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Social Security retirement benefits can be applied for up to four months in advance, and benefits can start at age 62. Fill out an application on the Social Security Administration website to apply for Social Security.
The earliest age at which you can receive Social Security benefits is 62 years and 1 month because payments are delayed by one month. gov . Plan for retirement. Accessed May 22, 2023. View all sources. If you don’t wait until you reach full retirement age, which is typically 67 years old, the Social Security Administration will decrease your benefit.
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How to apply for Social Security
The Social Security website, ssa, is where you can apply for benefits. gov. Each Social Security benefit, such as retirement, spousal, disability (SSDI), and Medicare, has its own application.
Additionally, you can visit a local office or give the Social Security Administration a call at 800-772-1213. To cut down on wait times, making an appointment before visiting the office could be beneficial.
» Find out how to increase your Social Security benefits
According to the Social Security Administration, Mondays, the morning after a federal holiday, and the first week of the month are usually the busiest times at Social Security offices.
Estimate your Social Security retirement benefits
This calculator’s estimate may not match your actual benefit because it doesn’t account for your actual earnings history.
Up until you start receiving Social Security benefits, we’ll assume you earn a certain amount each year. This calculator will overestimate or underestimate your benefit if you worked in noncovered employment for a number of years or if your earnings varied significantly from year to year.
Enter an age between 22-70.
Ideal age to start Social Security benefits: 62 is the earliest age at which you can start receiving benefits for retirement. As you postpone benefits until you turn 70, your monthly payment rises each year. Your eligibility for the full retirement age is the age at which you can start receiving 60% of your retirement benefit. This age varies by year of birth. Social Security benefits can be applied for after you turn 70, but the amount you receive won’t increase over filing at that age.
You will qualify for benefits at age 62.
Your gross work-related earnings subject to Social Security tax.
How much you anticipate earning more money annually
Considered early Social Security retirement? Here are some things to consider.
Social Security payments lag by a month. For example, Social Security benefits for September arrive in October.
- Your benefits will be paid out on the second Wednesday of the following month if your birthday falls between the first and the tenth of the month.
- Your benefits will be paid out on the third Wednesday of the following month if your birthday falls between the 11th and the 20th of the current month.
- You will receive your benefits on the fourth Wednesday of the following month if your birthday falls between the 21st and the 31st of that particular month.
Earliest Date To Apply n Advance for Social Security Retirement Benefits
FAQ
How far in advance do I apply for Social Security?
How long does it take to get your first Social Security check after you apply?
Does it matter what time of month you apply for Social Security?
Is it better to apply for Social Security online or in person?
How far in advance can I apply for Social Security benefits?
You can apply for benefits up to four months in advance, so you could apply now. You don’t really have to file in advance since you would be allowed to claim benefits up to six months retroactively but if you want to make sure your first check arrives in a timely manner, you should probably plan on filing sooner rather than later.
When can I apply for Social Security retirement benefits?
You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits up to four months in advance, and you can begin receiving benefits as early as age 62. To apply for Social Security, fill out an application on the Social Security Administration website.
How do I apply for Social Security?
You can also apply by calling us at 1-800-772-1213(TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m local time or visiting your local Social Security office. (Call first to make an appointment.)
When do you get Social Security benefits?
The earliest you can apply for Social Security benefits is at age 61 and nine months, and you can expect to receive your first payment four months later—the month after your birthday. Typically, Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due or must be specified.