Social Security application timing - turning 62 in June 2025
Getting close to retirement age and trying to figure out the exact timing for Social Security. I turn 62 on June 2, 2025 and want to apply as soon as possible (even though I know it's reduced benefits). Does anyone know exactly what month I can submit my application? Is it 3 months before my birthday month or 3 months before I turn 62? The SSA website isn't clear to me and I've been on hold for 2 hours trying to ask someone directly. Also wondering if there's any advantage to waiting until my actual birthday month versus applying early. Thanks for any help!
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Olivia Martinez
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!
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Lucas Kowalski
•Thank you so much for the clear explanation! So even though my birthday is early June, I still have to wait until July for my first payment? That seems odd, but I guess those are the rules. I'll plan to submit my application in March then.
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Charlie Yang
wait why cant u get benefits for the month u turn 62?? thats dum
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Olivia Martinez
•Social Security has a rule that you must be 62 for the ENTIRE month to get benefits for that month. Since the original poster turns 62 on June 2nd, they're not 62 for the entire month of June, so the first month they qualify is July (which would be paid in August).
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Grace Patel
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.
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Lucas Kowalski
•That's a really good point I hadn't considered. I'm planning to work part-time, maybe 15-20 hours a week at around $19/hour. I'll have to do the math to see if I'll hit that limit. Do they count gross income or after-tax income for the earnings test?
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Grace Patel
•They count your gross wages before any deductions. At $19/hour for 20 hours a week, you'd earn about $19,760 annually, which would be under the 2025 limit. But if you work more hours or get any bonuses, you could exceed it. Just something to monitor carefully.
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ApolloJackson
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.
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Isabella Russo
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!!!
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Rajiv Kumar
•Try Claimyr - it saved me hours of frustration. Their service calls SSA for you and connects you when an agent picks up. I was skeptical but it worked great when I needed to talk to someone about my retirement application. Check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or go to claimyr.com. Seriously, after weeks of failed calls, I got through in under an hour.
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Isabella Russo
•Thanks! Never heard of this. I'll check it out because I'm desperate at this point.
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Aria Washington
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.
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Lucas Kowalski
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!
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Charlie Yang
•good luck! the website is confusing af lol
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