When to apply for Social Security if I'm turning FRA in May 2025?
I'm turning my full retirement age in May next year and trying to figure out the best time to submit my SS application. Don't want to apply too early and mess something up, but also don't want to miss any payments by waiting too long! Anyone know when's the earliest I can/should submit my application to make sure I get my first payment in May? Is it 3 months before? 4 months? And do I need to have all my documentation ready before I start the application process? This is my first time dealing with Social Security and I'm a bit nervous about making mistakes.
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Declan Ramirez
SSA allows you to apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to begin. Since you're reaching FRA in May 2025, you can apply as early as January 2025. I'd recommend applying about 3 months before (February) to give enough processing time without being too early. Make sure you have your birth certificate, most recent W-2 or tax return, and bank account info ready before starting the application.
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A Man D Mortal
•Thanks! Do I need my original birth certificate or will a copy work? Mine is packed away somewhere and might take some digging to find.
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Emma Morales
i applied right at 3 months before and got my first payment right on time the month i turned 66. easy peasy. just make sure u have ur SSN and bank info
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Katherine Hunter
Are you SURE you want to wait until your full retirement age?? I took mine at 62 and have been enjoying the money for years already! Something to think about... you never know what tomorrow brings and that's YEARS of payments you're missing out on!
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Declan Ramirez
•This isn't helpful advice. Taking benefits at 62 results in a permanent reduction of about 30% compared to FRA. The OP is already planning to wait until FRA in May, which is a perfectly reasonable decision especially if they're still working or have other income sources.
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Lucas Parker
Apply exactly 3 months before you want benefits to start - so February 2025 for May benefits. Have these ready: - Birth certificate (original or certified copy) - Social Security card - Most recent W-2 or tax return - Direct deposit information - Marriage certificate if relevant If applying online, you can save your application and come back to it if you're missing something. The online process is straightforward but if you get stuck, calling SSA directly can help clarify any questions.
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Donna Cline
I tried calling the SSA about my application last month and spent TWO HOURS on hold before getting disconnected. Then tried again and waited another 90 minutes! Try using Claimyr.com instead - it holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is ready. Saved me hours of frustration! There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU
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Harper Collins
•does this actually work? hate waiting on hold forever
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Kelsey Hawkins
My sister applied 2 months before her birthday and her first payment was delayed by 6 weeks! Something about processing backlogs. So definitely give them at least 3 months like others are saying.
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A Man D Mortal
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! Sounds like 3 months before is the sweet spot. Going to start gathering my documents now so I'm ready to apply in February. One last question - is it better to apply online or should I make an appointment at my local office?
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Lucas Parker
•Online is generally faster and more convenient. The SSA website will walk you through each step and you can save your progress if needed. Local offices still have appointment backlogs in many areas. That said, if your situation is complex (foreign work history, survivor benefits, etc.), an in-person appointment might be better.
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Charlee Coleman
I just went through this process myself last year! Applied exactly 3 months before my FRA birthday and everything went smoothly. One tip that saved me time - create your my Social Security account online first if you haven't already. You can review your earnings history and get an estimate of your benefits before applying. Also, certified copies of documents work just fine - you don't need originals. The online application took me about 30 minutes and I was able to save it partway through when I realized I needed to grab my bank routing number. Got my first payment right on schedule!
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