Social Security January benefit timing - can I still apply now for 1/1 start? Missing spousal documents!

You're cutting it close but you should still be able to get a January 1st start date if you apply right away. SSA typically needs about 2-3 months to process applications, but since you're already past FRA, it might be slightly faster. The official recommendation is to apply 3-4 months before you want benefits to begin. As for the spousal benefit situation - yes, you can absolutely apply without having all your documents ready. On the application, there's a section where you can indicate that you'll be submitting those documents later. SSA will start processing your retirement benefit based on your own work record, and then adjust later with any spousal top-up amount once they verify your marriage duration. Just be sure to note on your application that you're also applying for spousal benefits and that documents are forthcoming. This creates a protective filing date for both benefit types.

i went thru this last yr. you can do the application online but teh SSA people WILL NOT process anything until they have ALL documents. they told me this when i called. got stuck waiting 6 weeks for my birth certificate from another state. VERY frustrating!!!

Having worked on hundreds of SS claims, I can tell you that for a January 1st start date, you should absolutely apply immediately - like today or tomorrow. The latest official deadline would be December 31st (since you're already FRA), but that would be pushing it, and your first payment would likely be delayed. Regarding the spousal benefits: Yes, file your application now and check the box for spousal benefits. In the remarks section at the end, note that you're waiting on marriage/divorce certificates and will submit them as soon as they arrive. SSA will process your retirement claim based on your own record first, and then adjust with any additional spousal amount once they verify your marriage. One important thing - when you do get those certificates, don't just mail them in without reference. Either upload them to your my Social Security account with a note referencing your claim, bring them to a local office, or if you must mail them, include a cover letter with your name, SSN, and clear explanation that these are for your pending spousal claim.

I just went through this last month! If you apply now you should be fine for January. But here's what no one tells you - trying to actually talk to someone at SSA to confirm they received everything is IMPOSSIBLE. I spent 3 days calling and getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in under 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - totally worth it to actually speak to someone and confirm they received my application and missing documents.

my wife just applied last month and her benefits start in january. we did it online it was pretty easy actually! but we didnt have any complicated stuff like your ex spouse thing

I appreciate everyone's help! I'm going to apply online tonight and make sure I note that I'll be sending the marriage/divorce certificates as soon as I get them. I just want to make sure I get that January 1st start date. Does anyone know approximately how much the spousal top-up might add? My ex made quite a bit more than me over his career.

Just wondering WHY you're applying now when you could wait until 70 and get a MUCH HIGHER amount?? That's what I'm doing. 8% increase each year you wait after FRA. Seems like leaving money on the table to me! Unless you need the cash flow right now I guess.

One thing nobody has mentioned yet - if you're applying for both retirement and divorced spouse benefits, you should try to schedule an actual appointment with SSA rather than just applying online. The online system isn't great at handling the nuances of dual applications, especially with documentation pending. You should be able to do a phone appointment, and while they're hard to get, they're worth it for more complex situations. The representative can properly set up your claim with notes about the pending documentation and make sure both benefit types are properly recorded with protective filing dates. For January 1 benefits, having that appointment before December 15th would be ideal. Even though technically you can apply through December, processing times get backed up around holidays.

wait are u sure u can even get ex spouse benefits?? u have to be unmarried now and the marriage had to be 10 years i think

One last piece of advice - when you submit your application, take screenshots of the confirmation page and note the confirmation number. Also print the PDF copy of your application if the system offers it. If there are any issues later, having documentation of exactly what you submitted and when can save a lot of headaches. Also, set a calendar reminder to follow up if you don't hear anything within 2-3 weeks. SSA should send you an acknowledgment letter, but sometimes these get delayed. Being proactive about following up (especially regarding those marriage/divorce documents) will help ensure your January start date doesn't slip.