Ask Larry

What Happens If You Don't File When You Reach Age 70?

What happens if you fail to start collecting social security after reaching age 70? If you finally notify social security at age 72, will they make a lump sum payment of the past benefits that you were previously eligible for?

Hi,

Social Security retirement benefits cannot be paid retroactively for more than 6 months prior to the month of filing. So, if you didn't file until age 72, you could only receive 6 months of back pay.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Nov 4 2016 - 10:15am
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