Applying for SS at age 70.
Hi Terry. I am working full time and will be turning 70 next January (2026). I have heard that it takes a few months to start collecting benefits after applying for Social Security. If I apply for benefits this October, to begin collecting in January 2026, will I still receive the full “wait until 70” benefits, or do I need to wait until I actually turn 70 before applying. Thank you.
Terry Says
You need to make sure you state clearly and in writing that you want the benefits to start the month you reach age 70. And since benefits are paid a month in arrears, it will take a month afterward to get your first deposit.
You don’t need to be 70 for the entire month in order to get your full age 70 rate. Social Security counts you as reaching your next age on the day before your actual birthday, so if you were born in June and on any day other than June 1, you would want to choose June as the month to start your benefits.
