See the 'How to Apply' section of the report for general information about applying for benefits

Regardless of how you apply, make sure that the Remarks or Comments section of the application form, which appears at the end of the form, says in black and white exactly what you wish to do. Because the rules are so complicated, the advice you are getting at Social Security might or might not be correct. We cannot tell you for sure what will work when it comes to filing with Social Security. But here are some guidelines.

Once you have filed for your benefits, if you have not already set up an online Social Security account be sure to do so at www.socialsecurity.gov. You should find a confirming letter that will be posted on your account. If it is correct and reflects the benefits you filed for, print a copy and put it in a safe place as you may have need for it in the future.

First, if you are filing for your retirement benefit, but immediately suspending it, you might write in the Remarks or Comments section or make sure the staffer assisting you writes in that section: "I'm filing for my retirement benefit as of, date X, when I turn 66 and request that my retirement benefit be immediately suspended as of April 1, 2016."

Second, if you are filing for your retirement benefit at 70 and don't want to take 6 months of retroactive benefits, which will mean lower monthly payment checks, you might write: "I'm filing for my retirement benefit to begin on my 70th birthday and not a day sooner. I do not want to receive retroactive benefits if receiving such benefits will mean a permanently lower retirement benefit."

Third, if you are a widow(er) and filing for your widow(er)’s benefit before you will file for your retirement benefit, consider writing: "I am filing a restricted application just for my widow(er)’s benefit to begin on date X. I am not filing for my retirement benefit."

Fourth, if you are a widow(er) and filing for your retirement benefit before filing for your widow(er)’s benefit, you might write: "I am filing a restricted application for my retirement benefit to begin at date X. I am not filing for my widow(er)’s benefit."