Social Security benefit amount when delaying until age 70 - can I see exact figure before submitting application?
I'm turning 70 in March and planning to finally claim my Social Security retirement benefits. I've been checking my SSA online account regularly, but the estimated benefit amount hasn't updated since last year. I'm trying to get the EXACT monthly payment I'll receive before I actually commit to anything. Does anyone know if the online application will show me the precise benefit amount I'll get if I start next month BEFORE I submit the final application? I've heard the SSA website won't update my new amount until sometime in January, but I need to plan my finances now. Also, if I apply online but don't like the final number they show me, can I back out before submitting? Or am I stuck once I start the application process? Really don't want any surprises after waiting all these years for the maximum benefit.
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Payton Black
The online benefit calculator won't show your precise age 70 amount until January when the new COLA adjustments take effect. When you start the online application, you'll see an estimated amount, but it's not guaranteed to be 100% accurate until processed. You can absolutely stop the online application at any time before submitting the final page - it's not binding until you electronically sign and submit. I suggest calling SSA directly to get the most accurate figure for your specific situation. They can calculate your exact benefit amount including all delayed retirement credits (DRCs) and COLA increases.
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Angel Campbell
•Thanks for explaining! Do you know if there's a way to save my progress if I start the application but want to think about it for a few days before deciding? I'm worried about losing all the information I enter if I don't complete it in one sitting.
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Harold Oh
same thing happned to me last year. online amount was like $240 less than what i actully got! had to wait til january for the website to update with the right numbers. honestly just call them and ask
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Angel Campbell
•That's a pretty big difference! Did you end up applying online or did you have to go into the office?
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Harold Oh
•did it online after talking to someone on phone. easier than i thought it would be!
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Amun-Ra Azra
Good luck calling SSA!! I tried for THREE DAYS last month. Kept getting disconnected after waiting 1+ hour each time. So frustrating!!
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Summer Green
•I had the same issue trying to reach them about my retirement application status. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in less than 15 minutes. They basically call SSA for you and connect you when an agent answers. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU For something as important as verifying your exact benefit amount at 70, it's worth it to actually speak with an SSA rep rather than guessing what the online system will show.
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Gael Robinson
The SSA online benefit estimates are notoriously unreliable. I waited until 70 to file last year and the actual amount I received was different from what the calculator showed. This is because: 1. The online calculator may not have your most recent earnings record 2. It might not correctly apply all delayed retirement credits 3. COLA adjustments may not be reflected until January 4. Any WEP or GPO reductions might not be accurately calculated You can absolutely stop the online application without submitting. My recommendation is to gather your earnings history and use one of the more sophisticated online calculators like Open Social Security or Maximize My Social Security for a more accurate estimate while you wait for January's update.
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Angel Campbell
•Thank you for the detailed explanation. I didn't realize there were so many factors that could affect the final calculation. I'll check out those other calculators you mentioned while I wait.
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Gael Robinson
•You're welcome. One other thing - if you had any years of non-covered employment (government job with pension instead of Social Security), make sure to tell them when you speak with an agent. That WEP adjustment can make a big difference and isn't always captured in online estimates.
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Edward McBride
Im in the same boat but turning 65 not 70. The SSA website is SO CONFUSING!!!!! Been trying to figure out if I should take benefits now or wait like you did. My husband already gets his and hes only 63??? Something about him being on disability before. I dont understand why the website cant just TELL US the exact amount!!!!!
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Payton Black
•Your husband is likely receiving SSDI (disability) which automatically converts to retirement benefits at his full retirement age. For your situation at 65, the decision really depends on your FRA (likely 66+) and whether you'd benefit more from taking reduced benefits now or waiting. If you're still working, be aware of the earnings limit until you reach your FRA.
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Darcy Moore
Here's what's actually happening: The SSA updates their systems for the new COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) in December, but your online account won't reflect this until January. Since you're turning 70 next year, the system is likely showing your age 69 benefit amount without all the delayed retirement credits (DRCs) you've earned by waiting. The application system WILL show you an estimated benefit amount before you submit, but I wouldn't trust it 100%. You can save your application and return to it anytime within 6 months. Honestly, for something this important - verifying your maximum benefit after delaying to 70 - I'd recommend speaking directly with an SSA representative. They can calculate your exact benefit including all DRCs and next year's COLA.
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Angel Campbell
•This is exactly what I needed to know! So the online application will show me an estimate, but it might not be final. And I can save my progress and come back to it. Thank you for clarifying.
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Amun-Ra Azra
My brother thought he was getting one amount and ended up with something totally different. The SSA is always changing things and you cant trust what they tell you anymore. The whole system is broken if you ask me!!!
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Darcy Moore
•While the system isn't perfect, unexpected benefit amounts usually have a specific explanation - earnings record errors, WEP/GPO adjustments, or tax withholdings that weren't accounted for. Did your brother ever contact SSA to understand the discrepancy? They're required to explain exactly how his benefit was calculated.
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Harold Oh
wait ur turning 70 next month and havnet applied yet?? i thought u had to apply 3-4 months before? Will u still get all the back payments??
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Gael Robinson
•The OP said they're turning 70 in March, not next month. But this is a good point - SSA can only pay up to 6 months of retroactive benefits for retirement claims. However, for someone who waited until 70, filing exactly at 70 is optimal since retroactive benefits would undo some of the delayed retirement credits they earned by waiting.
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