Social Security Retirement...Should I go and apply today?

Bad news is you won't be seeing that first check on your birthday. Social Security is paid in arrears. You don't get a check till the month after the full month after you qualify. In other words, if you turn 62 in April, May has to pass and you get your first check in June.

You can sign up online (http://www.ssa.gov/) and it does take some time for your application to process. You should sign up immediately and hope there's enough time. The earliest you can sign up is 3 months before your birthday and that's normally a good idea to do it.

Keep in mind that applying at 62 will give you a lesser benefit than if you wait till the age for full benefits.

Unless u are poor health , have a disability or want to live hand to mouth.

Do not apply until u are 66 . every year b4 then u are Reduce in benefits

AND the check stays at that level till u pass on.

If u are working u only get 1/3 of reduced benefits.

Do the math - it is a bad deal.

Most people can work minimum wage and make more than

REduce benefits pay even after taxes.

Mod is wrong - it does not take that long. But I believe you need to sign up early in the month to get a check during the next month. It's probably too late to get that first check on your birthday.

If you live near a Social Security office, go in and ask them about this to be sure.

After you have applied, It takes about 5 months to receive your first check.

edit: I was thinking of someone that has become disabled and will be forced to retire prior to 6o years of age. Had spoken to someone at SS office just last week.

"If the application is approved within five months, there will be no lump-sum payment. Benefits will not begin until the end of the five-month waiting period." - from website

Yes, go apply you are close enough. Now that I'm seventy I wish I had waited cause you get more money each year you wait.