Applied for Social Security at 70 while still working - how long until first payment arrives?

First payments typically take 6-8 weeks to process after approval, so you're still within the normal timeframe. Since you applied in your birthday month, you'll receive your first payment the month after you applied. You'll get retroactive benefits back to January (your FRA month) in a separate payment, which might come at the same time or shortly after your first regular payment. If it goes beyond 8 weeks, definitely call SSA to check on status. Make sure you have your confirmation number from the online application handy.

Just FYI - you didn't actually need to wait until your birthday month to apply. You could have applied up to 4 months before turning 70 and specified January as your start month. But no worries, you'll get retroactive benefits to January. Your payment will be on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday of each month based on your birth date: - 1st-10th: Second Wednesday - 11th-20th: Third Wednesday - 21st-31st: Fourth Wednesday Also, since you're still working, be aware the SSA will periodically review your earnings through tax records. At 70 there's no earnings limit, but your benefit amount could potentially increase if your current earnings are higher than previous years used in your calculation.

dont worry about it I applied at 69 and it took almost 2 months to get my first check! they dont tell you theres a waiting period which is anoying. but I got all the back money they owed me.

The SSA is DELIBERATELY slow with everything!!! I waited 9 weeks for my first payment after turning 66 last year. NINE WEEKS while they sat on my application that was already approved! Meanwhile I had bills to pay. Their excuse? "Processing time" whatever that means. And good luck talking to anyone on the phone - I tried for DAYS and couldn't get through. Make sure you check your MySocialSecurity account online regularly. Sometimes they update the status there before sending anything in the mail. And screenshot everything in case they mess up your payment amount.

If you're concerned about the status, I'd recommend trying Claimyr to get through to a live SSA agent quickly. I was in a similar situation last year - approved but waiting for payment to start. After weeks of trying to get through on my own, I used their service and talked to an agent within 30 minutes. They were able to tell me exactly when my payment would arrive and confirm all my information was correct. Saved me so much time and stress! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

ive been working since i was 16 im 72 now and STILL working part time at walmart. when i started collecting at 70 it took about 7 weeks to get first payment. they did back pay me to my birthday month. good for you for still working! many people don't understand you can work AND collect ss after FRA with no penalties!!!

Quick clarification based on some of the comments - since you've passed your FRA (which was likely 66+some months, not 70), your retroactive benefits would technically be limited to 6 months maximum. However, since you applied in January and it's now only been about 6 weeks, you're still within the retroactive period. You'll receive all benefits due from January forward. Also, one important thing to remember is that since you're still working, Social Security benefits are taxable if your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of SS benefits) exceeds $25,000 for singles. Up to 85% of your benefits could be subject to income tax depending on your total income. Something to plan for when tax time comes around!

I waited FOREVER to get my first payment when I applied at 67 last summer. The online system is a mess. I finally called my congressman's office and they have a special liaison who helps with SS problems. Payment arrived two weeks later. Just saying, that's an option if it drags on too long.

Just checking in - any updates? Has your payment arrived yet?