How far in advance of my 70th birthday should I apply for Social Security?

By delaying your Social Security retirement benefits until age 70, you can increase your monthly payment by up to 8% for each year past your full retirement age. This strategic decision requires careful timing, and understanding how far in advance of my 70th birthday should I apply for Social Security is crucial for a smooth transition.

Quick Summary

You can file your Social Security retirement application as early as four months before the month you want benefits to begin. This ensures the Social Security Administration (SSA) has ample time to process your claim for a maxed-out benefit.

Key Points

• Four-Month Window: The SSA recommends you apply for benefits up to four months before the month you want them to begin, including your 70th birthday month.

• Maximize Your Payout: Delaying your claim until age 70, past your Full Retirement Age (FRA), ensures you receive the maximum monthly benefit, permanently increased by Delayed Retirement Credits.

• Online is Easiest: Applying online is the most efficient and straightforward way to complete your Social Security application.

• Gather Documents Early: Having your SSN, birth certificate, and bank information ready will streamline the application process and prevent delays.

• Special Birthday Rule: If your birthday is on the 1st of the month, you can request your benefits to begin in the prior month to start receiving payments sooner while still qualifying for the max age 70 benefit.

• Retroactive Payments: If the SSA's processing time is delayed, they will issue a retroactive payment to cover the months you were eligible but did not receive a check.

Timing Your Age 70 Social Security Application

Many people know that waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security is the best strategy for maximizing monthly benefits, but they are less clear on the actual logistics of the application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is very specific about its timelines. To receive your benefits in the month you turn 70, you should apply up to four months beforehand. This gives the SSA sufficient time to process your claim and ensure your first payment is issued without delay.

The Critical Four-Month Window

The most important detail for those delaying their claim until 70 is the timing of the application. The SSA allows for a four-month application window prior to the month you want your benefits to begin. For example, if your 70th birthday is in September, you can apply as early as May. While you can apply closer to your birthday, the four-month lead time is recommended to prevent any processing issues that could postpone your first payment. Even if there are delays, the SSA will make sure to pay you retroactively from your requested start month.

Why Wait Until 70?

Delaying your Social Security benefits past your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is rewarded with Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs). These credits increase your benefit by a certain percentage for each month you wait, up to age 70. This results in a permanent increase to your monthly payment for the rest of your life. For anyone born in 1960 or later, waiting until 70 provides a cumulative benefit increase of 24% over starting at the FRA of 67. The compounding effect of these credits is why delaying until the maximum age is so impactful on your long-term retirement income.

What to do if your birthday is on the 1st of the month

There's a special rule for those whose birthday falls on the first day of the month. The SSA treats you as if you were born in the previous month. This means you can request your benefits to begin a month earlier, effectively receiving your first payment sooner. For example, if your birthday is October 1st, you can request benefits to start in September and receive your first payment in October, and still be considered to have claimed at age 70 for the purpose of maximizing your benefit.

The Application Process: How to Apply Online

The online application is the fastest and most convenient method. Here is a step-by-step guide to the process:

1. Create a 'my Social Security' Account: If you haven't already, create a personal account on the SSA website. This allows you to view your earnings record, get a benefit estimate, and manage your benefits.
2. Gather Necessary Documents: Before starting, have key information and documents ready, including your Social Security number, birth certificate, bank account information for direct deposit, and your latest W-2 or self-employment tax return.
3. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the online form at your convenience within the four-month window leading up to your desired start date. The SSA estimates the application takes about 15 minutes to complete.
4. Specify Start Month: When filling out the application, you will specify the month you want your benefits to start. To maximize your benefit at age 70, you'll choose the month of your 70th birthday.
5. Submit and Confirm: Review all the information for accuracy before submitting. You'll receive a confirmation page and email from the SSA.

Documents You'll Need to Apply

To ensure a smooth application process, it's wise to have the following information on hand:

• Your Social Security number.
• Your birth certificate or other proof of age.
• Information about your employer and earnings from the past two years.
• Your military discharge papers (if applicable).
• The name and SSN of your current or former spouse (if you plan to claim spousal benefits).
• The name of your bank and your account number for direct deposit.

Comparing Claiming Strategies: Before vs. At Age 70

To highlight the financial impact of delaying, consider this comparison table. This demonstrates how Delayed Retirement Credits affect your potential benefits by increasing your monthly payment.

Feature	Claiming Before 70 (at FRA)	Claiming at 70
Monthly Benefit	Your standard, unreduced benefit	Highest possible monthly benefit (approx. 24-32% higher than FRA)
Delayed Retirement Credits	None	8% for each year past your FRA
Lifetime Income	Lower total monthly payments, but started earlier.	Maximized monthly payments, offsetting the shorter collection period.
Survivor Benefits	The permanent increase at age 70 also applies to the survivor benefits paid to a surviving spouse.	A surviving spouse may receive a higher benefit due to the increase.
Flexibility	Less flexible. Cannot suspend and restart benefits to increase them.	Can suspend and restart benefits to earn Delayed Retirement Credits.

Conclusion: The Right Timing is Everything

For those seeking the maximum possible monthly Social Security payment, waiting until age 70 is the proven strategy. By understanding the SSA's four-month application window and preparing your documents in advance, you can ensure a seamless transition and begin receiving your largest possible benefit as soon as you are eligible. Proper timing is a key component of a robust retirement plan, and taking the time to file at the correct interval is the final step in securing your financial future.

For the most up-to-date information and to start your application, visit the Social Security Administration's official website: www.ssa.gov/retireonline.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the earliest I can apply for Social Security retirement benefits?

You can apply for retirement benefits as early as four months before the month you want your payments to start.

What happens if I apply more than four months in advance of my 70th birthday?

If you apply more than four months before your desired start date, the Social Security Administration will simply ask you to re-apply later. It's best to stick to the four-month window to ensure your application is processed efficiently.

Is it better to apply online, by phone, or in person for my age 70 benefit?

The fastest and most convenient method is to apply online through the SSA website. Applying by phone or in person is also an option, but scheduling an appointment is often required and can take longer.

Do I need to apply exactly four months before I turn 70?

No, you don't need to apply exactly four months ahead, but applying sometime within this window is recommended. You can apply as close to your birthday as desired, but doing it earlier mitigates the risk of processing delays affecting your first check.

How long does it take for the SSA to process an application for benefits?

The SSA typically takes about two to three months to process new applications. This is why the four-month application window is so important for planning.

What are Delayed Retirement Credits?

Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) are increases to your Social Security benefit that you earn for each month you delay collecting past your Full Retirement Age. These credits stop accumulating once you reach age 70, making it the optimal time to claim.

What if I can't find my birth certificate when I apply?

While a birth certificate is preferred, the SSA accepts other evidence of age, such as a U.S. passport or a religious record of age. They will inform you of acceptable alternatives if you cannot provide a birth certificate.