Well, it sure would be nice if, when claiming Social Security, we could turn the clock back and request benefits earlier than today. That sure would be helpful if, for example, someone simply forgot (or was otherwise unable) to claim when they originally planned. And sometimes, just not understanding the rules may cause someone to delay claiming, believing that if they wait longer to claim their benefit will be higher. Point is, there are many nuances to Social Security rules, some of which limit retroactive benefits. Here’s some basic info: one can only request retroactive benefits after they have reached their full retirement age (FRA), and then only up to six months of retroactive benefits. This is particularly important when considering benefit for a spouse, because those benefit reach maximum at full retirement age, and waiting longer won’t change the spousal benefit amount, as explained in this encore edition of Ask Rusty. The written version of our original article can be found here, and if you prefer to listen instead of read, the audio version can be heard here.
Notice: The links provided above connects readers to the full content of the posted article. The URL (internet address) for this link is valid on the posted date; socialsecurityreport.org cannot guarantee the duration of the link’s validity. Also, the opinions expressed in these postings are the viewpoints of the original source and are not explicitly endorsed by AMAC, Inc.; the AMAC Foundation, Inc.; or socialsecurityreport.org.
Hi Rusty. I read your column in The Daily Sun This question truly is being asked for a friend: She hasn’t a lot of money and so has worked continuously. Since she was still working she didn’t think she needed to apply for Medicare at 65. Big Mistake! Now she’s still working and but pays a $35/mo penalty for late application. Any waivers available for someone in her situation? Ideas? Thanks.
Dennis
The only time someone doesn’t need to take Medicare Part B and Part D at 65 is when they are still working and have creditable employer coverage. When a company has more than 20 employees, the coverage is usually creditable, Is there any change she had creditable employer health insurance and didn’t submit her proof of coverage? If this is the case, she can still submit it to get the penalty waived.
If she is eligible for extra help for Part D:
Generally, you won’t have to pay a Part D penalty if:
You have creditable drug coverage (coverage that’s similar in value to Part D) OR
You qualify for Extra Help
Link to Extra Help Program: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs
Medicare Savings Program (4 programs)
Get help from your state paying your Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) premiums through a Medicare Savings Program. If you qualify, Medicare Savings Programs might also pay your Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. However, no mention of covering late enrollment penalties for Part B. Link to Medicare Savings Program: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs
If you have further questions please email ssadvisory@amacfoundation.org or call 888-750-2622.
Sharon L Kleczka
Social Security Advisor
AMAC Foundation
I read your article in the AMAC Feb 2025 and I served 1957 to 1961. Could I be eligible for additional Soc. Sec. ??? I also have my DD-214 org. form. ???
William,
For those that served from 1957 through 1967 Social Security would have added the extra credits to your record when you applied for Social Security benefits as long as you presented your DD-214 when you applied. You were credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter in which you received active-duty basic pay. This does not mean that $300 per month will be added to your Social Security benefit amount. During your working years, including your military service, you needed to earn so much a quarter to count towards the 10 years required to qualify for Social Security. Your benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings and your earnings through age 59 have been adjusted for inflation. Meaning they are worth more now than when you earned them. This adjusted amount is not shown on your Social Security earnings statement.
If you worked a full 35 years or more after your military service, those years may not have been used in the calculation of your benefit if they were lower. If you are concerned you didn’t receive them, you need to call Social Security to confirm. 800-772-1213
Thank you very much for your service.
If you have further questions please email ssadvisory@amacfoundation.org or call 888-750-2622.
Sharon L Kleczka
Social Security Advisor
AMAC Foundation