Hi Larry, I turn 66 in the end of September 2021, how far in advance do I need to apply for social security?
If my full retirement age is 66 and 2 months what month to choose as my month to start my benefit?
When I will receive my first payment? Thanks, Eva.

Hi Eva. If you'll be claiming Social Security retirement benefits and if you want to start your benefits effective with the month you reach full retirement age (FRA) you'd choose to start your benefits effective with November 2021. However, that may not be your best option. The best option for when to start drawing benefits depends on each person's individual set of circumstances. Therefore, you may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

If you do decide to claim your benefits effective with November 2021 you could file your application up to 4 months prior to that, or as early as July 1 2021. You wouldn't really need to file in advance, though. You could actually apply as late as May 2022 and still be able to claim benefits retroactive to November 2021.

Best, Jerry