When I apply for benefits, what start date would I use? My birth date is the last day of the month therefore my FRA is reached on the last day of the month. Do I use my birth month as my starting month, or the following month?

Hi.

Assuming you want to receive your full retirement age (FRA) rate with no reduction for age nor increases from delayed retirement credits (DRC), you'd choose your birth month (i.e. the month you reach FRA) as your month of election to start benefits. Your first payment, which would be for your birth month, would then be due in the month following your birth month since Social Security pays benefits a month behind. And, since you were born after the 20th of the month, your payments would normally be scheduled for the 4th Wednesday of each month.

Before filing, though, you should strongly consider using our software to compare your filing options so you can choose the best possible strategy for claiming your benefits.

Best, Jerry