If I recall correctly I applied as soon as the window was open (90 days???) was eligible on my birthday in late October and got my first check in late November.
Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent.
Posts: 15609 | Location: Downeast Maine | Registered: March 10, 2010
I retired from my job about 1 1/2 year ago. I'm 62 1/2 now. I just now applied online for SS.
Anyone know if I am looking at days, weeks, months wait time? No indication whatsoever on the web site...
I do not recall exactly how long it was. I was surprised however that I spoke to an intelligent human being without being on hold, who answered every question that I had. I was expecting the efficiency of other governmental services. No problems whatsoever. Pleasant experience.
Posts: 17644 | Location: Stuck at home | Registered: January 02, 2015
Middle of May I went into a SS office. Very helpful, got my paperwork for Medicare Part B and filed my paperwork for retirement benefits. Start date for retirement was July 1st, first check to be deposited middle of August.
I have visited SS offices three times, all experiences have been positive. Letters from SS keeping me informed on the process along with Medicare received in a timely manner.
-------------------------------------—————— ————————--Ignorance is a powerful tool if applied at the right time, even, usually, surpassing knowledge(E.J.Potter, A.K.A. The Michigan Madman)
Posts: 8456 | Location: Livingston County Michigan USA | Registered: August 11, 2002
Originally posted by V-Tail: If memory serves, it was about a month or two from the time I initiated until the first check.
That's what I recall, and it was less than a year ago. BTW, I've never been to a real SS office; I applied for Medicare on line 1.5 years ago, SS on line about a year ago. In both cases the system worked very well for me.
Shovelhead has it right. Social Security start date is always the first of the month (whatever month you decide to select), and the payment for that month will show up sometime during the following month. I believe there's a formula they use that determines when in that following month they distribute the payment to you based on your last name (or something like that). In my case they pay the 4th week of that second month, so I get paid roughly 8 weeks after the first of the month that's actually being paid for. YMMV since they spread those payments out in the payment month according to that formula they use. The SSN reps can give you the details for your specific case.
Posts: 1242 | Location: NE Indiana | Registered: January 20, 2011
I recently was researching SS and I remember it says to file 3 months before you expect to start drawing your first check.
"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.
Posts: 20200 | Location: The Free State of Arizona - Ditat Deus | Registered: March 24, 2011
Great, thanks! It doesn't really matter but was really curious. I need to plan a celebration and all... My official application date is 7/15. Hopefully next week I'll get confirmation of approval. I should have mentioned... When asked on the online form I had the option of picking 7/17, 8/17 or 9/17 as a start date. I selected 7/2017 as the start date. So I may get a check for July sometime in August hopefully.
IIRC, it took me about 6 weeks to get my first check. The people that work for SS are very nice and helpful. I get my check the 4th Wednesday of the month direct deposit.
Living the Dream
Posts: 4040 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: December 06, 2010
I retired in June of 2011 at 63 1/2 yrs old. I applied for SS in May and got my first deposit on the 3rd Wed of August. Once I turned 65 Medicare kicked in immediately for part A & B. It couldn't have been any easier.
Jim
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"If you can't be a good example, then you'll have to be a horrible warning" -Catherine Aird
Posts: 9791 | Location: The right side of Washington State | Registered: September 14, 2008
I'm waiting til I turn 66 on Aug. 10. What start date should I put down? I was going to call SS on Monday, this thread is VERY timely
I had the same question. It makes a world of difference. The woman I spoke with at SS explained all of it. If you make the wrong choice it costs you big time in future benefits. My best advice is to call them and have them explain it to you with your case in front of them. Your full retirement age should be 66. She should also explain that the Medicare is typically automatically deducted from your check, even if you are still working. Good luck
Posts: 17644 | Location: Stuck at home | Registered: January 02, 2015
As I recall, you choose the month and year when you want the checks to start. I applied online also and a SS rep called me a week or so later to ask a few questions.
Posts: 4082 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: August 16, 2003
