Social Security Administration Advises Online Filing for Retirement Benefits to Avoid Delays and Lost Payments
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is strongly recommending that first-time applicants for retirement benefits utilize its online filing system. The SSA describes online application as the quickest and most convenient method to sign up for monthly payments. While other options exist, such as applying by telephone or in person at a Social Security office, these methods are prone to delays. Financial journalist Gerelyn Terzo highlighted that in-person appointments can be booked one to two months in advance, and the review process for applications typically takes several weeks. Such delays can result in applicants missing their desired enrollment month and consequently losing out on monthly benefit payments. For example, if a monthly benefit is $2,400 and a delay causes a loss of one month's payment, that $2,400 is not recovered.
