Dear Rusty: My wife and I are going to be taking Social Security at 62. She will be 62 on April 15, 2025. I will be 62 August 7, 2025. When should we apply for Social Security? Signed: Ready to file Dear Ready: Social Security recommends you apply for benefits about 2 – 3 months prior to when you want your benefits to start (to get them time to process your application). You will specify on your application when you wish your benefit to start, so applying early isn’t a problem. Just a few things to keep in mind: