I'm going through this exact same thing! Filed my application in late November and still waiting - coming up on 7 weeks now. Reading through everyone's experiences has been so helpful and reassuring. I was starting to worry that something went wrong with my application, but it's clear from all your stories that 6-8 weeks is just the new reality despite what their website says. My MySocialSecurity account also just shows "processing" with zero useful details. I'm also hoping to start benefits in January, so it's really comforting to hear from folks like Evan that the processing delay shouldn't affect the actual benefit start date. The complete lack of communication during this process is definitely the most stressful part - you'd think they could at least send an acknowledgment or give more realistic timeframes on their website. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines - this community has been way more helpful than anything I could find from SSA directly!

I'm also dealing with this same frustrating wait! Filed my retirement application in mid-November and it's been about 7.5 weeks now with absolutely no updates. Like everyone else here, my MySocialSecurity account just shows that useless "processing" status with zero helpful information. I was really starting to panic that maybe I made an error somewhere or that my application got lost, but reading through all these responses has been such a relief. It's clear that SSA is just completely overwhelmed right now and their 30-day estimate is completely unrealistic. I'm also planning to start benefits in January, so it's really reassuring to hear from the more experienced folks here that processing delays don't affect the actual benefit start date. The total lack of communication during this process is honestly maddening - even a simple automated email saying "we received your application, expect 6-8 weeks" would help so much with the anxiety. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this thread has been more helpful than anything I could find on the SSA website!

Great decision to suspend, Leila! One more thing to consider - since you're still working full-time at your accounting firm, make sure you understand how the earnings test might have affected your current benefits if your income is high. Even though you're at FRA and the earnings test no longer applies going forward, any benefits that were withheld due to excess earnings in the months before you reached FRA would be recalculated and added back to your benefit amount when you restart. This could make your eventual age 70 benefit even higher than the standard 8% per year delayed retirement credits. Just something to keep in mind when you're doing the math on your decision!

Just wanted to share my recent experience with this process! I suspended my benefits about 6 months ago after starting them at FRA. The whole process was surprisingly straightforward once I got through to SSA. I called early in the morning (around 8:15 AM) and only waited about 20 minutes. The representative was very knowledgeable and confirmed that I wouldn't need to repay anything I'd already received. She also set up automatic payments for my Medicare premiums since those would no longer be deducted from my Social Security payments. The suspension went into effect the month after I requested it, so there's typically about a 30-day processing period. One tip: ask for an email confirmation if possible, or at least get the representative's name and a reference number for your records. It's nice having that peace of mind!

Just to add one more piece of advice - since your husband will be retiring at the end of March next year, you might want to create a my Social Security account online (if you haven't already) to make the application process smoother when the time comes. Also, make sure to apply for benefits about 2-3 months before he wants them to start. While he can apply right after reaching FRA in October for November benefits, giving SSA a little extra processing time is always smart. And remember that even though the earnings test won't apply, his benefits might still be subject to federal income tax if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds. Up to 85% of Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on your overall income.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact scenario two years ago! I reached my FRA in September and filed for benefits in November while still working full-time. Got my full benefit amount with zero issues. The key thing to remember is that Social Security looks at this on a month-by-month basis once you reach FRA, not annually. So even though your husband's total 2025 earnings will be high, SSA only cares about what he earned in the months before reaching FRA in October. One small tip - when he does apply, have his recent pay stubs ready. Sometimes they ask for documentation to verify current employment status, and having everything organized can speed up the process. The whole thing was much smoother than I expected!

Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! I called Social Security using the Claimyr service that someone recommended, and it really did get me through quickly! The representative explained that since this is my first year on benefits, I can use the monthly test for the rest of 2025. That's perfect because I can limit my hours to stay under $1,770 each month, even during holiday seasons when I usually work more. Then next year I'll need to watch my annual total instead. They also told me that if I do go over, they don't immediately take money back - they adjust future payments. And the part about getting credited back after I reach full retirement age was news to me! Makes the whole system seem more fair. Thanks again for all the advice!

I'm glad you got through to SSA and got clarity on your situation! That monthly test for the first year is really helpful for people with variable income. Just wanted to add one more thing - make sure to keep good records of your monthly earnings throughout the year. Even though you're using the monthly test, SSA may still want documentation if there are any questions later. I keep a simple spreadsheet with my hours and gross pay each month, plus copies of all my paystubs. It's saved me headaches during reviews. Good luck with managing your seasonal work schedule!

Daniel, I've been through a very similar situation and want to share what finally worked for me. The death certificate roadblock is incredibly common - SSA has the information but still demands documentation they already possess. Here's what broke through for me: When you call SSA, immediately ask for a "Claims Authorization Representative" and explain that you need to discuss "potential auxiliary benefits on a deceased number holder's record." Use those exact terms - it signals to the system that this is a complex benefits determination, not a simple inquiry. Also mention upfront that "benefits were previously awarded to minor children on this record following the number holder's death in 2012." This creates a paper trail they can follow in their system without requiring external documentation. For the survivor vs. retirement benefit decision, you have a huge advantage being divorced after 19 years. You can potentially use a "claim and switch" strategy: take reduced survivor benefits starting at 60, then switch to your own maximum retirement benefit at 70 if it's higher. This is one of the few scenarios where you can actually optimize both benefits. One often-overlooked point: if you do qualify for survivor benefits, they're calculated differently than spousal benefits and aren't subject to the Government Pension Offset if that applies to your situation. The February appointment is unacceptable given that this should be a straightforward records review. Keep pushing for an earlier date or phone consultation - they often have cancellations that open up sooner slots.

Daniel, I'm really sorry you're dealing with this bureaucratic mess! The death certificate situation is absolutely ridiculous when SSA clearly already has this information in their system. One thing that might help speed up the process: when you call back, try mentioning that you need to discuss "divorced spouse survivor benefits under Section 202(e) of the Social Security Act." Using the specific legal citation sometimes gets you transferred to more knowledgeable representatives who understand these complex cases. Also, since you mentioned your kids received benefits on his record after his death, you might want to have one of their Social Security numbers handy when you call. The rep can look up the family benefit history and see that death benefits were already processed and paid out on your ex-husband's record - that's ironclad proof they have the death information. For what it's worth, you're in a really good position benefits-wise. Being married 19 years gives you strong claim rights, and the fact that you never remarried keeps all your options open. The earnings limit clarification is also huge - having your pension and deferred comp not count toward the limit makes early retirement much more viable. Hang in there - this is definitely solvable, just frustratingly bureaucratic!