How long for Social Security approval?

[ERD50]

I applied for SS online on July 1, 2024 for benefits to start in NOV (month I turn 70). Everything on their site says 'typically' 30 days for approval. ...

Update to my OP:

I checked before our SSA local office appointment (AUG 20th) to get my wife's earnings record corrected, and it showed that my application was approved. Weird note online though:

Your claim has been approved but will continue to show pending until the month you elected to start
your benefits.
Example - If you chose August 2021 to start benefits, your claim status will show pending until on or
about August 10, 2021. After this time, your claim status will be updated to show the application
process is complete. We will mail you a notice within 10-15 days of completing the application process.

I have not seen anything in the mail, but maybe they mean 10-15 days after the above 'complete' date of the month you start benefits. Other than that weirdness, the online application process was really no trouble at all, but I really have no complications in my life in this regard.

However, the appointment to get my wife's earning record corrected is in a limbo state. All they did at the local office was check her ID, gather her statements (lady was amazed I had the original 1985 W2), and then we just got a letter stating they have everything. Still no update on her earnings record.

 

[Gumby]

Update to my OP:

I checked before our SSA local office appointment (AUG 20th) to get my wife's earnings record corrected, and it showed that my application was approved. Weird note online though:



I have not seen anything in the mail, but maybe they mean 10-15 days after the above 'complete' date of the month you start benefits. Other than that weirdness, the online application process was really no trouble at all, but I really have no complications in my life in this regard.

However, the appointment to get my wife's earning record corrected is in a limbo state. All they did at the local office was check her ID, gather her statements (lady was amazed I had the original 1985 W2), and then we just got a letter stating they have everything. Still no update on her earnings record.

The first notice I got that my application was approved was when the deposit showed up in my bank account. I got a letter about a week later saying I was approved. It never did update my status on the computer.

 

[Flieger]

Interesting. my wife's approval was about 2 weeks....

Flieger

 

[Rocky mtn high]

We applied late December and started receiving benefits in March of this year when we requested it through the on line system. So pretty happy with it.

 

[FlaMariner]

Interesting thread.....all over the board....

For the SS experts....

Assuming the internet gods are with me and I fill out all the government application forms perfectly and the process works correctly (HA!)......

If my birthday is 2/28 (turning 62), when will I get my first $$$?

 

[jimbee]

Interesting thread.....all over the board....

For the SS experts....

Assuming the internet gods are with me and I fill out all the government application forms perfectly and the process works correctly (HA!)......

If my birthday is 2/28 (turning 62), when will I get my first $$$?

The fourth Wednesday of April, paying for March. However, I am not a SS expert.

 

[Gumby]

The fourth Wednesday of April, paying for March. However, I am not a SS expert.

I believe that is correct.

 

[FlaMariner]

The fourth Wednesday of April, paying for March. However, I am not a SS expert.

Thank you!

Interesting....I was always told I could get social security when I turn 62 but that is not true....looks like I get social security when I turn 62.16......62 and two months! LOL.....

 

[jimbee]

Thank you!

Interesting....I was always told I could get social security when I turn 62 but that is not true....looks like I get social security when I turn 62.16......62 and two months! LOL.....

You have to be 62 for the entire month to get paid, so the earliest you can start social security is the month after you turn 62, unless your birthday is on the first day of the month. Social Security pays in arrears, so you won't see the actual payment until the next month.

 

[tmm99]

The fourth Wednesday of April, paying for March. However, I am not a SS expert.

I've heard that too. Or, either the third or fourth Wednesday (I can't remember which). But my SS guy said I will receive my first deposit on December 3rd (the first Tuesday of the month)... Hmm... Maybe because I live in Canada, it's on a different day? I have no idea.

 

[teejayevans]

What is the earliest you can apply?

 

[5Miler]

I've heard that too. Or, either the third or fourth Wednesday (I can't remember which). But my SS guy said I will receive my first deposit on December 3rd (the first Tuesday of the month)... Hmm... Maybe because I live in Canada, it's on a different day? I have no idea.

If you live abroad, your SS payment should be on the 3rd of the month.

 

[USGrant1962]

We applied for DW's benefit to start in December (paid in January). Application went in on the 19th of September, she was approved on the 29th. So 10 days. She got an email today saying check your account for an update.

 

[Dreamer]

You have to be 62 for the entire month to get paid, so the earliest you can start social security is the month after you turn 62, unless your birthday is on the first day of the month. Social Security pays in arrears, so you won't see the actual payment until the next month.

If your birthday is on the first or second day of the month, you can receive social security for the month. You attain your age the day before for social security.