I have applied for Social Security early and while working. A letter came explaining that a penalty would be deducted because I earn more than $14600/year. The formula is Annual earnings less $14600 divided by 2 to determine your penalty. Based on my annual PROJECTED earnings for 2012, I will cover my penalty Jan thru June. July payment comes in August.
So far so good.
Then it states:
We will need to know how much you will actually earn in 2012 before we can decide if Jan 2012 is the earliest possible month.
For this reason, we will contact you AFTER you report your earnings for the year. We will let you know if your first month entitlement to benefits will be changed.

I called asking if this means I have to wait until December 2012 when I know my annual income before they will decide when I am entitled to my first check. She quoted the statement above.
I asked "Am I getting a check in August for July. "I can't answer that."
How do i report my 2012 income so benefits can start post - penalty in July. "I already explained the policy."

I guess I am too stupid to understand - can anyone tell me when I am getting my first check? Presumably from experience.
Thanks,
SINS