Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 6, 2023
Retirement is not one-size-fits-all. It can mean different things to different people. Perhaps you have not applied for Social Security retirement benefits because you’re still working or are delaying applying so you can get the higher benefit. If you’re age 70 or older, you should apply now for the benefits you’re owed. Your benefits will not increase if you continue to delay applying for them because you are 70 or older.
Did you know that you can receive benefits even if you still work? Your earnings can increase your monthly benefit amount – even after you start receiving benefits. Each year that you work, we check your earnings record. It’s possible your latest year of earnings is one of your highest 35 years. If so, we will automatically recalculate your benefit amount and pay you any increase due.
You can claim your retirement benefits now. The best and easiest way to apply is with a personal my Social Security account. You can create your free account on our website. Once you create your account, you can get an estimate of how much you might receive each month based on when you want to start receiving benefits and then apply.
In your account, you can also:
- Access our publications – like the fact sheet for workers ages 70 and up.
- Find your Full Retirement Age.
- Learn about benefits for your spouse and family members.
- Apply for benefits.
- Manage your benefits once you start receiving them.
We’re here to help you secure today and tomorrow and we invite you to learn more about applying for retirement benefits on our website. Please share this blog with your friends and family – and post it on social media.
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Tags: full retirement age, retirement, retirement benefits, Social Security benefits
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Bill F.
Once I start receiving my full social security benefits, can I pause them if needed ? If paused, will benefits still grow until 70?
Ann C.
Hi, Bill. Thanks for visiting our blog. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can handle in this forum. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Monika A.
I was just approved for SSI based on my own record but what will happen to my widow’s pension?
Ann C.
Hi, Monika. Thanks for visiting our blog. It sounds like you are now eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. For those already receiving survivor benefits, you can only apply for retirement benefits if your retirement benefit is higher than the benefits you receive as a survivor. On the other hand, if you are referring to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, generally, your widow’s benefit will remain the same. For specific questions, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Kenneth M.
I just turned 70 but I am still working. Is there a limit to my earnings and still collect SSI.
Ann C.
Hi, Kenneth. Thanks for your question. If you are receiving Social Security benefits, beginning with the month you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your earnings may affect your payments. For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Bill R.
I will turn 70 on January 2, 2024. Do I use December, 2023 as my benefit start date to ensure that I receive the maximum benefit? Or, does it have to be January, 2024 and I would only receive 11 payments for 2024.
Thank you.
Ann C.
Hi, Bill. Thanks for your question. If you want benefits to begin at age 70, you attain age 70 in January 2024. We pay benefits in the month following the month they are due. So if you begin your benefits in January 2024, you would receive your first check in February 2024. For additional questions, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Barb M.
I turn 70 on 12/18/2023. In order to receive the maximum benefit, should I put down 12/2023 as the start date for benefits or 1/2024?
Ann C.
Hi, Barb. Thanks for your question. If you want benefits to begin at age 70, you attain age 70 in December 2023. We pay benefits in the month following the month they are due. So if you begin your benefits in December 2023, you would receive your first check in January 2024. We hope this helps.
Joan
I am in the same situation. 70th Birthday on Christmas, so do I request benefits start in December or January? Do I lose the COLA adjustment if I wait until January?