Ask Larry

Is There Any Way To Claim Benefits More Than Six Months Back?

I forget to apply my social security benefits when I turned 70 years old ,I finally got it done after 11 months delay. social security gave me 6 months retroactive benefits . but I was 5 months short of benefits if I apply it on time. is there anyway to go back more than 6 months?
thank you
Caleb

Hi Caleb. No. Six months is the maximum amount of retroactivity allowed for Social Security retirement benefits under Social Security law (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204030).

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Aug 12 2021 - 4:52pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.