I turn my FRA of 66 this April 15th 2019 (Born 1953). I began a Retirement application with the SSA to begin collecting my benefits as soon as possible after hitting my FRA.
My question is in the section where they ask when I want my benefits to begin, do I put April 2019 or May 2019 ? I want to make sure I receive 100% of my FRA benefit.

Thank You

Hi,

If you want to start your benefits effective with your full retirement age (FRA) and your birthdate is April 15 1953, you'd want to choose April 2019 as your month of election to begin drawing benefits. That's the benefit payment that Social Security would normally pay in May 2019, since they pay benefits a month behind.

Before you make your final decision regarding when to start drawing your benefits, you may want to strongly consider using our software to explore and compare your options. Depending on your circumstances, you may have much better filing options available to you.

Best, Jerry