On what exact date
do I apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits
to make sure I maximize my Social Security Retirement Benefits
(Primary Insurance Amount)
at/after age 70?

My date of birth is in Oct. 1950.

I am currently delaying benefits and need to know the exact date to apply to maximize benefits and where this answer is in writing...

The SSA cannot tell me after several phone calls and written letters mailed to them -- they just give me generic info from their website, which does not answer the specific question and where in their rules and regulations it is in writing...

Thank you.

Hi,

There isn't an exact date that you need to apply. If you were born on any day other than the 1st of October 1950, you'd want to claim your Social Security retirement benefits effective October 2020 in order to receive your highest possible benefit rate. You'd want to choose September 2020 if you happen to have been born on the 1st of October 1950.

Social Security allows you to file an application up to 4 months in advance of the month that you want to claim benefits, or you can apply up to 6 months after the month you reach 70 and still claim your benefits retroactive to the month you turned 70. Therefore, you could file your application anytime between June 1 2020 through April 30 2021 and still be able to claim October 2020 as your month of election to start your benefits.

Best, Jerry