Ask Larry

When Do I Need To Contact Social Security?

When I turned 65 I used my spousal option so I could get my full SS earnings when I turn 70. When do I need to contact SSA to make sure there is no lapse and the increase is applied correctly? I will be 70 in March 2022. Thank you!

Hi. Since you were apparently born in March 1952, you didn't reach full retirement age (FRA) until age 66. So, hopefully you didn't actually file for your spousal benefits until then. If you really did apply for spousal benefits when you turned age 65 you would have been deemed to have also filed for your own Social Security retirement benefits at the same time.

Assuming that you didn't start drawing spousal benefits until FRA and if you restricted your application to spousal benefits only, then you can file to start your Social Security retirement benefits effective at age 70. Social Security allows you to file an application up to 4 months in advance, so if you reach age 70 in March 2022 the earliest that you could apply is in November 2021.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
May 5 2021 - 1:27pm
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