SS question--suppose my birthdate was Dec. 30, 1947.

[raccoon]

(it really wasn't, but just say what if.)

Could I begin drawing 62-year-old SS this month, or does it have to be the month after, January 2010 in this case?

[Sherman A1]

1. I think a call

or visit to the SS web site will be able to answer your question.

[napi21]

2. Yes you can begin drawing SS in Jan 2010, but it will be a lower amount per month than

if you waited until you reached the full eligibility. Thye reason most people can't retire and collect SS at an earlier age is health care. You are not eligible for medicare until age 65. Mu husband had to continue working until age 66 because I'm one year younger and private HC would have been cost prohibitive.

[juno jones]

3. I suspect we December babies get screwed.

Just a gut feeling from back when I got either a birthday or christmas present but not both...

It just makes me suspicious ;)....

Good luck with finding the info you need ! :hi:

[SheilaT]

4. I know that Medicare goes into effect

(although it's not automatic and you do have to apply for it) at the beginning of the month in which you turn 65. I sort of thought SS worked the same way, although there's plenty of leeway as to when you actually choose to start collecting.

[Paper Roses]

5. In the words of our accountant, file as soon as you can.

You never know when your time is up. My husband started when he was 62, he died a few years later. I filed at 62 also. We paid into the system all our working lives. My husband get very little in return for his investment. I rec'd 200.00 upon his death. I hope to live long enough to see a return on the dollars put in. Doubt that will happen. If I may be so bold, calculate the difference between what you would receive at 62 and then at 65. A lot of years go by before you make up the difference. If you don't make it, Uncle Sam has your money.

[wishlist]

6. Your first actual payment would be in February for January

You would not be eligible until the first full month you are 62 which is January but the payment for January would not be paid out until February under SS rules.