Community Chat

[geezerette]

It doesn't matter when your first payment arrives, your benefit amount is calculated from when you applied.  Your first payment is normally larger than all subsequent payments since you are paid for those months between the time you applied and when your benefits are deposited.  From then on your benefits are deposited on a monthly basis.

[Caffeina]

@AnnMarie-1 

I'm a retired SS claims examiner. (Yes, I've made mistakes, and have corrected this.)

If you are 62 and two months this month (January 2022), and you apply no later than May 2022, you'll receive benefits for November 2021 on. The number of retroactive months in your first check just depends on the month you file, the payment cycle you're in based on your birthday, and the date the system processes your claim. It can process in less than three months if there aren't any issues.

[phoenixbrd]

They discourage appointments....most are working from home at our local office.  It has to be an "emergency" to get an appointment.

[violann]

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@Mz iMac wrote:

Or go to your local SS office.

**take notes**  Better yet tape record them w/their permission of course.

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At hour local office there was typically a long wait, but the counselors there were REALLY gracious and willing to explain things and walk me through the paperwork.

If you can arrange for it it's worth taking the two or three hours and bringing a book or magazine to pass the time.

Our facility was EXTREMELYwell organized, but always had heavy volume.

[violann]

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@violann wrote:

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@Mz iMac wrote:

Or go to your local SS office.

**take notes**  Better yet tape record them w/their permission of course.

---

At hour local office there was typically a long wait, but the counselors there were REALLY gracious and willing to explain things and walk me through the paperwork.

If you can arrange for it it's worth taking the two or three hours and bringing a book or magazine to pass the time.

Our facility was EXTREMELYwell organized, but always had heavy volume.

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Apologizing while responding to town post- ALL of my GOOD IN-OFFICE EXPERIENCES were PRE-COVID.

[chrystaltree]

Interesting question.  You should call Social Security.

[Sooner]

@hckynutjohn I was eligable for retirement from my company at 51, but worked until I was well into my 60's but not full retirement age for max.

Like you, I figured it up and it wasn't worth it to wait!  I have never regretted it!  You really have to put down the numbers for yourself because common advice and wisdom may not apply to you!  

[sunshine45]

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@Love my grandkids wrote:

@AnnMarie-1 SS doesn't do paper checks anymore. It's either direct deposit (mine) or you receive a debit type card. A few much older recipients *may* still be getting paper checks, not sure about that.

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@Love my grandkids 

just a FYI

we have been having an issue with SSA with my mom for almost a year now and it all started with her wanting to switch her bank account. they stopped paying her completely, then we had to spend hours on the phone getting it taken care of.....or so we though. they deposted all of her back pay into the new account and we thought great, it is all taken care of. even though they have the new bank account information, they are NOW sending her paper checks. this is the simplified story. lol

she is so frustrated that she said she doesnt want to go through the hassle anymore and will just wait for her checks in the mail.....

so yes, they do STILL send out paper checks.

[Love my grandkids]

@sunshine45 What a hassle for your mom and you. As I said, I *thought* some still got paper checks. Too bad SSA s c r e w e d up your mom's payments. No one should have to jump through all those hoops!

[shoesnbags]

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@violann wrote:

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@Mz iMac wrote:

Or go to your local SS office.

**take notes**  Better yet tape record them w/their permission of course.

---

At hour local office there was typically a long wait, but the counselors there were REALLY gracious and willing to explain things and walk me through the paperwork.

If you can arrange for it it's worth taking the two or three hours and bringing a book or magazine to pass the time.

Our facility was EXTREMELYwell organized, but always had heavy volume.

---

@violann 

Was this before COVID or after?

ETA: Never mind, I saw that you answered this in your next post.  You confirmed what I had thought - before covid.