Ask Larry

Can I Apply Online For My Benefits If I'm Already Receiving Spousal Benefits?

My wife took her SS benefits at 66 (DOB 3-21-52) and I filed spousal benefits. Now, I will need to file for my own benefits on August 27th ,2022. (my DOB 8-27-1952 ) Can I do this on line or do I need to make an appointment with SS office in person? How far ahead of time do we have to do this?

Hi. I think you'll be able to apply online, but I can't be sure. You can certainly try filing online and then if that doesn't work you can call Social Security to make an appointment to apply by phone. Social Security permits applications to be filed up to 4 months prior to the month that you want to claim benefits, so you could apply as early as April 1 2022 in order to claim benefits effective with August 2022.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Feb 27 2022 - 8:17am
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