What is the effective date of my application for social Security benefits? Specifically, I learned I should not have delayed my application and went to my local SS Office to apply. They could not make an appointment for me until 2 months later. So I drove across the state to another SS Office and the agent there said the actual date of my application would be the date I requested an appointment, not the date of the appointment. Is this correct? Have I lost 2 months? or not?

Hi,

No, it doesn't sound like it. When you make an appointment with Social Security to file for benefits, a protective filing date is established as of the date you make the appointment. So, even if your actual appointment date is 2 months after you make the appointment, you can choose to use your initial contact date as your filing date. Which filing date you choose optional, though, so you could use either your protective filing date or your actual filing date.

Best, Jerry