This variable contains the date when the individual first began receiving retirement benefits and is stored as a SAS date variable. Benefits always begin on the first day of the month. Individuals born before 1920 were eligible to receive their first payment in the month they turned 62 unless their birthday was the first day of the month, in which case they were eligible for their first payment the month before they turned 62. Individuals born on January 1 were eligible to receive their first payment in the December before they turned 62. Individuals born in 1920 or after were eligible to receive their first payment the month after they turned 62 unless their birthday was the first or second day of the month, in which case they were eligible for their first payment in the month they turned 62.