How does tracking work?
The tracker checks the official USCIS processing times page daily. USCIS publishes the date through which they are processing each form at each service center. When that date advances past your receipt date, you get one free email.
Free alternative to Lawfully
cleartools provides the same core alert functionality as Lawfully ($15/month) for free. No account creation, no credit card, no monthly fees. One email when your receipt date is reached. Nothing else.
Processing date vs. case status
Processing times indicate the date filed on cases currently being adjudicated, not your individual case status. When the published date reaches your receipt date, it means USCIS has begun working on cases in your cohort.