When can i file for full social security benefits

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You will need your Social Security number and confirmation that you received when you applied to use this service. Update on Our Reentry Plans. Learn about Emergency Assistance for Homeowners and Renters. If you wish to begin Social Security when you turn 66, the exact day of the month not important.

In fact, you might even be able to start the month before. Following the recommendation on the Social Security website, you file online three months before you want your benefit to start, that is, on or before May 10th. Thus, your first check could arrive the month before your actual birth month. If you're able to replace a lower-earning year with a higher-earning year, your benefit could increase since its calculated annually.

But because you'll be earning more money, more of your Social Security will be taxable. There's a big payoff for waiting until 70 if you're claiming based on your work record. But if you're taking benefits based on a current or ex-spouse's record, you won't earn delayed retirement credits beyond your full retirement age, so there's no reason to wait until That doesn't mean waiting makes sense for everyone, but if you're in good health and have a long life expectancy, delaying as long as possible is typically a sound strategy.

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