WASHINGTON, D.C. — For many Americans, reaching age 70 is the ultimate milestone for Social Security, as it marks the point where monthly retirement benefits reach their absolute maximum. However, for those born on the first day of the month, the timing of that final “pay raise” comes with a unique twist in federal law.
Russell Gloor, a National Social Security Advisor with the AMAC Foundation, recently addressed a common point of confusion for seniors born on New Year’s Day.
The “Day Before” Rule
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), individuals are legally considered to have attained a specific age on the day before their actual birthday.
For a person born on January 1, 1958, this means:
- Legal Age 70: Attained on December 31, 2027.
- Eligibility: Because they “turn 70” in December, they are eligible for their maximum, unreduced age-70 benefit for the entire month of December.
- First Payment: Since Social Security pays benefits one month in arrears, that maximum December payment would arrive in January 2028.
“Basically, anyone born on the first of any month is considered to have been born in the previous month for Social Security benefit purposes,” Gloor explained.
Strategy for a Maximum Check
To ensure there is no confusion with the SSA’s processing systems, Gloor recommends a specific “Safety Remark” when filing.
When completing the application (either online at ssa.gov or over the phone), use the “Remarks” section to clarify your intent: “I do not wish to receive any retroactive Social Security benefits. I want my benefits to become effective with the first month of my age 70 eligibility (December 2027 because I was born on the first of January).”
Why Wait Until 70?
While you can claim retirement benefits as early as 62, waiting until 70 provides the highest possible monthly yield.
- Delayed Retirement Credits: For those born in 1943 or later, your benefit increases by 8% for every year you delay past your Full Retirement Age (FRA).
- The “Breakeven” Point: Financial experts generally note that if a beneficiary lives past age 82, the cumulative lifetime benefits of waiting until 70 will far exceed the total amount they would have received by starting at age 62 or 67.
2026 Social Security Updates
As of early 2026, beneficiaries should be aware of several key changes:
- COLA Increase: A 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment took effect in January 2026, raising the average monthly check by approximately $56.
- Earnings Limit: For those who have not yet reached FRA and are still working, the earnings limit has increased to $24,480 for 2026.
- Max Benefit: The maximum monthly benefit for someone retiring at age 70 in 2026 has risen to $5,251.
How to Apply
The SSA suggests applying approximately three to four months before your desired start date to allow for processing.
The AMAC Foundation offers free advisory services at amacfoundation.org.
Online: www.ssa.gov/apply
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
