Social Security Matters

Ask Rusty – How Do I Get My Social Security As Soon As Possible?

Letter to the Editor

Dear Rusty: I am a few weeks away from my 61st birthday in November 2022. I was wondering how far in advance of my 62nd birthday next year should I file my Social Security benefits paperwork in order to get my first check the same month I turn 62? I usually work a part time job during the winter months – but that job fell through this fall 2022. So, I do not want to waste any time getting that first check arriving the minute I turn 62 in November 2023. I don’t want to take any chances of delays in starting my Social Security retirement benefits since I am currently not working. Signed: Ready to Retire Soon

Dear Ready to Retire: Unless you were born on November 1st or 2nd, you will first become eligible for Social Security in December of 2023. That’s because you must be 62 for the entire month before you can get Social Security for that month. If you were born on either the 1st or 2nd of November, then November 2023 will be your first month of eligibility and your first payment will be received in December. But if you turn 62 after November 2nd, your first month of eligibility will be December 2023 and your first payment will be received in January 2024 (Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month they are earned).

See more in this weeks Boone County Journal