When to apply for Social Security retirement benefits to start payments in April?
I'm planning to start collecting my SS retirement benefits beginning in April 2025. I'm turning 66 and 8 months (my FRA) in March and want to start benefits the month after. Should I call Social Security now to get the ball rolling? Or would it be better to just go into my local field office? I've heard horror stories about being on hold for hours with the national number, but I'm also worried the local office will be really crowded. Anyone know how far in advance I should apply and which method is faster? This is my first time dealing with SSA and I want to make sure I don't mess this up and delay my payments.
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Hugo Kass
You should apply 3 months before you want benefits to start. For April benefits, you should apply in January. You can do it online at ssa.gov which is MUCH easier than calling or going in person. I did mine online in about 30 minutes. Just gather your documents beforehand (birth certificate, marriage license if applicable, most recent W-2 or tax return, bank account info for direct deposit). The online application is straightforward and you'll get a confirmation number when you finish.
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Simon White
•Thanks! I didn't realize I could do the whole thing online. Do they still need to see my original birth certificate? I thought I had to bring that in person.
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Nasira Ibanez
DONT WAIT! Apply right at 3 months before (so January for April). I waited until 2 months before and my first payment was delayed by WEEKS because they were "processing". And trying to call them was IMPOSSIBLE - I was on hold for 2+ hours twice and then got disconnected!!! The system is a complete mess right now with understaffing. If I could do it over, I'd have applied earlier and saved myself the stress!!!!
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Simon White
•Oh that's exactly what I'm worried about! I don't want to miss that first payment. I'll definitely apply in January then.
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Khalil Urso
The online application is easiest but if you need to call them, I used a service called Claimyr when I was dealing with an issue about my wife's spousal benefits. You enter your number at claimyr.com and they call you back when they have an agent on the line. Saved me hours of hold time. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - it's worth it if you need to talk to someone at SSA directly about anything complicated.
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Myles Regis
•Does that really work? The last time I called SS I was on hold for literally 3 hrs and then they hung up on me!! might try this next time
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Brian Downey
Congrats on reaching FRA! I did mine online too but heads up they may still call you for a phone interview. I had to wait about 2 weeks for that call. Have all your docs ready just in case. Good luck!
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Simon White
•Thank you! I'll make sure to have everything organized just in case they need to call me.
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Jacinda Yu
You can apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to begin. I applied exactly 3 months before and everything was processed perfectly for my first check. I'd recommend the online application 100% - it's actually well designed compared to other govt sites lol. One tip: print out or save PDFs of every confirmation screen as you go through the process. I had an issue later and having those confirmation numbers was a lifesaver.
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Landon Flounder
•This is good advice about saving confirmation numbers. Also want to add that if you're applying at exactly FRA like you mentioned, you don't need to worry about the earnings test. But if you're still working, make sure to report your estimated earnings for the year to avoid any overpayment issues later.
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Myles Regis
my sister went to the office and had to wait 3 hrs even WITH an appointment!! and then they told her she forgot a document and had to come back anyway. just do it online its so much easier
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Simon White
•Yikes, that sounds awful! Definitely leaning toward online now.
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Hugo Kass
One other thing to remember - when you apply 3 months before, you'll be asked if you want benefits to start as soon as possible OR in a specific month. Make sure you specify April 2025 as your start month. If you say "as soon as possible" they'll start them in March (your FRA month) which might not be what you want.
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Simon White
•That's a really important detail, thank you! I definitely want them to start in April, not March.
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Brian Downey
I tried doing it online but got confused about some questions and ended up calling. Was on hold forever. Wish I'd known about that Claimyr thing the other person mentioned.
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Landon Flounder
Social Security Administration recommends applying three months before you want benefits to begin. In your case, that would be January 2025 for April 2025 benefits. The online application at ssa.gov is the most efficient method and can be completed in about 30-45 minutes if you have all your information ready. If you have a complex situation (multiple marriages, foreign work, etc.), then calling or visiting might be better. The local office wait times vary by location, but most now require appointments which can be scheduled by calling the national number (1-800-772-1213). Be aware that your first payment for April would arrive in May, as Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month for which they are due.
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Simon White
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! I didn't realize the April payment would actually come in May, that's good to know for my financial planning.
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