Editor’s Note: After a long career in the data processing industry, Russell Gloor joined the Association of Mature American Citizens in 2013. Gloor received training from the National Social Security Association and was accredited by the NSSA® as a Social Security adviser in 2016. Currently part of the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory team, he annually counsels thousands of American seniors about their Social Security options. In addition to answering Social Security questions daily, he also authors the AMAC Foundation’s nationally syndicated weekly “Ask Rusty” advice column and has written three instructional books about Social Security.

Dear Rusty: I am a few weeks away from my 61st birthday. I was wondering how far in advance of my 62nd birthday next year should I file my Social Security benefits paperwork in order to get my first check the same month I turn 62? I usually work a part-time job during the winter months - but that job fell through in fall 2022. So, I do not want to waste any time getting that first check arriving the minute I turn 62 in November 2023. I don’t want to take any chances of delays in starting my Social Security retirement benefits since I am currently not working. Signed: Ready to Retire Soon

Dear Ready to Retire:

Unless you were born on Nov. 1 or 2, you will first become eligible for Social Security in December of 2023. That’s because you must be 62 for the entire month before you can get Social Security for that month. If you were born on either the 1st or 2nd of November, then November 2023 will be your first month of eligibility and your first payment will be received in December. But if you turn 62 after Nov. 2, your first month of eligibility will be December 2023 and your first payment will be received in January 2024 (Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month they are earned).

Social Security recommends you apply for your retirement benefit about three months before you wish your payments to begin, but you can apply as much as four months prior. When you complete the application there will be a question asking when you wish your benefits to start, and you should select the one that says, “I want benefits beginning with the earliest possible month and will accept an age-related reduction.” Be aware your age 62 benefit amount will be permanently reduced (your age 62 benefit will be 70% of the amount you would get at your full retirement age of 67).

By applying as suggested above, you will get your first Social Security payment as early as possible, but you should also know the exact date of your payment depends on the day of the month you were born. If you were born between the 1st and 10th of the month, you’ll get your payment in your bank account on the second Wednesday of every month; if you were born between the 11th and 20th of the month, your payment will be received on the third Wednesday of every month; and if your birthday is after the 20th of the month, the payment will be in your account on the fourth Wednesday of every month.

You can apply for benefits by making an appointment to do so at 800-772-1213 or by calling your local Social Security office, but the most efficient way to apply is online at www.ssa.gov/retire. To apply online, you’ll need to first create your personal “my Social Security” online account, which is easy to do at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association. NSSA® and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit the website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.