When to apply for Social Security at 62? Turning 62 in June 2025 - confused about application timing

You should apply about 3 months before you want benefits to begin. Since you turn 62 in June 2025, your first month of eligibility would be July 2025 (Social Security pays benefits the month AFTER you become eligible). So ideally apply in April 2025.Also, remember that Social Security pays benefits one month behind - so your July benefit payment would arrive in August 2025. This is important for your financial planning.

Thank you! So to be clear - even though I turn 62 on June 3rd, I'm not eligible for June benefits? Only starting with July? That's the part that was really confusing me.

congrats on hitting 62! i applied 4 months before my birthday just to be safe. SSA is SO SLOW with everything!! but got my first payment about 6 weeks after I turned 62. don't wait till the last minute!!

Thanks! Did you have any issues with the application itself? I'm worried I'll fill something out wrong and it'll cause delays.

Be careful!!!! If you apply too early they might DENY your claim automatically!!! This happened to my brother-in-law and it took him 6 MONTHS to fix the problem! The SSA website says 3 months before but some agents told him he applied too soon and thats why it got rejected. The whole system is designed to make you fail I swear

This is incorrect. SSA has a built-in process for applications submitted before the 3-month window. They don't deny them - they simply hold them until the appropriate processing time. Your brother-in-law likely had other issues with his application that caused the delay. The 3-month advance application window is standard procedure.

I just went through this last year! Here's what I learned:1) You can apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to start2) The earliest your benefits can start is the FIRST FULL MONTH you're 623) So if your birthday is June 3, your first month of eligibility is actually July4) Payments come one month behind (July payment arrives in August)I recommend applying online - much easier than trying to get an appointment or call. Make sure you have all your documents ready before starting the application.

Thanks so much for the detailed breakdown! This makes a lot more sense now. I'll plan to apply in April to get things started for a July benefit.

When I was trying to file for my SS retirement, I spent WEEKS trying to get through to an agent on the phone. Eventually I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a Social Security agent in under 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puUIt was such a relief to actually talk to someone who could explain exactly when I needed to apply and when my payments would start. Saved me a lot of stress!

is that service legit? sounds too good to be true honestly. the SSA phone lines are impossible!

I'm a retired financial advisor who specialized in Social Security planning. Here's the exact timeline you need to know:1. You turn 62 on June 3, 20252. Your first month of eligibility is July 2025 (you must be 62 for the FULL month to receive benefits for that month)3. Your July 2025 payment would arrive in August 2025 (payments are always one month behind)4. Optimal application time: April 2025 (3 months before your first month of eligibility)Additional notes:- Your benefit amount will be reduced by approximately 30% from your Full Retirement Age (FRA) benefit- Remember that earnings limits apply if you're still working ($22,320 in 2025 for early retirees, with $1 deducted for every $2 earned above that limit)- Benefits are deposited on the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday of the month, depending on your birth date

This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I didn't realize the earnings limit had increased to $22,320 for 2025. That actually changes my calculations a bit since I'll still be working part-time.

my cousin applied at the wrong time and his first check was delayed by like 3 months!!! just saying be careful with the timing!!

This happens a lot! That's why I always tell people to apply exactly 3 months before - not too early, not too late. And triple-check all your documents before submitting.

don't forget they take medicare out of ur check if ur signed up for it. surprised me when my first payment was less than i thought it would be lol

Oh! That's a good point. I need to factor in Medicare premiums too. Do you know if they automatically enroll you in Medicare when you apply for SS before 65?

Just to clarify something important: You mentioned you've

Yes, I've factored in the 30% reduction. My situation is that I have some health concerns and family longevity isn't great, so waiting until 67 doesn't make sense for me. I'll be working very part-time, well under the earnings limit. I appreciate the verification on those numbers though!