Hi Larry. When should I apply for SS? I’m waiting until Age70. I will be 70 years old on Aug8 2024 and am single. Also, you’ve recommended to write SSA to officially decline retroactive lump sum payments; what SS office do I write to, local or federal, or can I do so online? Thanks for a great column, so helpful.

Hi. You can apply for benefits up to 4 months in advance of the month you want to claim benefits, so if you want to start your benefits at age 70 you can apply as early as April 2024. You don't need to write to Social Security in advance to decline retroactive benefits. When you file your application, you'll be given options for which month to start your benefits. All you need to do is specify on your application that you want to claim your benefits effective with August 2024.

Best, Jerry