old hat; Old Labour; old lady; old-line; old maid; old man; old master; old money; Old Nick
A. You can. Social Security will accept your application for early benefits when you're 61 years 9 months. Regardless of how old you are, the agency generally recommends that you apply three months before you would like the first payment to arrive.
But, if an individual is awarded SSI only, then the rules are different and SSI back pay is paid in installments. If you qualify for social security disability, you will be entitled to benefits as far back as your date of application and potentially even 12 months retroactive to this.