Q: I’m reaching my full retirement age and thinking about retiring in early 2013. When should I apply for Social Security benefits?
A: If you are planning to retire in early 2013, you can apply now. You can apply as early as three months prior to when you want your monthly benefits to begin. To apply, go online to www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire.Applying online for retirement benefits from your home or office is secure and can take as little as 15 minutes.
Q: My wife and I live in Akron, but plan to spend the winter in Arizona. My wife will turn 62 while we are down south. Can she apply for benefits in Arizona, or do we have to wait until we get back home to apply for retirement at our local Social Security office?
A: You don’t have to be near a Social Security office to apply. Regardless of where you and your wife are living, you can apply for retirement benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. It’s easy and can take as little as 15 minutes to complete and submit the application. If she prefers, your wife can file a retirement benefit application at any Social Security office — including the one closest to you in Akron, Arizona, or wherever you happen to be.
Send questions to Robert Fenn, Social Security Administration, Second Floor, Federal Building, 2 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308. Fax: 330-375-5616 or email: Robert.Fenn@ssa.gov.