Can't find where to request retroactive SS benefits on online application - put it in comments section?

You actually handled this correctly! The comments section at the end of the online application is precisely where you should request retroactive benefits if you're already at or past your Full Retirement Age. Since you're 70, you're definitely eligible for those retroactive months (up to 6 months max for retirement benefits). The fact that an SSA agent already reviewed your application and confirmed your comments were clear is a very good sign. In my experience, they'll process this correctly based on your comments. When they calculate your benefits, they should include October and November 2024 as you requested. I would suggest calling to check the status in about 3 weeks as you planned, rather than making a separate appointment. Just make sure when you call to specifically ask them to confirm the retroactive months were included.

I went through something similar last year. Put your mind at ease - the comments section works fine for requesting retroactive benefits. The SSA processes thousands of these requests. Since an agent already told you it looks good, you're in great shape! No need for an appointment unless they contact you first. Just follow up with a status check call in a few weeks like you planned.

i did my application online last month and also put stuff in comments. the website is NOT user friendly AT ALL!!! so frustrating trying to figure out where to put important information. i'm still waiting to hear back but at least you got confirmation yours looks good.

You're fine. The comments section is where retroactive requests go on the online app. I work with retirees and this comes up ALL THE TIME. As long as you're beyond FRA (which at 70 you definitely are), you can get up to 6 months retroactive on retirement benefits. Sounds like you did everything right. The email confirmation and agent review are good signs.

Getting through to an actual person at Social Security is a miracle these days! I've been trying to reach someone about my wife's benefits for WEEKS. Always busy signals or disconnects after waiting for hours. How did you manage to talk to an agent so quickly? About your question though - yes, comments section is fine for retroactive request. That's where I had to put mine too. Got my retroactive benefits without any issues.

To answer how I got through to someone - pure luck I think! I called first thing in the morning (right when they opened at 8am) and only had to wait about 25 minutes. But I've definitely had the busy signals and disconnects before too. It's incredibly frustrating.

Another thing worth noting - since you're 70, you've maximized your delayed retirement credits (DRCs). Setting your start date as December doesn't actually increase your benefit amount further. You could technically request retroactive benefits all the way back to April 2024 (6 months max) if you wanted to. Just something to consider when you call to check status.

does anyone know if they deposit retroactive payments separate or include it with ur first regular payment? i hear its a lump sum but not sure when they send it

Looks like you've got good advice already. One thing I'd add is to print a copy of your application confirmation and save that email saying your application was assigned. Documentation is so important with SSA! I'd still call in a few weeks as planned - if they don't mention the retroactive benefits, specifically ask if they processed the request in your comments. Better to be proactive than have to fix it later.

I'm confused about something. I thought you only get retroactive pay if you file AFTER your full retirement age? I'm 63 and planning to claim next year. Can I get retroactive payments too?