Can I pause my Social Security application until FRA without canceling it?

You're fine! An incomplete application won't be processed. The SSA system requires you to electronically sign and submit the final page for it to be considered a formal application. If you didn't reach that step, there's nothing to withdraw since you never officially applied. When you reach your FRA, you'll need to start a completely new application. The system saves incomplete applications for a limited time (usually 6 months), but they're automatically purged after that. So your unfinished application from 5 years earlier won't be in the system when you're ready to apply at your Full Retirement Age.

Actually this happened to me but different! I started my application and didnt finish and they still processed it?? So maybe call them to make super sure. Idk why they did that to me but they did.

Smart move waiting until FRA! I took benefits at 62 and DEEPLY regret it. Getting 30% less forever is painful, especially with these inflation rates. My brother waited until 70 and gets nearly double what I get monthly. Just delete the application and start fresh later.

Everyone's giving you different advice and I know it's confusing. I worked for SSA for 22 years before retiring. Here's what you should know: 1) Incomplete applications are NOT processed if you never reached the signature page and submission confirmation 2) The system purges incomplete applications after 6 months 3) BUT - I would still recommend you log in and delete it just to be safe. Click the "Delete Application" option on your saved application page 4) If you can't find how to delete it, call SSA to confirm it won't be processed Better safe than sorry, especially with something as important as your retirement benefits!

If your trying to contact Social Security to confirm about your application status, I had INCREDIBLE success using this service called Claimyr last month when I needed to talk to someone at SSA about my benefit calculation. I was getting nowhere with the regular 800 number - either busy signals or 3+ hour wait times. Claimyr got me connected to a live SSA agent in under 20 minutes! Literally saved me days of frustration. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I'd definitely recommend checking their website (claimyr.com) if you decide you need to speak with SSA directly about your application status. Best money I ever spent dealing with government stuff!

OMG the same thing happened to me!!! I started applying and changed my mind too! I just left mine sitting there for like 4 months and nothing happened. When I called they said it wasn't even in their system anymore lol. Don't stress it!

Isn't FRA 66 and some months now? Mine is 66 and 6 months I think. Are you sure yours is 67??

Smart financial decision! Many people don't realize how significant the reduction is for early filing. For every year before your FRA that you claim, benefits are permanently reduced by about 6.67% for the first 3 years and 5% for each additional year. As for your question, here's what the SSA website officially states: "If you completed and submitted your online benefit application, you cannot cancel it online. If you have not submitted your application and wish to delete it, sign into 'my Social Security' and select 'Delete Application' on your pending application." Since you never submitted it, you should be able to delete it, although it will automatically expire after a period of time.

Can i ask a sorta related question? If OP decides to work until FRA, does he need to pay attention to the earnings limit stuff at all? I'm confused about when that applies and when it doesn't.

I'm in a similar situation but earlier in the process - haven't even started my application yet but was thinking about filing early. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful! The math on waiting really does make sense when you see those actual dollar amounts. One thing I'm curious about - for those who waited until FRA or later, how did you handle the psychological aspect of "leaving money on the table" during those years you weren't collecting? I know logically it's the right choice, but I keep thinking about all those monthly payments I'm not getting while I wait.

As someone who's relatively new to navigating Social Security decisions, I wanted to thank everyone for sharing their experiences here! This thread has been incredibly educational. I'm curious about one practical aspect - for those who decided to wait until FRA, did you find it helpful to get an official statement from SSA confirming that your incomplete application wouldn't be processed? I'm thinking it might be worth getting something in writing just for peace of mind, especially given the conflicting experiences people have shared. Also, @Paolo - have you considered doing a more detailed break-even analysis? I've been using the SSA's online calculators to model different scenarios, and seeing those numbers laid out really helped solidify my own decision about when to file. The difference between $1,675 and $2,450 monthly is pretty stark when you multiply it out over 20+ years of retirement!

As someone who's still figuring out all these Social Security nuances, this thread has been a goldmine of information! I'm particularly struck by how many people seem to rush into early filing without fully understanding the long-term financial impact. @Paolo, your situation really resonates with me. I'm about 3 years away from 62 and have been going back and forth on timing. The psychological pressure to "get something while you can" is real, but seeing those actual dollar figures you shared ($1,675 vs $2,450) really puts it in perspective. That's nearly $10K more per year for life! One thing I'm wondering - has anyone here used a fee-only financial planner specifically for Social Security optimization? I keep reading about all these claiming strategies and optimal timing scenarios, and I'm starting to think professional guidance might be worth the investment. The stakes seem too high to wing it based on general advice. Also really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences with the SSA application system. Good to know that incomplete applications aren't processed, though the conflicting stories definitely make me think getting written confirmation would be smart for peace of mind.