Applying For Social Security in June

YuccaFlatsRanch · #1 04/13/11, 11:35 PM

I will be applying for Social Security at age 62 and I can make the application in June with a birthday in August. I figure that the sooner I get in the system the harder it will be to kick me out or delay my application to a more advanced age. BTW - you have to have (unlike running for President) an original copy of your birth certificate OR a DD-214 (discharge papers from Military) to apply.

PhilJohnson · #2 04/13/11, 11:50 PM

For younger folks like myself I'll never see a dime from Social Security

It's a good program, too bad it has been mismanaged to the point now where anybody under 40 probably won't get anything back.

Micheal · #3 04/14/11, 06:34 AM

Not knocking your choice of "getting into the system", but if the "only" reason you have is fear of the unknown or the maybe's of politics then I'd hold off. Only 'cause you are now "to old" to be denied - don't believe me (?) just listen to any of those talking heads of change they are all wanting to change the system for those 50 (maybe 55) and younger.

Filing just because you can only costs you money not only in the short run but over the rest of your lifespan.......... as in a reduced amount and with any possible increases there-after.

Explorer · #4 04/14/11, 06:47 AM

I started my SS at 62 in 2002 and have no regrets. Like everyone else I get an increase when the gov't allows one. The payout compared to normal age retirement is based on your live expectancy. Mine was 74. That means the total amount (not counting raises) of my payout will be the same at age 74. If you add all my payouts, reduced amount, from age 62 to 74 and all from age 65 1/2 to age 74, normal amount, they will be equal. If I live past 74 then I will get less SS, but have the benefit of getting it early. I would do it again based on my current health.

Belfrybat · #5 04/14/11, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YuccaFlatsRanch

I will be applying for Social Security at age 62 and I can make the application in June with a birthday in August. I figure that the sooner I get in the system the harder it will be to kick me out or delay my application to a more advanced age. BTW - you have to have (unlike running for President) an original copy of your birth certificate OR a DD-214 (discharge papers from Military) to apply.

I applied last August and they accepted a certified copy just fine. I too applied at age 62 -- figured I'd rather get a reduced amount as I'd have to live a long, long time to make it up if I waited until 66. Plus the peace of mind knowing that check is coming each month means less overall stress (I'm self-employed and income has been dwindling the past few years).
I am very grateful for Social Security as it helps me live easier than if it didn't exist.

Alice In TX/MO · #6 04/14/11, 07:56 AM

If you apply early, your income allowable is reduced. Something to check into if you are still working some.

wwubben · #7 04/14/11, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YuccaFlatsRanch

I will be applying for Social Security at age 62 and I can make the application in June with a birthday in August. I figure that the sooner I get in the system the harder it will be to kick me out or delay my application to a more advanced age. BTW - you have to have (unlike running for President) an original copy of your birth certificate OR a DD-214 (discharge papers from Military) to apply.

My wife has neither a birth certificate or a DD214.They accepted her baptism certificate.

suzyhomemaker09 · #8 04/14/11, 08:25 AM

There are really very few people who actually have an original copy of their birth certificates.

Use Less · #9 04/14/11, 08:57 AM

My Dad, age 84, tells me repeatedly to sign up as soon as I am eligible. His boss, not much older than he was, called when Dad was 61, and urged him on. I have paid in dearly since I was in high school, so I won't feel guilty. If there hadn't been the requirement to contribute, I'd have socked that money into investments or savings myself. My health is good, nothing threatening, but you never know when something might start up, or you have an accident. I already have a very good LTC policy, too, for which I pay dearly, but starting one young can get you more-complete coverage than if you wait. Sue

GoatsRus · #10 04/14/11, 09:44 AM

My DH started taking his this year @ 62. Yea..yea...reduced rates and all. But, he's still working, so everything that is going into SS through work will up his monthly pay each year. He can only get about 1/2 of his SS this year due to his salary, but that's OK, it's extra money in the bank. He will continue to work as long as he can and at 66, can draw all his SS and what ever he makes. A rule of thumb is that the person will the lower income take it early (62) and the person with the higher income wait until full retirement if possible. Thats what we're doing. If something happens to me, he will get my higher SS anyway.

Kshobbit · #11 04/14/11, 09:52 AM

I retired at age 63 1/2 due to problems with my hands and being a laboratory technician made it very difficult to do my job. I did not apply for disability as I could do other menial work. I am not sorry as I have worked since age 14 at jobs that too SS out of my tiny checks. I did work part-time to supplement my income. I am so glad I did it. Not to get some money before it ran out but the peace of mind of not having to worry about dropping reagents or not hitting a vein. I cleaned houses for several years. Still dropped and broke a few things but nothing hazardous or expensive. After working almost 50 years it is good to get some time off. It helps if your house is paid off and no credit card bills to worry about.

oregon woodsmok · #12 04/14/11, 02:15 PM

Even if you decide to not draw SS, it is important to sign up for one of the medicare programs. Cost of that one goes up every year you wait. So to get the best price, you sign up as soon as you are eligible.

ronbre · #13 04/14/11, 02:47 PM

don't wait till June you need to apply 6 mo in advance of your birthday..i plan to apply in Dec of NEXT year

Txrider · #14 04/14/11, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YuccaFlatsRanch

I will be applying for Social Security at age 62 and I can make the application in June with a birthday in August. I figure that the sooner I get in the system the harder it will be to kick me out or delay my application to a more advanced age. BTW - you have to have (unlike running for President) an original copy of your birth certificate OR a DD-214 (discharge papers from Military) to apply.

Hmm... I guess I had better get my stuff together and get my SSI record fixed... Sometime in the last few years they changed my birth date by a day. It's been a real pain as the IRS uses SSI info..

I had though about just leaving it a day off, as it'll be a pita to get it fixed... but I would assume it would not be good to show up when I can collect SSI with a birth cert that is a day different than their records..

Tom in TN · #15 04/14/11, 04:01 PM

YuccaFlats,

Everything in life is a gamble. Currently, if you receive benefits before your full retirement age, Social Security will deduct one dollar for every two dollars that you earn above $14,160.00. So, if you're still earning income, and that income is more than $14,160.00 per year, your SS benefit will be reduced.

I believe this is true also, you have to project how much your income will be, and the SS Administration deducts the prescribed amount from your checks right away. You don't wait until the end of the year to see how much you actually made, the reduction takes place immediately. Then there's an analysis done at the end of the year to settle up any amount over or under paid.

I was in good health at age 62 and was still making money. I gambled on the fact that I'd still be living at age 66 when I could take the full benefit from SS and also make as much money as I could.

It worked out for me. I am now on full benefits and I still make more than $14,160.00 per year.

Good luck on your choice, and good health to you.

Tom in TN

ldc · #16 04/14/11, 04:11 PM

TXRIDER, FYI, sometimes things like b'days are almost impossible to correct w SS; if that becomes yr experience please get in touch w yr local congressperson's office. They have staff to handle SS problems. Best regards, ldc

Kshobbit · #17 04/14/11, 04:40 PM

You will not get medicare at age 62 when you can draw SS benefits. Mine did not kick in until age 65. The SS Administration will tell you when you will get it. You will need insurance until that time. I was able to use the Cobra insurance until mine went into effect.

Yvonne's hubby · #18 04/14/11, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YuccaFlatsRanch

I will be applying for Social Security at age 62 and I can make the application in June with a birthday in August. I figure that the sooner I get in the system the harder it will be to kick me out or delay my application to a more advanced age. BTW - you have to have (unlike running for President) an original copy of your birth certificate OR a DD-214 (discharge papers from Military) to apply.

Actually you are "supposed" to have a birth certificate/and or passport and either your original SS card or a duplicate. Thats according to the rules. I filed online, never showed anything to anyone other than my drivers license to the security guard when I entered the building to check on things a couple of days ago. But then again, I was filing for SSDI, (wheel chair money) instead of rockin chair benefits fer being old. I spose that might make a difference.

arabian knight · #19 04/14/11, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzyhomemaker09

There are really very few people who actually have an original copy of their birth certificates.

What is this talk about Birth Certs?
I sure didn't have to bring it in to show mine.

arabian knight · #20 04/14/11, 06:22 PM

And don;t forget that these people that are signing up at 62 You can not get Medicare until 65.~! You cannot sign up or use any of Medicare and all its benefits until age 65~! Unless you are going on SS Disability THEN there is a 24 Month Waiting period even at that time, to sign up for Medicare.
Please keep that in mind. So you must keep whatever Health Insurance you have now,, keep that being paid up.~@!