WASHINGTON — The leading edge of the “silver tsunami” that many fear could overwhelm Social Security moved closer Monday as the first American baby boomer applied online for retirement benefits.
Born one second after midnight on Jan. 1, 1946, Kathleen Casey- Kirschling is the first of almost 80 million babies born between that year and 1964 who are expected to receive Social Security retirement benefits over the next 20 years – more than 10,000 a day.
A retired teacher from Camden, N.J., Casey-Kirschling said she feels “lucky to be at the top of the boom.”
With a few clicks of the mouse, Casey-Kirschling completed her online application for early retirement benefits before a crowd of photographers and reporters at the National Press Club.
Applicants for early retirement benefits can apply three months before their 62nd birthday. The retirement date for full benefits is gradually increasing to age 67 for those born after 1960, and people in that group who retire at 62 will receive a monthly benefit about 30 percent smaller than those who wait until 67.
In preparation for the massive influx, the Social Security Administration has made a number of services available online at .
Casey-Kirschling said filing for her early retirement was similar to buying an airline ticket online and took about 40 minutes.
By 2030, nearly one in five Americans will be 65 or older.
