20 C.F.R. § 404.311

When does my entitlement to old-age benefits begin and end?

        (a) We will find you entitled to old-age benefits beginning with:

            (1) If you have attained full retirement age (as defined in § 404.409), the

            first month covered by your application
            in
             which you meet all requirements for entitlement; or

            (2) If you have attained age 62, but have not attained full retirement age (as defined in § 404.409), the first month covered by your application
            throughout
             which you meet all requirements for entitlement.

        (b) We will find your entitlement to old-age benefits ends with the month before the month you die.

[68 FR 4702, Jan. 30, 2003]

Official source