How long it took to get your first Social Security check

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Davidhelp

Recycles dryer sheets
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Dec 15, 2021
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Location
Canoga Park
Hello
Anyone remember how long it took to get your first Social Security check?
The website shows my application started on Dec 1, 2024 and is now in step 2 of 3.
It says it should typical be 30 days.

Many people having this issue and have waited 4 months and still no check. Read the comments at the link.

Huge delays in Social Security processing new retirement applications
https://community.aarp.org/t5/Socia...ecurity-processing-new-retirement/m-p/2492283

Retirement Benefits
Typically it takes 30 days for a decision. This timeframe is an estimate for reference.​

We started step 2 of 3 of the review process for your application.

A representative in RICHMOND CALIFORNIA started reviewing your application on December 1, 2024. For most people, this review takes 30 days.
 
I applied in person 3 months ahead of time. The nice lady promised that my first payment would begin the month I wanted (the month after I turned 70). It did.
 
We signed up several months in advance and as I recall there was no significant delay in getting our first deposits.
 
SS will try to honor the expected begin date you listed on your application. Also, your pay date depends on your birthday. If your birthday is near the beginning of the month, you’ll be paid near on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. If your birthday is near the end of the month, you’ll be paid will be paid on the 4th Wednesday.
 
IIRC, I applied for social security 3 months before my 62nd birthday. It was in the middle of Covid, so they weren't doing anything in person and I applied online. The only oddity to my application is that they needed me to mail in the original of my certificate of citizenship. But my first check arrived right on time, the month after the first full month after my 62nd birthday, which is the earliest you can get a check.
 
For DH they say he’s started on step 2 which looks like the review. However they also say: “Your claim has been approved but will continue to show pending until the month you elected to start your benefits.”

They say that his claim status will appear as pending until about the 10th of his start month after which it will be updated to show it’s complete and that he will receive a notice at that time.
 
I just applied for spousal benefits on January 6 of this year and my application says Step 2 and it's been assigned to Richmond, CA also. The Richmond rep called me last week and left a message but I haven't heard back from him yet, sort of disorganized. With the recent repeal of WEP/GPO laws, SS is extremely busy and backlogged. I wouldn't be surprised if it takes months to get sorted.
 
Davidhelp said:
Thanks for the replies. I guess time will tell.... 🫠
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Yes, we’re in that place too. My wife applied online in October to begin benefits in January. After seeing no payments and hearing NOTHING from SSA she called last week. She was told that her benefits were approved and that January benefits are paid a month later so she will be receiving her direct deposit in early February. We shall see.
 
Luvtoride said:
Yes, we’re in that place too. My wife applied online in October to begin benefits in January. After seeing no payments and hearing NOTHING from SSA she called last week. She was told that her benefits were approved and that January benefits are paid a month later so she will be receiving her direct deposit in early February. We shall see.
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Did you look at SSA.gov online? I could see the whole process online when I applied last year and my benefit paid on time with no issues.
 
Midpack said:
Did you look at SSA.gov online? I could see the whole process online when I applied last year and my benefit paid on time with no issues.
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Right, I had DH check on his status a few days ago and it gave us the above information which included what to expect in terms of timing. So now we don’t expect to hear anything else until his start month, when we’ll be traveling anyway.

And we don’t expect the first check until the start month +1 and it will be late in the month since DH’s birthday is late in the month.
 
I remember calling the national number for SS in May 2021, set up a telephone appointment for June. A representative from my local office called me exactly at the appointment time. We set up benefits to begin in July and got my first direct deposit on the second Wednesday of August. My benefits were approved while on the phone call.
I thought they were outstanding.
 
I believe the local review is where hold ups occur and varies by location. Our office must have been having not a lot to do as I applied on January 3rd and made it through the approved status in under 2 weeks with start date of April 1st. I had all the usual it takes 30 days to review and your approval will typically occur 30 days before your scheduled start. Your online account should show your status. I’ve seen a lot of people say they are stuck in step 2 then get approval right before the start date.
 
I don’t think a local office or even in state office* reviewed DH’s SS application.

*Denver CO!
 
audreyh1 said:
I don’t think a local office or even in state office* reviewed DH’s SS application.

*Denver CO!
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Mine said it was sent on to the Albuquerque office for review after that I got an approval notice/letter that if I had questions call the national number or contact the local office with address and phone number. We live in Rio Rancho and it gave the Rio Rancho address and phone number so it probably actually went there. They just say Albuquerque office as the Rio Rancho office is probably a branch. I think they just hit approved. It is strange how it works. Everybody seems to have something different happen when they apply.
 
djsander said:
Mine said it was sent on to the Albuquerque office for review after that I got an approval notice/letter that if I had questions call the national number or contact the local office with address and phone number. We live in Rio Rancho and it gave the Rio Rancho address and phone number so it probably actually went there. They just say Albuquerque office as the Rio Rancho office is probably a branch. I think they just hit approved. It is strange how it works. Everybody seems to have something different happen when they apply.
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I see you are also in the Rio Grande Valley. We are in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Basically the Rio Grande river delta - no mountains or hills around here!
 
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My DW is filing for Social Security benefits this year. She turns 62 in August. She will probably go to the local SS office to apply. What exactly does she need to bring to the local office and when should she start the process?

Hopefully I'm not high jacking this thread.
 
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REWahoo said:
But you do have a Starbase!
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This is true! We took the nephews from Amsterdam out there to see it on Christmas Day. You can get quite close to that gigantic tower that launches the Starship and caught the last two returning boosters.
 
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