The Social Security Administration (SSA) serves millions of Americans who depend on its retirement benefits. However, in recent years, the process for applying for benefits has been a real headache. Delays, complicated rules, and confusing paperwork have frustrated many, especially older adults.
At the beginning of 2025, SSA had more than 575,000 pending applications, and more than 140,000 had been unsolved for over two months. Thousands of people were waiting for their pension in uncertainty. The situation worsened after the dismissal of 7,000 employees, who simply couldn't handle the entire workload.
The antifraud rule that didn't work
SSA had implemented a rule to "stop fraud" that, in theory, was useful. In practice, it only slowed down the process; the rule required a three-day wait for applications made by phone. Result: delays increased by 25%, and retirees kept waiting without receiving anything in return.
The measure received harsh criticism; retirees and employees agreed it was unnecessary and only made everything more complicated. That's why the agency decided to eliminate it. Now, they're betting on a smarter system that detects fraud without affecting all applicants.
Technology and staff changes
The new computer system promises to speed up the paperwork and make it fairer. It will allow the identification of suspicious applications without penalizing those who meet the requirements. However, not everything is solved.
To compensate for staff cuts, Deputy Commissioner Stephen Evangelista asked employees to process 10% more applications per day. This caused discontent, since the staff was already overloaded. SSA tried to balance it by transferring 1,000 workers from headquarters to local offices, but the process requires training and adaptation.
What to do if you're about to retire
If you're planning to retire soon, the recommendation is not to wait until the last moment. Start the process at least three months before the desired date. The fastest and safest option is to do it online, where you'll be able to review everything calmly and avoid mistakes.
Prepare in advance:
- Birth certificate
- Social Security number
- Tax forms
- Banking information
You can check the status of your application on SSA's official website, or go to a local office if you need help.
The technological change is a positive step; it won't solve all the problems immediately, but at least it eliminates the rule that slowed down the paperwork and speeds up fraud detection. If you're close to retirement, start as soon as possible. Patience is key, but preparation is even more important to ensure your retirement is peaceful and without surprises.