Ask Larry

When Should I Apply For My Benefits?

Today is April 5, 2021. I'll be 70 years old in August 2021. If I apply this month, when will I receive my first check? Should I wait another couple of months? When should I apply for my Social Security benefits?

Hi. If you apply now you could choose to start your benefits effective with any month from October 2000 to August 2021. If you were born on any day from August 2nd 1951 through September 1st 1951, you'd want to choose August 2021 as the month to start your Social Security retirement benefits assuming that you want to receive your maximum age 70 rate. Social Security pays benefits a month behind, though, so if you choose to start your benefits effective with August your first payment would be scheduled for payment in September.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 6 2021 - 6:16am
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.