When to start Social Security survivor benefits - December vs January timing impact?

Yes, there can be differences depending on your specific situation. If you start in December, that month counts as your first month of entitlement, even though you'd receive the payment in January (SSA pays a month behind). The biggest consideration is tax-related - if you have other substantial income in 2025, adding a month of benefits might push you into a higher tax bracket for that year. Also, remember that taking survivor benefits at 60 means you'll receive a permanently reduced amount (about 71.5% of the full survivor benefit). Each month you wait until your Full Retirement Age increases this percentage slightly.

wait till new year. thats what i did. made taxes easier and didnt have to deal with december stuff messing with next years benefits. they messed up my start date anyways took 3 calls to fix it

I was in a similar situation last year when my husband passed. The SSA representative I spoke with actually recommended waiting until January because it simplified the tax situation for that year. But honestly, the MOST important thing is making sure you get an appointment with SSA as early as possible. I waited too long and couldn't get through to anyone for weeks! Also, make sure you have ALL your documents ready - they wanted our marriage certificate, his death certificate, our most recent tax return, and my ID. The whole process was more complicated than I expected.

There are several factors to consider when timing your survivor benefits: 1. Tax implications: As mentioned, December benefits count toward 2025 taxes, January toward 2026. 2. Earnings test: If you're still working and under FRA, benefits will be reduced if you earn above certain thresholds ($23,920 annually for 2025). A new annual limit begins in January. 3. COLA timing: Cost-of-living adjustments typically take effect with December benefits paid in January. Starting in January vs. December shouldn't affect this for your first payment. 4. Application processing: Regardless of when you want benefits to start, apply 3-4 months in advance. SSA can set your start date based on your instructions. Remember that survivor benefits taken at any point can be part of a larger strategy. If your own retirement benefit might eventually be higher, taking reduced survivor benefits now and switching to your own later can be advantageous.

My sister told me to ABSOLUTELY wait till January because December counts for the whole year for something called COLA? She said her friend lost out on hundreds of dollars by starting in December instead of January a few years ago. But maybe the rules changed?? So confused by all this social security stuff!

I WISH somebody had told me about the earnings test before I applied for survivor benefits at 60!!! Still working full-time and literally got $0 in benefits for the first year because of my income. The SSA didn't explain this clearly at ALL during my application. They just took my application and then I was shocked when no money came. What a waste of time that was!!! If you're making $65k, you probably won't see much (if any) of your survivor benefits until you either reduce your work hours or reach your Full Retirement Age. The whole system is DESIGNED to be confusing if you ask me.

when i applied they told me u get paid the month after. so december benefits come in january. january benefits come in february. remember to set up direct deposit makes it faster

Based on what you've shared about your income ($65,000) and age (turning 60), here's my recommendation: 1. Since you're substantially over the earnings limit, most or all of your survivor benefits would be withheld until you reach FRA or reduce your work hours. 2. You might consider waiting to apply until either: - You're closer to retirement or reducing hours, OR - You reach FRA when the earnings test no longer applies 3. If you decide to apply anyway, January would be slightly better than December for tax purposes, but the earnings test impact would be far more significant than any tax difference. 4. Remember that the reduction for taking survivor benefits early is permanent, but if your own retirement benefit at 70 would be higher than your survivor benefit at FRA, there might still be a strategy in taking reduced survivor benefits for a period and then switching.