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The WHOLE SYSTEM is designed to confuse us!!! Different rules for withdrawal vs suspension, deadlines we don't know about, and impossible to get answers!!! Why make it so COMPLICATED???
I understand the frustration, but the distinction between withdrawal and suspension actually makes sense. Withdrawal is meant to be a safety net for people who claim early and quickly realize it was a mistake (within 12 months). Suspension is a different planning tool that allows you to pause benefits after FRA to earn delayed credits. But yes, SSA could definitely do a better job explaining these options to people.
Based on what you've shared, it sounds like you likely did properly withdraw your application. The fact that you remember submitting the SSA-521 form and repaying benefits is very encouraging. When you apply at your FRA, your benefit should be calculated as if you never claimed early at all. One suggestion: when you apply again, be sure to mention your previous withdrawal in the remarks section of the application. This helps ensure the claims specialist handling your case looks for that information in your record. While their system should show the withdrawal, it never hurts to flag it explicitly.
Thank you for this advice! I'll definitely mention the withdrawal in the remarks section. I want to make sure they have all the information needed to process my application correctly. Would you recommend applying online or making an in-person appointment for my situation?
For your situation, I'd recommend starting online (to get in the queue faster) but then following up with a phone appointment to discuss your specific circumstances. You can request a callback when you complete the online application. Given your previous withdrawal, having a conversation with a claims specialist would be beneficial.
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I think everyone is overthinking this. Its just a seasonal job way under SGA. Report it and dont worry.
Did anyone mention EXTENDED PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY??? After the 9 TWP months there's 36 MORE months where benefits can restart without a new application if earnings drop below SGA!!! The SSA website is SO CONFUSING about this!!!
You're right about the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), but for this specific situation with temporary seasonal work below both TWP and SGA thresholds, the OP's daughter likely won't need to worry about EPE details yet. It's good information to have if she decides to work more regularly in the future though.
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Since you're turning 63 and plan to wait until 67 (your FRA), here are the key points to consider: 1. The Government Pension Offset (GPO) will likely apply since your husband's pension comes from a state government job that didn't pay into Social Security. 2. The GPO reduction is 2/3 of your gross pension amount, so approximately $1,433 will be deducted from your survivor benefit. 3. Your earnings won't affect your survivor benefits once you reach FRA (67), but they would reduce benefits if you claimed earlier. 4. To make an informed decision, you need to know what your survivor benefit amount would be before the GPO reduction. This amount is based on what your husband would receive if he were alive at your FRA. 5. Request a detailed calculation from SSA showing both your survivor benefit amount and the GPO reduction. This will help you determine if you'll receive any benefit after the reduction. The optimal claiming strategy depends on these numbers. If the GPO would eliminate most or all of your survivor benefit, it might make sense to claim earlier and accept the earnings reduction.
Thank you for laying this out so clearly. I called the local SSA office but couldn't get through. I'll try to schedule an appointment to get these calculations done. My husband would have received about $2,800/month at his FRA, so I'm hoping there will be something left after the GPO reduction. It's just so frustrating that they penalize me for receiving his pension when we planned our retirement assuming both income sources would be available.
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My mother in law got TOTALLY screwed by SS on this exact thing!!! She retired in March and started benefits in April but did some part time work in October. They counted ALL her income for the year and reduced her benefits AND made her pay back money!!! The system is rigged against us seniors!!!!
That's not actually Social Security being unfair - those are just the rules of the monthly earnings test. If you work even one month after starting benefits in your first year of retirement, the grace period (monthly test) no longer applies, and they have to use the annual test instead. It's important for everyone to understand this rule to avoid unexpected consequences.
btw when does ur husband reach full retirement age? cuz the earnings limit goes way up in the year he reaches FRA and then goes away completely the month he hits FRA
He's only 63 now, so his FRA is 67. We've got 4 more years of dealing with the earnings limits. But at least now I understand how it works! Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!
Dmitry Kuznetsov
my mom started her SS at 67 last year while dad was still working part time at 64. her check wasnt affected by his work at all, but they did have to plan for taxes. they set aside about 15% of her SS check just to be safe. also they found out that when dad does retire she can switch to a spousal benefit if its higher than her own which was news to them! good luck with everything
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Amara Chukwu
•Yeah the tax thing is what gets most people! My neighbor thought SS was completely tax free and got hit with a huge bill. Better to set aside some money like your parents did!
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Liam O'Sullivan
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm going to go ahead and file for my benefits at FRA next month. I'll set aside some money for potential taxes, and we'll look at whether spousal benefits make sense when my husband is closer to retirement. I managed to get through to SSA using that service someone mentioned above - the agent confirmed everything you all told me and helped me understand our specific situation. Really appreciate this community!
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Dylan Campbell
•Glad you got the information you needed! One final tip: Even though you're setting aside money for taxes, you might want to consider quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid an underpayment penalty. Your tax situation will change once you start receiving Social Security benefits, so it's worth consulting with a tax professional for your first year of benefits.
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