Can Social Security pay 6 months retroactive benefits when filing at age 70 and 6 months?

Yes, this is accurate. Social Security will pay up to 6 months of retroactive benefits - but only for months where you were already eligible. Since benefits max out at age 70, and you're now 70 and 6 months, you should be eligible for those 6 months of retroactive payments at the age 70 benefit amount. The SSA rep may have been confused because retroactive benefits work differently for people filing before Full Retirement Age. Make sure this is clearly documented in your application!

When I applied at 70 and 3 months last year, I automatically received 3 months of backpay without asking. The payment showed up about a week after my application was approved. Since you're applying at 70 and 6 months, you SHOULD get the full 6 months of retroactive benefits that SS allows. If the SSA rep seemed confused, maybe ask to speak with a different representative?

my cousin waited until he was 71 to apply and they only gave him 6 months back, not the full year he missed. so yeah theres definitely a 6 month limit, thats just how ssa works

I've been trying to reach someone at SSA for THREE WEEKS about my own retroactive payment issue (filed at exactly 70). They keep saying 2-hour wait times and then hanging up on me! Does anyone know if there's a way to actually get through to a human being without wasting your entire day??? So frustrating!!

The 6-month retroactive benefit rule is consistent across different Social Security benefit types, but it's important to understand some nuances: 1. For retirement benefits claimed AFTER Full Retirement Age (FRA), you can receive up to 6 months of retroactive benefits, but not earlier than your FRA. 2. For retirement benefits claimed AT Full Retirement Age, you can receive up to 6 months of retroactive benefits, but not before age 62. 3. For retirement benefits claimed BEFORE Full Retirement Age, there are NO retroactive benefits. Early filing is always prospective. 4. For disability benefits, you can receive up to 12 months of retroactive benefits (different rule). Since you're applying at 70½, you should automatically receive 6 months of retroactive benefits at your age 70 benefit amount (the maximum). The SSA representative should have known this, as it's standard procedure for post-70 claims.

When I filed at 70 last year the backpay came separately from my regular monthly benefits. Took almost 4 weeks after my application was approved to get the lump sum. Just wanted to give you a heads up so you don't panic if you don't see it right away!

does anyone know if they tax the backpay different? getting 6 months all at once seems like it would push me into higher bracket

Make sure when you get your award letter that it clearly shows the retroactive period! My husband's initial letter didn't mention his backpay at all and we had to call to get it corrected. Once they fixed it in their system, the payment arrived within days. Also, be prepared that the backpay comes as a separate deposit from your regular monthly benefit. And definitely check the mySSA portal online regularly - sometimes it shows updates before you get official mail.

Just wanted to add that if you're still working part-time, make sure to let SSA know about your earnings when you apply. Even though you're past 70 and there's no earnings limit, they'll need this info for tax reporting purposes. Also, since you mentioned the rep seemed confused - I'd recommend getting everything in writing or asking for a supervisor if you have any doubts. With retroactive benefits potentially worth thousands of dollars, it's worth making sure they process everything correctly the first time. Good luck with your application!

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago when I applied at 70 and 4 months. The good news is that yes, you should absolutely get those 6 months of retroactive benefits! It's automatic - you don't need to specifically request it. The SSA rep being confused is unfortunately pretty common - I had to speak with three different people before I got someone who knew the rules properly. My advice: document everything, get confirmation in writing if possible, and don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor if you feel like you're not getting accurate information. The retroactive payment came about 3 weeks after my regular benefits started, and it was definitely worth the wait. You're doing the right thing by asking questions here - better to be informed than miss out on money you're entitled to!

As someone who just went through this process 6 months ago at age 70 and 2 months, I can confirm you should definitely get those 6 months of retroactive benefits! The key thing is that Social Security benefits max out at age 70, so any months after that where you delay filing, you're entitled to retroactive payments up to the 6-month limit. A few tips from my experience: First, make sure your application clearly states your desired start date - they should automatically calculate the retroactive period, but it doesn't hurt to mention it. Second, if the SSA rep seems uncertain, politely ask to speak with someone else or a supervisor. I encountered the same confusion initially. Third, keep detailed records of all your conversations and get any important information in writing if possible. The retroactive payment will likely come as a separate lump sum deposit a few weeks after your regular monthly benefits begin. In my case, it was about $18,000 for the 6 months I had delayed, so it's definitely worth making sure they get it right! Don't let a confused representative cost you money you're legally entitled to receive.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - turning 70 next month and planning to file soon after. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! It sounds like the 6-month retroactive benefit is definitely something you're entitled to, but the key seems to be making sure you get a knowledgeable SSA representative. One thing I'm curious about - for those of you who successfully received the retroactive payments, did you have to provide any special documentation about when you became eligible, or was it all handled automatically based on your birth date and application date? I want to make sure I have everything ready when I apply to avoid any delays or confusion. Also, it's really concerning how many people are reporting that SSA reps don't seem to know these rules. Makes me wonder if there's some kind of training issue going on. Either way, thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is going to save me a lot of headaches when I apply!

I just want to echo what others have said - you absolutely should receive those 6 months of retroactive benefits! I'm a former SSA employee (retired 3 years ago), and this is standard procedure for anyone filing after age 70. The confusion from the rep is unfortunately not uncommon, especially with newer employees who may not be familiar with all the retroactive payment rules. Here's what should happen: When you file at 70½, the system automatically calculates retroactive benefits back to your 70th birthday (6 months). You don't need to request it separately - it's built into the process. The payment typically arrives 2-4 weeks after your first regular monthly benefit, as a separate lump sum deposit. If you continue to get pushback or confusion from SSA staff, ask specifically for a "claims specialist" or supervisor who handles retirement applications. Also, reference Program Operations Manual System (POMS) section RS 00615.003 if you need to cite the official policy. Don't let anyone tell you that retroactive benefits only apply to early filers - that's completely incorrect for post-FRA applications. You've earned those benefits through decades of contributions, so make sure you get every penny you're entitled to! Keep us posted on how it goes.

As someone who recently went through this process at 70 and 8 months, I can absolutely confirm you should receive those 6 months of retroactive benefits! The maximum retroactive period is indeed 6 months for retirement benefits, so even though I waited longer, I still only got 6 months back - but that's exactly what the law allows. What really helped me was being persistent when I encountered confusion from SSA staff. I actually printed out the relevant pages from the SSA website about retroactive benefits before my appointment, which came in handy when the first representative I spoke with wasn't sure about the rules. Don't be afraid to politely ask for clarification or to speak with someone else if you're not getting clear answers. The retroactive payment came about 5 weeks after my regular benefits started, as a separate direct deposit. It was definitely worth the wait! One thing to keep in mind - since you mentioned you're still working part-time, make sure SSA has your current earnings information for tax reporting purposes, even though there's no earnings test after age 70. You're absolutely right to ask questions and make sure you get what you're entitled to. Those 6 months of benefits can add up to a significant amount of money. Good luck with your application!

I'm in a very similar situation - turning 70 in about 2 months and have been debating when to file. This thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea about the 6-month retroactive benefit rule for post-70 filers. My financial advisor mentioned I should file right at 70 to maximize benefits, but after reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like there's actually a 6-month buffer where I won't lose money if I'm a bit late with my application. The concerning thing is how many people have encountered SSA reps who don't seem to know these rules. Based on what everyone's shared, I'm definitely going to come prepared with printed documentation from the SSA website and that POMS reference someone mentioned (RS 00615.003). It's unfortunate we have to essentially educate the people who are supposed to be helping us, but thousands of dollars are at stake so it's worth being prepared. One question for those who've been through this - did any of you have issues because you were still working when you applied? I'm planning to continue working part-time after I start collecting benefits, and I want to make sure that doesn't complicate the retroactive payment process. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this community is invaluable for navigating these complex rules!

Welcome to the community! As someone who just went through this exact process 4 months ago (filed at 70 and 7 months), I can definitely confirm that you should receive those 6 months of retroactive benefits. It's absolutely automatic - the system calculates it based on your birth date and application date. The confusion from SSA reps is unfortunately very common with this particular rule. In my experience, many of them are more familiar with early filing scenarios and get mixed up about post-70 retroactive benefits. When I applied, the first rep I spoke with told me I wasn't eligible for any backpay since I was "too late" - which was completely wrong! My advice: if you continue to get pushback, ask to speak with a supervisor or claims specialist who handles retirement applications specifically. Also, don't hesitate to mention that you're aware of the 6-month retroactive benefit rule for post-FRA filers - sometimes that helps them realize they need to double-check the policy. The retroactive payment came as a separate lump sum about 3 weeks after my regular monthly benefits started. It was a substantial amount (around $15,000 in my case), so definitely worth making sure they process it correctly. Your neighbor was right - you shouldn't leave that money on the table! Keep us posted on how your application goes.

I'm actually a Social Security Administration contact representative, and I wanted to clarify some important points about retroactive benefits that might help clear up the confusion you experienced. You are absolutely correct that you're entitled to up to 6 months of retroactive benefits when filing after age 70. This is governed by Section 202(j)(4) of the Social Security Act. Since you're applying at 70½, you should automatically receive 6 months of retroactive payments calculated at your age-70 benefit rate (which is your maximum possible benefit). The confusion from the representative you spoke with is unfortunately not uncommon, as some staff may be more familiar with the rules for early filing (where no retroactive benefits are available) versus post-Full Retirement Age filing. The key distinction is that after your FRA, you can receive retroactive benefits, but they're capped at 6 months and cannot go back earlier than your FRA. When you follow up on your application, you can reference POMS RS 00615.003 if needed, which outlines the retroactive benefit policy. The payment should be automatic - you don't need to make a special request. It typically arrives as a separate lump sum deposit 2-4 weeks after your regular monthly benefits begin. If you continue to encounter confusion, ask to speak with a claims specialist or supervisor who handles retirement applications. Don't let misinformation cost you benefits you've rightfully earned through decades of contributions!

Welcome to the community! I just wanted to add my voice to everyone else's - you're absolutely entitled to those 6 months of retroactive benefits at age 70½. I'm currently 69 and have been researching this exact topic as I prepare for my own filing next year. What's been most helpful from reading through everyone's experiences is that while the benefit is automatic, you definitely need to be prepared to advocate for yourself if you encounter a confused representative. The fact that so many people have had similar issues with SSA reps not knowing the post-70 retroactive benefit rules is honestly pretty alarming. I'm already planning to print out the relevant SSA website pages and keep that POMS reference (RS 00615.003) handy when I apply. It sounds like having the official policy documentation ready can save a lot of time and frustration. The amounts people are talking about - $15,000-$18,000 for 6 months - really show how important it is to make sure this gets processed correctly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially the current SSA representative who provided the official clarification. This thread is going to be incredibly valuable for anyone in a similar situation!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly grateful for all the detailed responses here! I'm 68 and planning to file at 70, but reading about everyone's experiences with confused SSA representatives is both concerning and eye-opening. It's shocking how many people have encountered reps who don't know the basic rules about retroactive benefits for post-70 filers. What strikes me most is how consistent the advice is across all your experiences: come prepared with documentation, don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor, and be persistent about getting accurate information. The fact that we need to essentially educate SSA staff about their own policies is frustrating, but clearly necessary given what everyone's shared. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread and taking notes on all the references you've provided - especially that POMS section RS 00615.003 and Social Security Act Section 202(j)(4). Having both the policy manual reference and the actual law should help if I run into any issues. The amounts people are mentioning for 6 months of retroactive benefits ($15,000-$18,000) really drive home how important it is to get this right. Thank you all for sharing your real-world experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical knowledge that makes navigating Social Security so much easier!