I requested a re-computation of my retirement benefit since the amount I was to start receiving next month did not include last year's wages which will eliminate one very low earnings year. Since they received my request (about 1 week ago), I've noticed that they zero'd out my benefit and blanked out the date of my first check which was to arrive around April 13th. I've been watching my account online daily and nothing has been updated in a week now. I've been trying to call and ask but I have had no luck getting thru to a live person. How long should it take to re-compute my benefit? Was it a mistake to request this? They were the ones who suggested I do that so my last year's income would be factored into my benefit.

Hi. Requesting a recomputation wouldn't cause your benefit payments to be delayed or suspended. I'm not sure what you're specifically referring to as having been zeroed out, but my understanding is that Social Security stops providing online benefit estimates for people who are receiving benefits. If you manage to get through to Social Security on the phone, they should be able to provide an explanation.

If your original claim for benefits has been processed, then you should have received an award letter in the mail telling you your benefit rate and approximate payment start date. You can probably rely on that information to be accurate, although your initial payment amount likely won't include your recomputation. I don't know how long it will take Social Security to process your recomputation request, but they will pay you any back pay due once your request is processed.

Best, Jerry