that's wonderful news, Kitty !!
especially because the backlog was so bad a while back...
but apparently, they've instituted a new program to clear up the backlog:
In an attempt to speed up the application process, beginning in August of 2006, the SSA implemented changes to the application process in the six-state New England region, on a trial basis. On December 1, 2007, the SSA implemented the program nationwide.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_...lity_Insurance