Dear Larry,.

I turn 70 on June 20th 2023

Today, February 12, I began but did not complete, sign and date the application to receive my full Social; Security benefits at the 70 year old level of benefits. The website suggested however, that today , February 12th , the day I started the application, "may" be the Date of the application.
Does that mean I will considered to have applied 8 days shy of 4 months prior to my 70th birthday, And therefore, my benefits will fall short of the 70 year old level, OR...
Can I SUBMIT it four months prior to by birthday, on or after February 20th and qualify for the FULL benefits?
What are the accurate legal details?

Hi. Not to worry. You can submit applications up to 4 months prior to the MONTH you want to start your benefits. It doesn't matter what day you were born in the month you want your benefits to start. So, regardless of what DAY you were born, if you want to claim benefits effective with June 2023 you can submit your application to Social Security as early as February 1 2023. And, if you turn age 70 on June 20 2023, starting your benefits effective with June 2023 will result in you receiving your maximum possible monthly Social Security retirement benefit rate.

Just an FYI, though, Social Security pays benefits a month behind, so your benefit payment for June will be scheduled for payment in July.

Best, Jerry