Social Security no longer discusses your options when it comes to choosing your month of entitlement to retirement benefits.  They simply sign you up with the month you request.  They assume you have discussed your personal situation and what is best for you with your financial planner or other financial expert.

It may be to your advantage to have your Social Security benefits start in January, even if you do not plan to retire until later in the year.  Depending on your earnings and your benefit amount, it may be possible for you to start collecting benefits even though you continue to work.  Most people receive the most benefits possible when their application is effective in January.  Social Security normally has no retroactivity.  You must document your intent to file for benefits before February 1, 2009.  You can do this by starting an application online or calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

If you are reaching your full retirement age of 66, you have several options.

• You can start your retirement benefit at age 66 and receive your full benefit amount.  You can do this even if you continue working.

• You can apply for a spouse's benefit and restrict the application to spouse's benefits only.  You will earn delayed retirement credits of 8% per year up to age 70 by delaying your benefits on your own work record.

• You can apply for retirement benefits and waive the benefits to earn delayed retirement credits of 8% per year up to age 70.  If you file for retirement and waive the benefits, your spouse can still collect benefits from your work record if they meet all other requirement.