Can I delay Social Security filing until my birthday after FRA for higher monthly benefits?

Yes! This is exactly what I did. Reached my FRA last May but didn't file for benefits until December. Each month after FRA adds 2/3 of 1% to your benefit (that's 8% per year) so the increase is definitely real. If you don't need the money immediately, waiting is usually smart. Think about it - where else can you get a guaranteed 8% annual return these days?

You're absolutely right about the delay credits. Social Security increases your benefit by 8% annually (or 2/3% monthly) for each year you delay past your FRA, up until age 70. This is called a Delayed Retirement Credit (DRC). One thing to consider: You don't actually need to wait until your birthday specifically. The increase happens monthly, so your February 2026 birthday doesn't have any special significance. You'll get the same increase whether you file in February or January 2026. If you're retiring in June 2023, just remember that you can file retroactively for up to 6 months after FRA if you change your mind later. This gives you some flexibility with your decision.

weve ALL been there!! the SS website is sooo confusing. i thought the same thing with MY birthday but its not about birthdays. every month u wait after FRA u get more $$

DONT DELAY!!! take the money now!!! the government is hoping you DIE before collecting what you paid in all those years!!!! they count on people delaying and then DYING before they get back what they put in. I took mine the MINUTE I could.

As others have mentioned, your monthly benefit increases by 2/3 of 1% for each month you delay past your FRA. Since you reached FRA last November and are considering filing in February 2026, that's about 15 months of delay credits, which equals a 10% permanent increase in your monthly benefit. Regarding Medicare: If you're already 65+ and haven't enrolled in Medicare Part B yet, be careful about potential late enrollment penalties. You typically need to sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period (around your 65th birthday) or during the Special Enrollment Period if you've been covered by employer insurance. Don't wait until you file for Social Security to handle Medicare.

Is your birthday amount higher because you'll have stopped working? Or just from the delay? My sister thought her amount went up on her birthday too but it was because they included her last year of earnings which happened to update around her birthday.

I tried calling SS to ask a similar question last month and spent THREE DAYS trying to get through!!! Kept getting disconnected or put on hold for hours. Finally gave up and just filed online without getting my questions answered. So frustrating!

just 2 add my experience i waited 9 months after my FRA got an extra $175/month for life!! totally worth it 4 me!!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! Sounds like waiting those extra months after I retire in June will definitely be worth it for the permanent increase. I've decided to go ahead with my plan, but I now understand it's the number of months delayed that matters, not specifically waiting for my birthday. I'll probably file in January or February next year to get those extra delay credits.

Great decision, Freya! Just wanted to add one more consideration since you mentioned retiring in June but not filing until January/February - make sure you understand how this impacts your taxes. Those delay credits will increase your monthly benefit permanently, but remember that Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on your other income. Since you'll have earned income for part of 2025, it might be worth running the numbers with a tax professional to see if there's an optimal filing month from a tax perspective. Sometimes spreading the income across tax years can be beneficial. Good luck with your retirement!