Is it too late to apply for Social Security benefits starting January 2025?
I just turned 66 and 2 months (my FRA) in late December and was planning to start my Social Security retirement benefits in January 2025. But with the holidays and family stuff, I completely forgot to submit my application! It's already mid-January now - is it too late to get my benefits started for January? Or will I lose that month's payment and have to start with February instead? I tried calling but after 2 hours on hold I got disconnected. Any advice from those who've been in this situation would be really appreciated!
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Mia Roberts
You still have time! Social Security allows retroactive applications for retirement benefits for up to 6 months (though not before FRA). Since January 2025 just started, you're well within that window. File your application ASAP through ssa.gov or by calling your local office, and specifically request a January 2025 start date on your application. Make sure to mention that you reached FRA in December. You'll likely get your January payment in February, with future payments coming on schedule.
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Grace Lee
•Thank you so much for this info! What a relief. I was worried I'd lost out on a whole month's worth of benefits. I'll get my application submitted online today and make sure to specify January as the start date.
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The Boss
went thru this last yr. just make sure u tell them u want jan start date when u apply. they can backdate but only 6 months and not before FRA. if u do online app theres a question about when u want benefits to start
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Grace Lee
•Thanks! It's reassuring to hear from someone who went through this recently. I'll definitely specify January as my start date on the application.
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Evan Kalinowski
I think you might be out of luck honestly. The SSA is VERY strict about their deadlines and I've heard they don't make exceptions. My cousin missed filing by just a few days and they made him lose a whole month of payments. It's ridiculous how they treat seniors!!! You might as well try but prepare to be disappointed - that's just how the government works unfortunately.
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Mia Roberts
•This information isn't accurate. Social Security absolutely allows retroactive benefit applications for up to 6 months for retirement benefits (though not before your FRA). The OP is only looking at mid-January for a January benefit start date, which is still well within policy guidelines. They shouldn't have any issues as long as they apply soon and specify the January start date.
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Victoria Charity
OP, don't stress! Just apply now. My advice though? Go to your local SSA office in person if possible. I always had better luck that way than dealing with phones or the website.
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Jasmine Quinn
•In-person is hit or miss these days. I went to my local office last month and waited 3+ hours only to be told I could have done everything online. They're still dealing with major backlogs since covid.
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Oscar Murphy
If you're having trouble reaching someone at SSA, I'd recommend using Claimyr. I was in a similar situation with my disability application and was getting nowhere with the regular phone lines. Claimyr connected me to an actual SSA agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours or getting disconnected. Saved me so much frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU
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Grace Lee
•Thanks for the suggestion! I've never heard of this service before. Did they actually get you through to a real person? It seems worth a try if I can't get through online.
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Oscar Murphy
•Yes, they connected me directly to an SSA agent who was able to help with my application questions right away. Definitely better than waiting on hold for hours just to get disconnected!
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Nora Bennett
Something else to consider - have you thought about whether January is actually the best time to start your benefits? If you just reached FRA in December, you might want to delay claiming to earn delayed retirement credits (8% per year increase until age 70). I waited until 68 to start mine and got a much higher monthly amount. Of course it depends on your financial situation and health, but worth considering since you haven't filed yet.
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Grace Lee
•That's a good point. I actually did look into delayed credits, but my financial situation really requires me to start now. My part-time job ends in February, so I need the Social Security income to maintain my budget. Otherwise, I would definitely consider waiting!
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Jasmine Quinn
Not to hijack the thread but this reminds me - does anyone know if the COLA for 2025 gets applied if I start benefits in January? Or only if I was already receiving in 2024? I've been putting off applying because I'm confused about how that works.
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Mia Roberts
•If you start benefits in January 2025, your benefit amount will already include the 2025 COLA increase (3.2% for 2025). The COLA is applied to your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) whether you're receiving benefits yet or not.
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The Boss
forgot to mention - when u do apply make sure u have ur bank info ready for direct deposit. they dont mail checks anymore unless u really insist
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Grace Lee
•Good reminder - I have all my banking info ready to go. I definitely want direct deposit for the convenience.
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Victoria Charity
Just curious - did you work at all in December? If so make sure you know about the earnings test if you're still working. Doesn't apply once you hit FRA though.
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Grace Lee
•Yes, I'm still working part-time, but since I'm at my full retirement age now, I understand the earnings test doesn't apply anymore. That's one of the reasons I waited until FRA to file!
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