Question about 100% Social Security

[HockeyMom]

My husband turned 65 two days ago. I will the end of November. We went to Social Security a few weeks ago to ask questions mostly about Medicare, but the clerk told us that we could both apply for full SS after January 1, 2014, which is the year, although not the months, that we will turn 66.

Since I never heard of this, anyone have experience with this? It would help having my Medicare Part B payments taken directly out of SS, and not having to being billed for it.

[KC]

1. I was

told the same thing when I asked. Apparently it used to be that way but it
must have changed.

[DURHAM D]

2. That sounds correct - full retirement year

For several years they have been trying to get seniors turning 65 to go ahead and start-up their SS payments right away. This reduces your lifetime SS check by around 6% a year. However in your case your full retirement year is just a few months away so it should work out well.

When I turned 65 and called to enroll in Medicare they bounced me around to three different people trying to talk me into starting SS immediately. I think it is for their convenience of taking it directly from an SS check instead of processing mailed in payments plus, and this is a big plus, it also saves money for the SSA overtime if you take it early. btw - I had to pay Medicare quarterly in advance. I assume it is still the same.

I delayed my SS checks 2 years past my full retirement and it increased my amount by about 18% a month over what it would have been if I had taken SS the year I turned 65. So, if you or your husband are still working look at the benefit of delaying receipt of SS.

[No Vested Interest]

3. I agree with delaying taking Social Security as soon as possible

if the income is not needed.
Suze Orman concurs. (i am a faithful listener of her advice.)
If you can delay it until 70, even better.
Actually I understood, that the age for full social Security was about 67 now, though I guess you can still take it early and get a reduced amount.

[gblady]

4. I found this site helpful

Social Security: full retirement age page.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/agereduction.htm