Can I still apply for Social Security during the full 3-month window before turning 62 while hospitalized?

First, I hope you're feeling better soon! Yes, you have the entire 3-month period before your birthday month to apply. So if you're turning 62 in April, you can apply anytime in January, February, or March. You haven't missed your window yet.As for applying while hospitalized, you have several options:1. Apply online at ssa.gov (if you have internet access and someone can bring you a laptop/tablet)2. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone3. Have a family member or friend help you with the online application4. In some cases, you can designate someone to serve as your representative to help with the processThe online application is probably the easiest route if possible, but phone works too if you can get through to them.

Thank you so much for the reassurance! My daughter is bringing her laptop tomorrow, so I'll try the online route first. One more question - will my benefits still start at the same time regardless of whether I apply in early January versus late March? Or does applying earlier in the 3-month window mean I get paid sooner?

my sister just went thru this last yr. the 3 months is the whole time period so ur still ok!! benefits start the month AFTER u turn 62 no matter when u apply during the 3 months. just make sure u actually get it done b4 ur bday month starts!!

Thanks! That helps a lot. I'm going to try to get it done this week just to be safe.

I had a similar situation when I broke my hip right before I was planning to apply. The 3-month window is misleading because Social Security makes it sound like you can apply

OMG the phone thing is so true. i tried calling for my mom EIGHT TIMES before i got through. wish i'd known about that service!

TERRIBLE system we have!!! Seniors in the HOSPITAL expected to navigate this complicated system just to get our OWN MONEY we paid into all our lives!!! Why don't hospitals have social workers to help with this??? My brother missed his window and lost 2 months of payments because no one told him about the deadlines!!!!

Actually, many hospitals do have social workers who can assist with things like Social Security applications. OP, you might want to ask your nurse if the hospital has social services available. They often do help patients with benefit applications, especially if you're having an extended stay.

I didn't even think about asking the hospital staff! I'll definitely check with my nurse tomorrow about social services. And thank you everyone for the quick responses - feeling much less anxious about this now.

Quick note - if you're turning 62, remember your FRA (Full Retirement Age) is probably 67 depending on your birth year. Applying at 62 means you'll get permanently reduced benefits (about 30% less than waiting until FRA). Just making sure you've considered this in your planning!

Yes, I've thought about this quite a bit. My health hasn't been great (obviously), and my family doesn't tend to live into their 80s, so I decided taking reduced benefits earlier makes more sense for my situation. But thank you for making sure I'd considered it!

when i applied for ss my daughter helped me do it online it was pretty easy actually took like 20 minutes but we had all my docs ready (birth certificate, ss card, bank info for direct deposit) make sure u have all that stuff!

btw if u do call them instead of online the wait times are CRAZY early in the month. try calling on like a wednesday afternoon in the 3rd week of the month its way better.

One more thing to consider - if you're currently receiving health insurance through an employer or your spouse's employer, make sure you understand how starting Social Security might affect that coverage. Sometimes there are rules about Medicare coordination once you begin receiving Social Security benefits, even if you're not 65 yet. Just something to look into before finalizing your application.

Oh that's a good point. I'm on my husband's insurance through his employer (he's 64 and still working). I'll have to check with his HR department about this. Thanks for bringing it up!

Hope you recover quickly! Just wanted to add that if you do end up needing someone to help you apply, make sure they have all your personal information ready - Social Security number, birth certificate info, work history for the last couple years, and your bank account details for direct deposit. The SSA website also lets you create a "my Social Security" account ahead of time which can speed up the process. If your daughter is helping with the laptop, she could even help you set that up first. Wishing you a smooth application process and speedy recovery!