Hello!
At age 66 in June '17, I voluntarily suspended my SS benefits by calling SS. I was on SS Disability until age 66. In Nov. '19 I want to start benefits. How many months in advance can I call them? Do I call to make an phone appointment in advance? Thanks very much

Hi,

There's not a specific limit on how far in advance that you can request reinstatement of your benefits, but since you suspended your benefits after April 29 2016 you must request reinstatement no later that the month prior to the month that you want your benefits reinstated (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0202409130). Before doing so, however, you may want to consider using our software to determine the effect that it will have on your benefits.

You don't need to make an appointment to reinstate your benefits, nor do I think Social Security would let you make an appointment for that purpose. A request for reinstatement can be submitted orally or in writing, so you could request reinstatement by phone if you so choose. However, a written request would probably be preferable in order to establish a paper trail.

Best, Jerry