This is slightly different from the 2/17/2017 question about when to apply for deferred benefits. In that case the person had not been receiving benefits. I will turn 70 in August but I have been claiming a spousal benefit for several years. I want to cancel the spousal and start my own. My wife will start claiming her full benefit at that point. Assuming I start in August, will I receive credit for August at the new amount (to be paid in September)? Or does the new rate start in September (to be paid in October)? A person from SSA said the new rate starts in the month after I turn 70 (Sept). I can't find a document spelling that out. Thanks!

Hi,

If you reach age 70 in August you would receive your full age 70 rate if you claim your benefits effective with August, which is the payment normally issued in September. You don't have to be age 70 for the entire month in order to qualify for your full age 70 rate. And, you don't need to cancel your spousal benefits. Those benefits will automatically terminate effective with the month you claim higher benefits on your own record.

By the way, if your 70th birthday happens to fall on August 1st, you'd receive your full age 70 rate if you claim your benefits starting effective with July. Social Security counts you as reaching your next age on the day before your birthday (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300615015).

Best, Jerry