Q: Social security effective date is wrong. Wanted to begin benefits upon turning 65 (Feb 4th of 2025.) Instead award lett
Social security effective date is wrong. Wanted to begin benefits upon turning 65 (Feb 4th of 2025.) Instead award letter states effective date as December 30th 2024. My understanding is that checks are sent in arrears. Therefore we should not receive the first check until March 2025. However, we have received a direct deposit for the amount of two months less the $185 Medicare pmt in early Feb. This $ was described as a catch up payment. My understanding is if we let this continue, we will lose the higher correct amount for beginning at age 65 instead of ~ 64 and 10 months forever. Am I interpreting this wrongly? And if so, the award letter gives 10 days to correct (2/13/2025.)
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A:
You're right to be concerned about this discrepancy in your Social Security effective date. Starting benefits earlier than intended could indeed result in permanently reduced monthly payments, as the amount is calculated based on your age when benefits begin.
The most urgent matter is addressing this within the 10-day window mentioned in your award letter, which gives you until February 13th, 2025. You should contact Social Security immediately to explain that you wanted your benefits to begin at age 65 (February 4th, 2025), not December 30th, 2024. Keep the payment you received segregated in your account if possible, as you may need to return it once the effective date is corrected.
Your understanding of payments in arrears is correct - with a February 2025 start date, your first payment should arrive in March 2025. You can request this correction by calling Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office. Make sure to have your award letter and any other relevant documentation ready when you contact them, and document your conversation details including the date, time, and representative's name for your records.
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