When should I start applying for Social Security retirement before January 2025?

I applied for my retirement benefits last year. SSA recommends applying about 3 months before you want your benefits to start. Since you're planning for January 2025, you should start the process in October 2024. The online application is actually really straightforward and much easier than going in person. It took me about 25-30 minutes to complete. Make sure you have your banking information ready for direct deposit and any information about previous marriages if applicable.

3 months is the MINIMUM!!! I waited until 2 months before and regretted it SO MUCH. My first payment was delayed by almost 6 weeks because they needed extra verification of something from 1994!! Can you believe that?? Start at least 4 months before to be safe. January benefits actually get paid in February (they pay a month behind) so keep that in mind for your budget planning too.

Social Security retirement specialist here. The official SSA recommendation is to apply 3-4 months before you want benefits to begin. Since you're turning your Full Retirement Age (FRA) right before your intended start date, your situation is straightforward. A few important points: 1. Benefits are paid the month after they're due (January benefits arrive in February) 2. The online application is the most efficient method for most people 3. If you were born on the 1st-10th of the month, your payment comes on the 2nd Wednesday 4. If born on the 11th-20th, payment on 3rd Wednesday 5. If born on the 21st-31st, payment on 4th Wednesday One last tip: if you'll have earnings in 2025, make sure you understand how the earnings limit might affect your benefits if you're working while collecting.

Whatever you do, DO NOT wait until the last minute! My husband procrastinated and applied only 2 weeks before he wanted benefits to start. His first payment was delayed by almost 3 months! The SSA system works on its own timeline, not yours. They don't care about your financial needs or planning. I would start 4-5 months early just to be safe.

After weeks of trying to reach someone at SSA about my retirement application and getting nowhere, I tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a live person. I was skeptical, but they got me connected to an agent in under 10 minutes! Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I'd recommend applying online first since it's easier, but if you run into any issues or have questions about your application status, this service was a lifesaver for actually getting a human on the phone.

i applied like 2 months before and it was fine.. everyone has different experiences i guess. the online thing was easy but they still asked me for marriage certificate from 1976!! had to dig through boxes in the attic lol

Since you're turning FRA in December 2024, you have a slight advantage. There's no earnings test once you reach full retirement age, so even if you apply 4 months early and get approved quickly, there won't be any reduction in benefits if you start in January 2025. Just make sure when you complete the application that you clearly specify January 2025 as your benefit start date. The system will ask you when you want benefits to begin, and you can select a future month.

my cousin works for SSA she says their computers are from the stone age and everything takes 10x longer than it should! better safe than sorry apply early!!!