It typically takes about six weeks for Social Security retirement benefits to start after you apply. You should plan to apply at least three months before you want your benefits to begin to avoid gaps in income. If there are errors in your application or a backlog at the agency, it may take up to three months for benefits to start. You cannot apply more than four months before you want your benefits to start, so starting the application process early is important. The Social Security Administration processes most claims quickly, often within 14 days if benefits are due immediately or before they start, but the overall wait for approval and first payment is generally around six weeks or longer depending on individual circumstances. Your first payment arrives the month after the month you choose to start receiving benefits, and payment dates in the month depend on your birthdate. In summary:

• Plan on about six weeks for processing after applying.
• Apply at least three months before you want benefits to start.
• Cannot apply more than four months in advance.
• Benefits begin the month after your chosen start month.
• First payment timing depends on your birthdate.

This timeline allows for some variation due to application completeness and agency workload.