I have my EAD and can apply for my social security number now, but I have been putting it off (procrastination) ...I'm planning to register for college and start a new job in January- I've been under the assumption that the card takes about a week to come in the mail after applying,but have also heard there are backlogs and it could take months...anyone apply recently in chicago area? Or know for sure the general timeframe for this?

The card usually comes in the mail within a week or two of applying.

Mine came in the mail one week after I applied...

--Mae

The SSN office told me that if I needed the number sooner than I would receive the card that I could go back into their office in a few business days and that the number should be available and they would give me a printout.

SSA had to verify with USCIS when we changed Claudeth's name on the SSN card and that took about six weeks.

Moving to the correct forum...

Ok,thanks everyone. I can relax now

You can't compare your application to anyone else. It all depends on the amount of time it takes to verify your status. If you are lucky they will do it while you in the office and have your card within a week or two. If you aren't lucky you could have it by Thanksgiving or Christmas.