Question about timeline for applying for SS at Full Retirement Age (date, benefits)

[Cabezablanca]

Hello,

I will soon turn 66, and in four months, according to SS, I will reach my Full Retirement Age (FRA). I have read to allow 3-4 months for benefits to begin after submitting the online application. Therefore, I would like to apply soon. But I have a few questions regarding the process and the timeline. Perhaps some kind person who remembers their experience in applying can answer them for me. First question:

On the online application, is there a place where I can specify exactly when I want my SS benefits to begin?

I do not want to apply and then just leave it up to SS to automatically start my benefits once the application is processed at some point during those 3-4 months. I want to avoid the risk of benefits starting before my official FRA.

And I did not want to start the application only to find that there was no way to specify a desired start date not be able to back out of the process.

Another question:

Based on others' real experience, for my benefits to start at my FRA (April 2023), when would be a realistic time to apply online?

Many thanks to all who read this and those who reply. Sharing your help and experience is much appreciated.

[Parnassia]

Got this right off the SSA website. You can apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to start. First, create a user account. You can choose to start the application but go back and complete it later. You can also choose an actual date you want your benefit to start.

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10523.pdf

[Jessie Mitchell]

You can specify when you want it to begin. I applied about 3 months before my 66th birthday. If for some reason the processing of your claim goes past your desired start date, they will back-you.

[selhars]

But , I believe I've read somewhere to remember that your FRA benefit begins for the first full month you are at FRA. (as opposed to the month in which you reach FRA.) And benefits are paid in arrears.

So you may turn (reach) FRA in early, mid, or late July, the FRA benefit begins for August, which is payable in September. Except: If you were born on the 1st of the month, we figure your benefit (and your full retirement age) as if your birthday was in the previous month.

[Cabezablanca]

Thank you to everyone who has responded. The answers and information you have given are perfect. It is all exactly what I was looking for and hoping to see. Much appreciated!

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Cabezablanca

Hello,
... On the online application, is there a place where I can specify exactly when I want my SS benefits to begin?

Yes.

You specify when you want your benefit to begin.

.... Based on others' real experience, for my benefits to start at my FRA (April 2023), when would be a realistic time to apply online?

Four months prior to the date.

Just remember that your April 2023 check will not arrive until May 2023.

[Cabezablanca]

Originally Posted by Submariner

Yes.

You specify when you want your benefit to begin.





Four months prior to the date.

Just remember that your April 2023 check will not arrive until May 2023.

Thank you very much for posting this. It is very helpful, and I am much obliged to you.

[10-23]

Just so I understand, I applied in October for a February check. Can I expect a check in February?

[Hefe]

Originally Posted by 10-23

Just so I understand, I applied in October for a February check. Can I expect a check in February?

If you applied in October for SS benefits to begin in February you will recieve that check in March.

If you applied for benefits to begin in January you will recieve the check in February.

[10-23]

Originally Posted by Hefe

If you applied in October for SS benefits to begin in February you will recieve that check in March.

If you applied for benefits to begin in January you will recieve the check in February.

Thanks!