Ask Larry

When Should I File My Application?

Turning 67 July 23, 2017.
Waiting to take SS until I turn 70 on July 23, 2020
My question is do I file on April 1 2020 or April 23, 2020
to get my 1st check on the 4th Wed of Aug 2020?
OR
Do I file on May 1, 2020 or May 23, 2020
to get my 1st check on the 4th Wed of Aug 2020?

Hi,

The exact date that you file for benefits isn't important. You can file any time up to 4 months in advance of your month of entitlement, so if you want to start benefits effective July 2020 you can file any time from March 1 2020 through July 2020. You could even file up to 6 months after that without a loss of benefits, but you would just be delaying receipt of your benefits by doing so.

And, if you start drawing effective with age 70 (i.e. July 2020 in your case), your first payment would be due on the 4th Wednesday of August 2020.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jul 13 2017 - 8:17am
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