Have you done the math and decided you want to take Social Security benefits as early as possible?

You’re in good company. Although every month you wait to take Social Security translates to a higher monthly benefit, 62 remains the most popular age to start Social Security.

But don’t expect your first check to arrive right on your 62nd birthday.

You can file an advance application for Social Security once you’re 61 years and eight months old. And you also have some flexibility as far as when you apply, though don’t wait too long. Applications can take up to three months for Social Security to process, so if you want your benefits to begin in January, make sure you apply in October.

While giving Social Security sufficient time to process your application helps you get your payments faster, the exact timing of your first check — and all the ones