Should I Ask for Retroactive Social Security Benefits?

Dear Rusty: I turn 70 next month, October 3, and am making an application for Social Security benefits to begin in January 2026. I want the maximum Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) and the highest permanent monthly benefit. I do not want to leave money on the table, so should I request six months of retroactive benefits or at least retroactive to October when I turn 70? If I do this, will I lose DRCs and adversely impact my ongoing monthly benefit after February 2026? Signed: Turning 70 

Dear Turning 70: I must ask – why claim your Social Security to start in January? You are entitled to your maximum SS monthly benefit in the month you reach 70 years of age, so waiting until January doesn’t gain you anything. You could apply in August, specifying you wish your benefits to start in October, and you would get the maximum age 70 benefit you are entitled to (e.g., the maximum Delayed Retirement Credits available to you, and the highest possible monthly benefit).  

Since you are looking for your maximum DRC’s, to prevent SSA from giving you any retroactive benefits (which would permanently lower your monthly amount) you should enter in the “Remarks” section of your application that “I do not wish to receive retroactive benefits. I want my maximum monthly benefit effective with the month I turn 70 years of age.”  

If, however, for some reason you still wish to claim effective with January 2026, you should indicate in the “Remarks” section of your SS application that you only wish three months of retroactive benefits, for the months of October, November and December 2025.This is to prevent you from losing the money you would miss by waiting beyond October to claim. If you ask for benefits retroactive to any month earlier than the month you turn 70, your monthly benefit will be permanently reduced. 

This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org.