Dear Rusty: I have a very simple question: I will turn 70 on Sept. 20 and want to start my Social Security benefits in September. What month should I file my claim? Have there been delays with the reductions in SSA staff? Thank you for your help. —Ready to Claim
Dear Ready to Claim: Social Security allows you to submit your application for benefits up to four months prior to the month you wish benefits to start (you will specify your desired benefit-start-month on the application). Thus, to have your benefits begin in September (the month you turn 70), you can submit your application as early as May 2025. That will give SS plenty of time to get your benefits started on time. Remember, though, that SS pays benefits in the month following the month earned, so if you start benefits in September, you will receive your first SS payment in October (on the third Wednesday). And, since you will be turning 70 in September you are entitled to full benefits effective from the first of that month. Congratulations on choosing a strategy which maximizes your monthly payment. By claiming at age 70, your monthly SS benefit will be about 31% more than it would have been at your full retirement age, and you will get that higher monthly amount for the rest of your life.
Re your question about possible delays, Social Security staff reductions have not included “front line” agents (those who handle applications), so the SS recent staff adjustments should not likely delay processing your application. Although some back-office staffing turmoil currently exists at SSA, they have been moving more people to front-line positions to try to improve their service. Just be aware, however, that it normally takes the SSA about two to three months to process new applications, which is why they allow applications up to four months in advance. You will specify the month you wish benefits to start on your application. In any case, although your application should be fine if you submit it this month, rest assured that they will pay you starting with the month you requested, even if they must do so retroactively.
FYI, you can apply for Social Security in person by making a telephone appointment to do so at 800-772-1213, or you can apply online at www.ssa.gov/apply. To apply online, you need to have first created your “my Social Security” online account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. A video which explains the online application process: www.ssa.gov/hlp/video/iclaim_r01.htm.
Russell Gloor is an Association of Mature American Citizens certified social security advisor. Submit questions at amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory or email ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.
