I turned 62 in August of 2019. I just applied for early retirement in January 2020. I was told by a friend that they would go back to August and start my benefits but January of 2020 was my option to start. Can you please clarify for me?

Hi,

You aren't allowed to claim reduced Social Security benefits for any months prior to your month of filing, so if you filed your application in January 2020 it would be impossible for Social Security to start your benefits retroactive to August 2019. And, if you chose January 2020 as your month of election to start benefits, then that will be your first month of entitlement. Social Security pays benefits a month behind, though, so your payment for January will be due in February.

Best, Jerry