Social Security delayed retirement credits - January vs February start date to maximize DRC at 67?
I've been planning my Social Security retirement benefits and have a question about Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs). I turn 67 (my FRA) on January 15th, 2025, and I'm applying now to start receiving benefits. I'm confused about whether I should request my benefits to start in January or February to maximize my DRCs. If I choose January (my birth month), do I still get any DRCs for delaying past my full retirement age? Or do I need to select February as my start month to get credit for the additional month of delay? The SSA website isn't clear to me on this exact timing issue. I don't want to leave money on the table, but also don't want to unnecessarily delay a payment if it doesn't increase my benefit amount. Has anyone dealt with this specific situation?
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Maya Patel
Social Security benefits are paid for the previous month, so your January payment (which you'd receive in February) would be for turning 67 in January. To get the additional DRC for January, you'd need to select February as your start month. Each month you delay past FRA gives you 2/3 of 1% increase in benefits, so one extra month is worth considering. Just remember that selecting February means your first payment would arrive in March.
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Isabella Brown
•Thanks! So just to be clear - even though I turn 67 on January 15th, I don't get any DRCs for the time between Jan 15-31? I thought maybe I'd get a partial month credit or something.
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Aiden Rodríguez
i just went thru this exact thing last yr. what they told me on the fone is that u get paid for complete months only. no partial credit for days. so yeah if u want the extra DRC u gotta pick feb.
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Emma Garcia
•True! And just a clarification - Social Security benefits are paid in arrears, meaning one month behind. So January's payment (received in February) would be for someone who had already reached their FRA before January. The February benefit (received in March) would include any DRCs earned through January.
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Ava Kim
I was in the EXACT same situation last year. I turned 67 on January 8th and when I called Social Security, the agent said I should apply for February start if I wanted the maximum benefit. I didn't think one month would make much difference but my husband insisted we wait. ONE WHOLE MONTH with NO INCOME because he's so stubborn!!!
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Isabella Brown
•Did you notice a difference in your benefit amount? Was it worth waiting that extra month?
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Ethan Anderson
I've been trying to get through to SSA for THREE WEEKS to ask similar questions!!! Every time I call, I wait on hold for 2+ hours and then get disconnected. How is anyone supposed to make informed decisions when you can't even talk to a human??? This system is BROKEN!!!
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Layla Mendes
•Hey, I was in the same boat last month - super frustrating! I finally had success using Claimyr.com - it's a service that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of waiting and frustration. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I got through to SSA, the agent confirmed that for maximum DRCs, you should select the month AFTER your birth month as your start month. So in your case, February would be best if you want that extra 2/3 of 1% boost.
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Lucas Notre-Dame
my brother did this wrong and regrets it every month when he sees his SS check! one month doesn't sound like much but it adds up over time. he should have waited just one more month and would have gotten like $27 more EVERY MONTH FOREVER. small decisions make big differences with SS!
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Isabella Brown
•Oh wow, that puts it in perspective. I definitely don't want to regret this decision for years. I think I'll go with the February start date based on everyone's advice. Thank you all!
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Emma Garcia
Let me offer some precise clarification on Delayed Retirement Credits: 1. DRCs accrue at the rate of 2/3 of 1% for each month you delay beyond your FRA up to age 70 2. Social Security pays benefits for complete months only 3. Benefits are paid the month after they are due (meaning in arrears) Since your FRA is in January, if you select January as your start month, your benefits will begin exactly at your FRA. If you select February, you'll earn one month of DRCs (2/3 of 1%). To maximize your monthly benefit, February would be the optimal choice. However, this also means you'll receive one fewer payment overall. Financial calculations may differ depending on your life expectancy and immediate income needs.
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Aiden Rodríguez
•This ^^^^ exactly what the lady told me when I finally got thru to someone at SSA. wish they would just put this clear info on their website!
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Ava Kim
Quick question - does anyone know if the extra DRC amount gets added to any COLA increases? Like if there's a 3% COLA next year, does that apply to the basic benefit PLUS the DRC amount?
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Maya Patel
•Yes, COLAs apply to your entire benefit amount, including any increases from Delayed Retirement Credits. So that extra 2/3% would also grow with future COLAs, which is another reason why maximizing your base benefit can be advantageous over the long term.
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Isabella Brown
Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I've decided to select February as my start month to get that additional 2/3% DRC. One month's wait seems worth it for a higher payment for potentially decades. I appreciate all the insights and personal experiences shared here - it really helped clarify my decision.
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Emma Garcia
•Excellent choice. Just one final recommendation - make sure you complete your application soon even though you're selecting a February start date. You can apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to begin, and getting your application in the system early can help avoid processing delays.
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