Social Security delay at age 70 - Will December start date mean January payment?

You've got it exactly right! Social Security pays benefits for the previous month, so with a December start date, your first payment will arrive in January. And good job recognizing that trap about retroactive benefits - at age 70, taking the retroactive option would reduce your monthly benefit permanently, which defeats the purpose of delaying to maximize your benefit amount. Just make sure your application clearly indicates December as your start month. When you submit, verify that your benefit amount shows the full delayed retirement credits (DRCs) you've earned by waiting until 70.

I was in almost your exact situation last year when I turned 70. Just wanted to share that after waiting patiently to maximize my benefits, I had a NIGHTMARE trying to get through to Social Security to confirm everything was processing correctly. Kept getting disconnected after waiting for 2+ hours! Finally discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real SSA agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Worth every penny for the peace of mind, especially after waiting 8 years beyond my early retirement age to maximize those benefits!

When you get your first check, be prepared for possible tax withholding if you requested it. I turned 70 in september and got my first payment in october. it was less than I expected because I had checked the box for 10% federal tax withholding and forgot about it! just something to be aware of so your not surprised like i was lol

You're smart to wait until 70! I took mine at 62 because I needed the money and now I'm kicking myself. Each year you delayed added 8% to your benefit amount. My sister waited like you and gets almost DOUBLE what I get every month!!!

One important piece of information: Social Security payments are scheduled based on your birth date: - Birth date 1st-10th: payments on 2nd Wednesday - Birth date 11th-20th: payments on 3rd Wednesday - Birth date 21st-31st: payments on 4th Wednesday Since your birthday is December 24th, you'll receive your payments on the 4th Wednesday of each month. For January, that would be January 22nd, 2025. And yes, you made the right decision declining retroactive benefits. At 70, there's no advantage to taking retroactive payments since you've already earned all possible delayed retirement credits. Taking the retroactive option would only reduce your monthly amount permanently.

My uncle got a big backpay check when he filed at 70. Are you sure you cant get both the big retroactive payment AND the higher monthly amount??

Dont forget about direct deposit!!! Make sure your banking info is correct on the application. I had my payment delayed because I typed one digit wrong in my account number.

Is anyone else annoyed that SS doesn't just pay ON TIME instead of a month behind? Why do we have to wait an extra month for OUR money that we've earned? The system is ridiculous!!!

Since you're turning 70 in December, here's another important tip: Make sure you've also signed up for Medicare if you haven't already. While you can delay Social Security without penalty, delaying Medicare past 65 can result in permanent premium penalties unless you have qualifying coverage (like from current employment). If you delayed Medicare enrollment and don't have qualifying coverage, you'll want to discuss this during the Social Security application process. They can help determine if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to avoid penalties.

Congratulations on making it to 70 and maximizing your benefits! As someone who just went through this process myself, I wanted to add a few tips that might help: 1. Keep checking your my Social Security account online in the weeks after you submit your application. You should see your estimated benefit amount update to reflect the December start date, and it's good to verify the numbers match what you expect. 2. If you're still working (even part-time), remember there's no earnings test at age 70, so you can earn as much as you want without affecting your Social Security benefits. 3. Consider setting up text or email alerts with your bank for when the deposit hits. That first payment can feel like it's taking forever, and having an alert gives you peace of mind. You definitely made the right call avoiding the retroactive payment trap. At 70, you've earned every penny of those delayed retirement credits - don't give them up now! Looking forward to hearing about your first successful payment in January.