Can you get retro retirement payments (up to 6 months) at age 64 and must you ask for this at time of retirement application ?
Gary

Hi Gary,

If you're referring to Social Security retirement benefits then the answer's no. Any Social Security benefit that's reduced for age cannot be paid retroactively. The only benefit types that you can file for prior to full retirement age (FRA) and be paid retroactively for up to 6 months are unreduced auxiliary and survivor benefits. Social Security disability benefits can be paid retroactively for up to 12 months prior to your month of application. For detailed information refer to the following section of Social Security's operations manual: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204030.

Best, Jerry