Social Security retirement benefits aren't automatic. You can apply up to four months before you want them to start.
Updated Nov 29, 2023 · 1 min read Written by Taryn Phaneuf Lead Writer Taryn Phaneuf
Lead Writer
Taryn Phaneuf is a lead writer covering personal finance news and other topics at NerdWallet. She previously spent more than a decade reporting on business, education and public policy for local news outlets. Most recently, she worked as a data reporter and researcher for the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. She also taught journalism as an adjunct instructor at her alma mater, the University of Minnesota.
She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota. Assistant Assigning Editor Tina Orem
Assistant Assigning Editor | Taxes, small business, Social Security and estate planning, home services
Tina Orem is an editor at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has been a financial writer and editor for over 15 years, and she has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and a Master of Business Administration. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance for several public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.