The saga ends. I applied on paper Oct 23. I applied on line Jan 5. They took payment when I applied on line but did not notify me as to my number. I called today 1/11 and was told I had my old number. They said my email address was missing from the application so that is why I had not heard anything. But I printed out my application when i applied and my email address was listed. So don't hesitate to call them.