When to begin to collect Social Security
Hi Terry,
I will be turning 70 in January of 2026. Do I apply to start collecting in January of 2026 or do I have to wait until February of 2026 to maximize my SS?
Terry Says
You apply two months before, for benefits to START in the month you reach your 70th birthday. BUT you won’t get the first check until the month AFTER you reach 70, since SS pays one month in arrears.
“The SSA issues checks a month behind, so your benefits should start arriving the month after the month you turn 70. For example, if you were born July 17, you should ask that your benefits start in July and your first check will come in August.”
