I turn 70 on December 28th of this year (2018). When I apply for my S.S. benefits (at age 70) what entitlement month do I put on my application--December, 2018 OR January, 2019? I want to be sure that my benefits will be based on age 70 and that I will not receive any retroactive payments that would (in effect) reduce my permanent benefit amount. Thanks.

Hi,

You should choose December 2018 as your month of election to start your retirement benefits. Social Security checks are actually paid a month behind, though, so your first payment won't be due until the 4th Wednesday in January 2019 (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.01/handbook-0121.html).

Best, Jerry