or they wanted to file for it since many didn’t initially.  

[Winter2025VA]

[Sunday 3/16/25] @fffred , when I applied back in 2020 BEFORE the pandemic was OFFICIALLY here (stuff started to SHUT DOWN March 2020 I think) - all went well.  👍

I am SO GLAD it did.

I feel so bad for those still WAITING with NO idea WHEN they will receive their 1st payment. NOT all seniors are in a financial position to survive this wait.

Take care,

Nicole  👵

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[*** @fffred wrote:

When applying on the SSA website there is a small disclaimer as follows. "After you apply, you can expect a letter letting you know if your benefits are approved or if we need more information. If you apply early -- say two to four months before your chosen start month -- you should expect the letter towards the end of your chosen start month. Otherwise, you'll typically get it within 30 days of applying."

I haven't seen this information elsewhere. I was very annoyed myself when I applied for SS a few years ago and it "took forever". In my case, it seemed that the disclaimer above was not shown once the application was submitted (if I had even seen it in the first place). If I was presented with that disclaimer each time I checked my application's status I would have had better understanding of the process and I wouldn't have been so worried or annoyed. Now that we are planning for my wife's application I have seen this disclaimer and understood the process better.

The disclaimer explains a lot. If the application is submitted "early" (as per SSA, 2 to 4 months before your planned start) you are not gonna hear from them until near the end of your chosen start month. By definition, this means that an early applicant will be waiting for up to 4 months. This is regardless of that little blurb they show on My Social Security how your application is in progress and it seems like it's hung up forever.

Per the SSA (https://www.ssa.gov/ssa-performance/processing-time-benefits) about 85% of all old age applications are processed on-time. A pretty good record in my view. I suppose that, by definition, that includes those applications that were submitted early and did not get approved until up to 4 months later. Again, this seems reasonable because they tell us (see above) what they're going to do. 

I suspect that most people who wonder about their application are probably on the standard timeline and just need to be patient, waiting for that target date. ***]

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