Social Security timing question - FRA at 66 and 8 months, when should I apply for April start date?

You're correct about your FRA being 66 and 8 months for someone born in July 1958. SSA recommends applying about 3-4 months before you want benefits to begin, so applying in February for April benefits is actually cutting it a bit close. I'd suggest applying in January to be safe. The application process takes time, and you want to make sure everything is processed before your intended start date. Remember that Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month they're due for, so your April benefit would be paid in May.

im born in 1958 too and already got mine started last year. i applied 2 months before and it was fine but cutting it close. they do backpay if theres a delay but why risk it? just do it early

I APPLIED 4 MONTHS BEFORE AND GOOD THING I DID!!! SSA LOST my application the first time!!! Had to redo everything and barely got my payments started on time. Don't trust them to process things quickly - the system is a MESS right now with all the baby boomers retiring. Apply as early as you can, their website says you can apply up to 4 months before. Why risk delays???

Just to add some clarification here: For someone born in July 1958, your Full Retirement Age is indeed 66 and 8 months, which you would reach in March 2025. Social Security benefits always begin the month after you reach the required age, so your first month of eligibility at FRA would be April 2025. The SSA officially recommends applying 3-4 months before you want benefits to begin. You can apply online at ssa.gov or schedule an appointment at your local office. Make sure you have the following ready: birth certificate, Social Security card, tax records from the previous year, and bank account information for direct deposit. Also, remember that your first payment would come in May 2025, as benefits are paid the month after they're due. This timing is important for your financial planning.

I went through this exact situation last year (though with a different FRA). I tried for weeks to get through to SSA by phone to ask questions about my application and kept getting disconnected or facing hours-long wait times. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an SSA agent in about 20 minutes. Saved me so much frustration! There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I got through, the agent told me my application had some issues that would have delayed my payments if I hadn't called. So definitely apply early AND follow up before your intended start date.

A bit off topic but have you considered not taking it right at your FRA? My financial advisor told me that for every year I delay past FRA (up to age 70), I get an 8% increase in benefits. That really adds up! Just something to think about if you don't need the money immediately.

wait i'm confused do u get full benefits at 66 or 66 and 8 months? i thought everyone got full SS at 65?

One more important thing to consider: Since you're planning to apply in early 2025, make sure you understand how any earnings from work in 2025 might affect your benefits if you're still working. There's no earnings limit after you reach your FRA, but if you earn income in the months before reaching your FRA in March 2025, there are earnings limits that could temporarily reduce your benefits. For 2024, the limit is $59,520/year (or $4,960/month) for the months before you reach your FRA, and they deduct $1 for every $3 you earn above that limit. The 2025 limits will likely be slightly higher due to COLA adjustments.