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...

Thanks

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.

quote:

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.

If memory serves, it was about a month or two from the time I initiated until the first check.

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.

quote:

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.

I recently was researching SS and I remember it says to file 3 months before you expect to start drawing your first check.

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.

I do not know how or why, but I remember it was about six weeks from when I applied.

My wife applied in mid-June of last year before her birthday in Sept. Sept was her first check.

Our checks get auto deposited on the second Wednesday of the month.

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.

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

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.

quote:

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

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.