Social Security application timing - turning 62 in June 2025

You can apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to start. Since you turn 62 in June 2025, the earliest month you can receive benefits would be July 2025 (Social Security pays benefits for the previous month). That means you can apply as early as March 2025. Be aware that filing at 62 means a permanent reduction of about 30% compared to waiting until your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Every month you wait between 62 and FRA increases your benefit slightly. I had the same confusion last year. The SSA's phone system is virtually impossible to get through - I wasted days trying!

wait why cant u get benefits for the month u turn 62?? thats dum

Something important to consider: if you're still working while collecting early SS benefits, you'll be subject to the earnings test. For 2025, if you earn over about $22,320 (they adjust it yearly for inflation), they'll withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above the limit. This goes away once you reach Full Retirement Age. Make sure you're accounting for this if you're still working! It surprises a lot of people.

My sister ran into this exact situation! You can't get benefits for June because you're not 62 for the FULL month. The SSA is very particular about this - you have to be the required age for the entire month. Only people born on the 1st of the month get benefits for their birthday month because they're considered to meet the age requirement for the entire month.

I HATE the social security phone system!!! Been trying to get through for WEEKS about my disability claim. Always busy or they hang up after 2 hours on hold. The offices are never open when I can go. The whole system is designed to make you give up!!!

Not only do you have to be 62 for the entire month to get benefits for that month, but Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due. So your July benefit would be paid in August. Regarding the application timing: The SSA allows you to apply up to 4 months before you want your benefits to begin. Since you want benefits as soon as possible (July 2025), you can apply as early as March 2025. I recommend applying online - it's much easier than trying to call or visit an office.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! To summarize what I've learned: 1. Since my birthday is June 2, I'm not eligible for June benefits (only people born on the 1st get their birthday month) 2. My first eligible month is July 2025, which would be paid in August 2025 3. I can apply up to 4 months before, so March 2025 4. I need to watch my earnings since I'll be working part-time I appreciate all the help!

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - if you're trying to get estimates of your benefit amounts at different claiming ages, you can use the SSA's online calculator at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html. It's really helpful to see the exact dollar difference between claiming at 62 vs waiting until your full retirement age. Also, once you create your my Social Security account online, you can see your complete earnings history and get personalized benefit estimates. Much easier than trying to get through on the phone!

One more tip for when you do apply - make sure you have all your documents ready beforehand! You'll need your birth certificate, W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the last year, military discharge papers if applicable, and your bank account information for direct deposit. Having everything organized will make the online application process much smoother. I learned this the hard way when I had to stop halfway through my application to hunt down paperwork!

As someone who just went through this process last year, I can confirm what others have said about the timing. I also turned 62 in the middle of a month and had to wait for the following month to start receiving benefits. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - if you're on the fence about claiming at 62 vs waiting, try running the break-even analysis. For me, even with the reduced benefits, I would have had to live past 78 to make up for the money I'd lose by waiting until full retirement age. Given my family history and financial needs, claiming early made sense. The SSA's online tools are definitely the way to go - I got my application submitted in about 45 minutes once I had all my documents ready. Much better than dealing with their phone system!