Starting Social Security at 64 - How early must I apply for January 2025 benefits?
I'm planning to start taking my Social Security retirement benefits on January 1, 2025. I'll be 64 years and 7 months at that point, so I know I'm taking them early before my FRA. What I can't figure out is how far in advance I need to submit my application to ensure my first payment arrives in January. The SSA website says something about applying 3-4 months before, but I've heard from friends it can take longer to process everything. I really need the benefits to start on time since I'm retiring from my job in December. Has anyone gone through this recently? What's the latest date I could apply and still get my January payment on schedule?
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Sydney Torres
You should apply at least 4 months in advance, so no later than September 2024. Social Security recommends 3-4 months, but with all the processing backlogs lately, earlier is better. I applied 3 months before my retirement date last year and my first payment was delayed by almost a month because they needed additional employment verification. Don't cut it too close!
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Alfredo Lugo
•Thanks for the heads up about the potential delays! Do you know if there's any downside to applying too early? Like 6 months in advance instead of 4?
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
The official SSA guideline is to apply 3-4 months before you want benefits to begin. Since you want your benefits to start January 1, 2025, you should apply no later than October 1, 2024, but September would be safer. You can actually apply up to 4 months before you're eligible to receive benefits. One important thing to note: Social Security benefits are paid in the month AFTER they are due. So your January benefit would be paid in February. Make sure you're planning for that gap if you're retiring in December.
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Alfredo Lugo
•Oh! I didn't realize there's a one-month delay in payments. That's really important to know for my budgeting - thanks for pointing that out!
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Caleb Bell
i applied 2 months before and it was fine but my sister waited til like 6 weeks before and had to wait an extra month for her money. so def don't wait too long
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Danielle Campbell
•It's getting WORSE now though!! Applied for my benefits 3 months early and STILL had to wait an extra month because they're so backlogged. The whole system is falling apart. DO NOT WAIT until October!!
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Rhett Bowman
When I retired last year I had a similar timeframe situation. I applied in July for my November start date (about 4 months early) and everything went smoothly. The application process itself was pretty straightforward online. Took me maybe 30 minutes? Just make sure you have all your documents ready - birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, and your bank info for direct deposit.
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Alfredo Lugo
•Thanks for the document checklist! I've got my birth certificate somewhere in my files, but I'll need to dig it out. Did they need the original or would a copy work?
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Danielle Campbell
Just be aware that if you apply online you might NEVER hear from an actual person! I applied 4 months early and got ZERO communication until suddenly money appeared in my account. No confirmation, no nothing! The system is broken. I tried calling for weeks to confirm my application was processed correctly but IMPOSSIBLE to get through to anyone. Spent HOURS on hold only to get disconnected!
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Abigail Patel
•I had the exact same frustrating experience trying to reach them! I eventually used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an SSA agent after wasting days trying to call myself. They have this service that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of waiting on hold. They have a video of how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Totally worth it to actually talk to a real person about my application status instead of wondering if it got lost in their system.
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Alfredo Lugo
I appreciate everyone's advice! Sounds like I definitely shouldn't wait past September to apply, and maybe should even do it in July or August to be safe. And I'll need to budget for that one-month delay in payments too. One last question - does anyone know if there's any downside to applying too early? Like if I apply in July (6 months early), could that cause any problems?
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Kaitlyn Jenkins
•There's no real downside to applying 6 months early. The SSA will just hold your application until the appropriate processing time. The main thing to remember is that you're allowed to apply up to 4 months before the month you'll become eligible for benefits. Since you're already eligible (being over 62), you can apply anytime. One important consideration: once you apply, you have 6 months to withdraw your application if you change your mind. After that, you're locked in to your decision and the reduced benefit amount due to claiming before your Full Retirement Age.
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Daniel White
Make sure you understand how much your benefit is being reduced by taking it at 64 instead of your Full Retirement Age! Depending on your birth year, your FRA is probably around 66 and some months. Taking benefits at 64 means a permanent reduction of about 15-16% compared to waiting until FRA. And compared to waiting until 70, you're looking at about a 40% smaller monthly benefit for life. Just want to make sure you've considered this carefully before locking in a reduced benefit.
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Alfredo Lugo
•Yes, I've run the numbers carefully. My FRA is 66 and 8 months, but my financial situation and some health concerns make taking it at 64 the right choice for me. I'm aware of the reduction, but appreciate you bringing it up - it's definitely something everyone should calculate before deciding!
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Caleb Bell
my couisn works at the SS office and she says they're totally swamped right now with baby boomers retiring. she said definitely apply at least 4 months early and maybe even 5 if u can
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Rhett Bowman
•That matches what I've been hearing too. A lot of offices are understaffed and the online system gets backed up. Better to be early than risk a gap in income.
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Sydney Torres
Based on all the advice here, I'd suggest applying in August 2024 for your January 2025 start date. That gives you 5 months, which should be plenty of buffer for any processing delays. And don't forget to create your my Social Security account online before you apply if you haven't already - it makes the whole process much smoother.
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Alfredo Lugo
•Thanks! I already have my online account set up, so that's one step done. I think I'll aim for early August to submit everything. Really appreciate everyone's help with this!
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