retroactive social security

I don't know the answer to your question, but I do know that the longer you wait to apply, the more money you get (per year) from then on. So you haven't necessarily lost out.

I gather that it will be a brief time before he's eligible for the earliest possible enrollment date. My inclination is to get the money as soon as possible unless there is likelihood of significant income before full retirement age. Social Security in normally not taxed unless you exceed a certain income. Last year that amount was ~ 25,000 which includes 50% of SS benefit plus all other income - earned or not. Also, when earned income exceeds something like 15,000 they reduce SS payments by $1.00 for every $2.00 earned. I could not advise anyone earning above minimum wage to accept the benefit till full retirement age.

Beyond that, I'm not sure I really understand the entire question. Certainly, there is no retroactive benefit.

PS: If you know you are going to die before full retirement age, take the money as soon as possible.

Thanks everyone

I too agree that it makes sense to get the money as soon as possible unless there is likelihood of significant income before full retirement age....