I just applied last Wednesday, which is about 90 days before my 62nd birthday. I was also told to apply as soon as I could. I haven’t worked since 2011, so the income will be appreciated. When I applied, the website indicated I would get my first payment in November of this year (the month after I turn 62). Then, a few hours later I received an e mail telling me to check on my application in 5 days. Those five days has not passed yet, actually I’m assuming they were speaking five work days, not 5 days in a row...
Good luck.