Ask Larry

When Should I Apply To Begin Receiving My Maximum Benefits?

I turn 70 years old 2021 on June 23rd. I want to start taking my Social Security on July 1st of 2021. When should I apply to SS to begin receiving my maximum benefits?

Hi,

You can submit your application up to 4 months prior to the month that you want to claim your benefits, but it sounds like you would want to claim benefits effective with June 2021, not July. Social Security considers you to be age 70 for the entire month in which you reach that age, so if you turn 70 on June 23 2021 you'll be eligible for your full age 70 rate if you claim benefits effective with June 2021. Since you were born after the 20th of the month your payments will be delivered on the 4th Wednesday of each month, so your payment for June 2021 will be delivered on the 4th Wednesday of July 2021.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Aug 2 2020 - 10:34am
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