Retirement

Are You Age 70 or Older and Not Yet Getting Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

July 6, 2023 • By

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Last Updated: July 6, 2023

Senior man working at laptop to apply for Social Security benefitsRetirement 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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About the Author

Stephen McGraw, Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

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Comments

  1. Ralph g.

    I want to change my benefit date from January 1, 2024 to March 1st 2024. After over an hour wait on hold I was told to go to my local SSA office which I did and was told I could delete my application and start a new one. Is there any room for leniency ?
    thanks

    • S.D.

      Hi, Ralph. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. Your “month of entitlement” is the month you start your benefits. You can ask to change your month of entitlement from January to March 2024. If we’ve already made a decision on your application, you have two options. You can withdraw your application and reapply for benefits with the later start date. You’ll find the form and instructions here. Or you can put your request in writing and submit it to your local Social Security office. Be sure to include your name and Social Security number in your request. If you need additional assistance, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter Wednesdays through Fridays or later in the day. We hope this helps.

  2. Brent

    I just turned 70 in November 2023 and have been receiving spousal disability. I thought social security would automatically switch to my own account since I am 70 though see the pending payment on my bank account is still my spousal disability. How and when will it convert to my own social security?

    • S.D.

      Hi, Brent. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. You will need to apply for your retirement benefits now that you are age 70. The switch from spouse benefits to your own benefits is not automatic. Because you stopped earning delayed retirement credits at age 70, you should apply for retirement right away and choose November as the month you want your benefits to start. You can complete the online retirement application in as little as 15 minutes. If you prefer to schedule an appointment, call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.

  3. Jesse

    Hi,
    I will turn 70 on Feb 4, 2024 and I would like to make sure I receive the maximum amount for my benefit. When should I submit my application and should I put down an effective date of Month/Day/Year, i.e., Feb 4, 2024 or just Month and Year, i.e., Feb 2024? First benefit I assume will be March?
    Thanks!

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jesse. Thanks for visiting our blog. If you want your benefits to begin at age 70 in February, you can apply up to four months in advance. The benefits will be paid in March. Social Security retirement benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due. You may find our Payment Calendar useful for future benefits. We hope this helps. 

      • Michael

        I will turn 70 on Feb 26, 2024 and I would like to make sure I receive the maximum amount for my benefit. While I realize that one can apply up to 4 months in advance, what is the start date that should be listed in the application? Since my birthdate is so late in the month, should I use a start date of March 2024, or should I use February 2024 in order to receive the maximum amount for my benefit?

        • A.C.

          Hi, Michael. Thanks for visiting our blog. It sounds like you are referring to receiving delayed retirement credits You will automatically earn Delayed Retirement Credits if you postpone receiving benefits until the age of 70. Delayed retirement credits are added for months of non-payment between full retirement age and age 70. If you want your benefits to begin at age 70, you would select benefits to begin in February. Keep in mind, retirement benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of February, you will receive your first payment in March. We hope this helps. 

  4. Paul

    Hi,
    Was born Aug 1st, 1953. I have to delay social security until Jan 2024. Since I will be past age 70, will I get a lump sum for 5 months (Aug – Dec) 2024 in Jan? Since I was born on the 1st I believe my first check would have been in Aug if I didn’t delay.
    Thanks in advance….

    • A.C.

      Hi, Paul. Thanks for visiting our blog. Generally, if you have already reached full retirement age, you can choose to start receiving benefits before the month you apply. However, we cannot pay retroactive benefits for any month before you reached full retirement age or more than six months in the past. 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.

  5. James M.

    I am 79 soon to be 80 and I can’t get benefits without an ungodly fine because I did not sign up at 65, now no one wants anything to do with me because no benefits, so I am forced to drive 250 miles to see a Dr. and keep my health up to par. how can this be fair. I did not sign up at 65 so now the government is punishing me and times are very hard now no room for vendettas

  6. 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?

    • A.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.

  7. Monika A.

    I was just approved for SSI based on my own record but what will happen to my widow’s pension?

    • A.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.

  8. Kenneth M.

    I just turned 70 but I am still working. Is there a limit to my earnings and still collect SSI.

    • A.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. 

  9. 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.

    • A.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.

    • Paul

      LOL, gave you wrong answer… born on 1st or 2nd of the month, SS considers the month before as your birth month. December would be your start date…

  10. 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?

    • A.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?

      • Bruce H.

        Hi Ann C. I have the same question as Bill and Joan. Your answers are nonsensical and do not answer their questions or mine. What does “If you want benefits to begin at age 70, you attain 70 in December 2023” mean? Will a person who attains age 70 in December receive the maximum benefit if she applies for benefits to begin in December?

        • Ed

          Bruce, Ann C is just a computer generated response (A.I) not a real person replying. But as I understand it, benifits will be paid the month following the start date.
          Example, my birthday is in August of next year which is when I will request benifits to begin. My first check should arrive in September, thats how I read it.

Comments are closed.