When to apply for Social Security (retired, friend, years, payment)

[newmarlig]

For various reasons, I need to apply for Social Security at the age of 64. That would be in November of this year. When should I process this? I don't want to to begin earlier. Thank you.

[Escort Rider]

Apply immediately. You can specify the effective date.

[mlb]

At our workplace (I'm not yet retired).... we are told to apply for Medicare 3 months prior to our 65th birthday.

And what ER said about SS. Make sure you tell them the effective date. Mine will be at full (what they'll give me) benefits at 66.

[David223]

I started collecting SS as soon as I turned 62. I applied something like sixty days ahead of time. I applied on-line. Everything went smoothly, no hiccups at all. It's directly deposited into my checking account the second Wednesday every month.

A friend applied for SS by going to the local SS office. With the waiting he was there five hours.

[luvmyhoss]

Online you can sometimes apply four months in advance.

[reed303]

Here is the link to apply on-line https://secure.ssa.gov/iCLM/rib

Here is some info to be aware of:

Reminders:

• You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old to apply for retirement benefits.
• If you are already age 62, you may be able to start your benefits in the month you apply.
• You should apply for benefits no more than four months before the date you want your benefits to start.
• Benefits are paid the month after they are due. (If your benefits start in April, you will receive your first benefit payment in May.)

So it looks like you should best apply in Sept, "start" in Oct, for checks to arrive in Nov.

Good Luck.

[newmarlig]

Thank you. That was simple enough.