Can I backdate SS retirement benefits to January when I'm past FRA?

Yes, you can absolutely backdate your application when you're past your Full Retirement Age. SSA allows backdating for up to 6 months when you're past FRA, so January 2025 should be within that window assuming you're applying now in 2025. When you complete the application (either online or with an agent), there will be a question asking when you want your benefits to start. That's where you'll indicate January. The online application can be found by logging into your mySocialSecurity account at ssa.gov, then look for the 'Apply for Retirement Benefits' button on your dashboard. The entire application takes about 15-20 minutes if you have all your information ready.

I tried to backdate mine last year and they only gave me 3 months even though I asked for 6!!! Make sure you CALL THEM after you submit the application to confirm they got your backdate request right. The online system is super glitchy with backdating sometimes. I had to fight with them for weeks to get it fixed.

Just to add some clarification - when you're in the online application, you'll reach a section titled "Start Month" or "When do you want your benefits to begin?" That's where you select January 2025. One important thing to note: since you're past your FRA, backdating is limited to 6 months maximum. Also, if you were working and earning above the earnings limit before your FRA, backdating might not be as beneficial. But since you're beyond FRA now, there's no earnings limit to worry about. The application is indeed on your mySocialSecurity account. After logging in, look for a section about benefits or applications - it varies slightly depending on your account setup, but it's generally easy to find on the main dashboard.

I was in a similar situation back in October. I wanted to share something that helped me tremendously - I tried for days to get through to SSA on the phone to ask questions about backdating my application, but it was impossible to reach anyone. I kept getting disconnected or put on hold for hours. Finally, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU It saved me so much frustration, and the agent was able to help me backdate my application properly. Just thought I'd share since the phone situation with SSA is still terrible.

my wife just did this last month! she found the apply button right on the front page after logging in to mysocialsecurity. just make sure you have your marriage certificate handy and your banking info for direct deposit. took her about 30 mins total.

confused why you want January specifically?? if you can go back 6 months why not go back the full 6 months you're allowed?? you'd get more money that way!!

Just be careful about the retroactive payment. When I backdated mine 4 months, I got a huge lump sum payment that pushed me into a higher tax bracket for that year! Wasn't expecting that tax hit.

Does anyone know if you have to take your Medicare at the same time as SS? I already have Medicare but wasn't sure if backdating SS would mess with that somehow?

One more critical point about backdating past FRA: while you can get up to 6 months of retroactive benefits, be aware that any months you backdate means you're giving up the delayed retirement credits (DRCs) you earned for those months. Since you're about a year past your FRA, you've earned approximately an 8% increase to your benefit amount (DRCs add about 8% per year). If you backdate to January, you'll lose the DRCs for those months between January and now. That said, getting those retroactive payments might outweigh the slightly lower monthly benefit amount going forward. It's a personal decision based on your financial needs and life expectancy.

As someone who just went through this process myself, I wanted to add a few practical tips that might help you navigate the application smoothly: 1. Have your W-2s or tax returns from the last 2 years handy - the system sometimes asks for earnings information to verify your record. 2. If you're married, you'll need your spouse's Social Security number and birth date even if they're not applying. 3. The "Apply for Retirement Benefits" button is usually prominently displayed on your mySocialSecurity dashboard, but if you don't see it right away, look under a "Benefits" or "Apply" section. 4. Regarding the backdate decision that @Dmitry Volkov mentioned - you're absolutely right to consider the trade-off between the lump sum and losing some delayed retirement credits. A rough rule of thumb is that if you need the money now and don't expect to live much past average life expectancy, the lump sum might be better. If you're in good health and expect a longer retirement, keeping the higher monthly amount might be preferable. Good luck with your application! The online process is actually quite user-friendly once you get started.