When will my husband get his first Social Security check after retiring at FRA in April?

Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due. So if your husband retires effective April 1st, his April benefit would be paid in May. As for when to apply, the SSA recommends applying 3-4 months before you want benefits to begin. So if he wants April benefits, he should apply in December/January timeframe. Don't delay too long though - while SSA will pay up to 6 months retroactive benefits, that only applies if you're past full retirement age already. Make sure you're preparing all the documents you'll need: birth certificate, marriage certificate, most recent W-2 or tax return, and military service papers if applicable.

When my husband retired last year they told us we'd get the payment on the 4th Wednesday because his birthday is on the 25th. Different payment dates depending on your birthday!

I JUST went through this with my wife and let me tell you, it was a NIGHTMARE!!! Applied 4 months early like they said, and guess what? They LOST our application! Then we spent WEEKS trying to reach someone on the phone. Hours and hours on hold only to get disconnected. The SSA is completely broken at this point. When we finally got through, they said everything was fine but then the first check was LATE anyway. Be prepared for a total disaster!

After dealing with similar frustrations trying to reach SSA, I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to a real person at Social Security without the endless waiting. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU showing how it works. It saved me hours of frustration when I needed to straighten out my husband's retirement application issues. Especially helpful since you're getting close to your deadline!

My husband just went through this process. Here's what you need to know: 1. Apply online if possible - it's much easier than going to the office 2. Benefits for April will be paid in May 3. The day of the month you receive payment depends on his birth date 4. They will automatically connect his Medicare Part A 5. If he's still working, make sure you understand the earnings test if he's under FRA One thing nobody told us - if he has any minor children, they might be eligible for benefits too (up to 50% of his PIA, subject to family maximum). The online application took about 30 minutes to complete. Have his SSN, bank account info for direct deposit, and employment history for the last two years ready.

wait im confused about something - if he turns FRA in March but retires in April, shouldn't he apply for March benefits? or does it not work that way?

my husband applied 2 months before and we got the first payment just fine. but make sure you have direct deposit set up thats really important

One important thing to add: Your husband turning FRA means he's no longer subject to the earnings test, so he can earn any amount without affecting his benefits. Also, since you mentioned Medicare - if he's keeping his employer insurance after retirement (like through COBRA or retiree benefits), he should look into enrolling in Medicare Part B during his Special Enrollment Period. He'll have 8 months after employment or group coverage ends to enroll without penalties.

my friend told me that you get back pay for the months you're eligible but don't receive yet. is that true?

hey when you do apply make sure u call and verify they received it! my sister thought she submitted everything but turns out the application was never completed and she had to start over after waiting 2 months!