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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Nancy L.
I am currently receiving survivor’s benefits on my deceased husband’s account. I will soon be 69 and wish to now apply for my own social security benefit. I can’t find any information online to help me do this. Where do I get a form or who can I call (Elkhart, IN is my nearest office)? Thank you.
Ann C.
Hi, Nancy. Thanks for visiting our blog. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
Alma B.
Hi, my name is Alma Balancio. I am emailing about my father Alfonso P. Balancio’s social security benefits. My father just turn 70 years old this month. My father has asked me on his behalf. My father lives in the Philippines. He was getting social security benefits but it had stop months before age 70 years old.
How can my father starts recieving his social security benefits? From the Philippines.
I have read that social security benefits will start on December/January does includes people recieving benefits people in foreign countries?
Thank you.
Alma Balancio
Ann C.
Hi, Alma. Thanks for visiting our blog. Since your father is living outside of the U.S., he can contact his local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.
Sharon B.
I turn 70 on Dec 30th 2023 would I want to start social security in Dec and do I have to be 70 for the entire month to get the full 132%
Sharon B.
Should I file for social security in Dec I will be 70 Dec 30th 2023 do I have to be 70 for the whole month before I file
Ann C.
Hi, Sharon. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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.
Craig T.
It is unclear what month I need to choose as when benefits begin. I will be 70 on December 19th and want to ensure I receive the full benefit amount. Do I choose December as the start month, or do I choose January?
Ann C.
Hi, Craig. 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.
RACHEL C.
MY EX IS A MILLIONAIRE BUT I GET SOCIAL SECURITY VERY LOW MONEY. WHY CAN I NOT GET MORE SOCIAL SECURITY NOW THAT I AM 80?
Ann C.
Hi, Rachel. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to work with our offices 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.
Premlata V.
Thanks for informing the public about safety of information being provided by individuals. I appreciate it!!!
Philip D.
I am 71 years of age and receiving benefits. My wife will turn 66 1/2 next year which is her full retirement age.
If half of my benefit is greater than her own benefit from her earnings, does she get to collect that, since she will be at her FRA?
Premlata V.
Philip,
Yes! She can apply few months in advance and start SS benefit eff the month she attains her full retirement age. Create SS account and do the calculations there.
Ann C.
Hi, Philip. Thanks for your question. Keep in mind that if she qualifies for her own benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay her own benefits first. If her benefits as a spouse are higher than their own benefits, she will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Visit here for more information. We hope this helps.
David B.
I will turn 70 on Dec 2 and plan to apply for benefits starting Dec 2023 (payments starting in Jan 2024). What is the earliest date that I can submit my application?
Premlata V.
David,
You can apply few months in advance for benefit starting the month you attain age 70, but SS pays it one month late.
December benefit will be paid in January.
Ann C.
Hi, David. Thanks for your question. Our system is set up to take applications four months in advance. When you are ready, you can complete the online application for your Social Security retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. Also, you can create a personal my Social Security account to review your earnings record and get an estimate of your future benefits. Please visit our Social Security Retirement Planner for more information. We hope this helps.
Lucy
Currently receiving survivor benefits. When I turn 70 and start receiving my retirement benefits do the survivor benefits automatically stop?
Ann C.
Hi, Lucy. Thanks for your question. If you receive survivors benefits, and will qualify for a retirement benefit that’s more than your survivors benefit, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. The rules are complicated and vary depending on the situation. 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.
Premlata V.
Hi Lucy,
SS gives the benefits amount which is higher if your own or survivor. You can’t get both.
William h.
I retired at 62. Now I’m 70. Can I work as much as I want and still collect s/s and keep all my benefits.
Ann C.
Hi, William. Thanks for your question. Beginning with the month you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. For more information, please visit our Benefits Planner: Recieving Benefits While Working. We hope this helps.
Premlata V.
Yes, in my opinion. When you take SS benefit at 62, you can still work but if your income from work is certain $ amount, part benefit is taxed.