Can I start Social Security at 62 then suspend benefits months later?

Yes, you can do this, but there are important details to understand. What you're referring to is called "voluntary suspension" but it's only available AFTER you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is probably 67 for you. Before FRA, you can't suspend benefits - you'd need to withdraw your application entirely within 12 months of filing, which means paying back ALL benefits received. If you start at 62, your benefit is permanently reduced by about 30% compared to waiting until FRA. If you later withdraw your application (within that 12-month window), it's like you never filed, but again, you must repay everything you received.

The previous commenter is correct. At 62, you have a different set of options than someone who's already reached Full Retirement Age. Here's what you can do: 1. If you file and then change your mind within 12 months, you can submit Form SSA-521 to withdraw your application. You must repay all benefits received (including any Medicare premiums or tax withholding). This essentially erases your filing. 2. If you're past the 12-month window, you cannot withdraw or suspend until you reach your FRA (likely 66-67 depending on birth year). Once you reach FRA, you can suspend benefits until age 70, and your benefit amount will earn delayed retirement credits of 8% per year.

I was in a similar situation. Started SS at 62 then got a good job offer 5 months later. Called SSA to see about stopping benefits and they said I had two choices: 1) withdraw my application completely and pay back EVERYTHING I'd received or 2) keep the benefits but be subject to the earnings limit. If you make over $22,320 in 2025 they take back $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that amount. Just be aware they don't make the withdrawal process easy. I spent HOURS on the phone trying to reach someone. Claimyr.com helped me finally get through to SSA. They have this system where they wait on hold for you then call when an agent is on the line. Saved me from constant redials. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

Why would u want to stop getting money??????? Just take it now and keep it coming!! The government owes us this money anyway, we PAID FOR IT our whole lives!!!! I started at 62 and have NO REGERTS!!!!

There's actually a better strategy you might want to consider. Instead of claiming now and trying to stop later, look into filing a "restricted application" if you're married and your spouse is also receiving benefits. This lets you collect spousal benefits while letting your own retirement benefit grow until age 70.

my sister did this!! she took ss at 62 then decided to stop it when she got a part time job but the SSA people said she had to pay back ALL THE MONEY they already gave her!!! it was a nightmare dealing with them and they kept disconnecting her when she called... she ended up just keeping the benefits and dealing with the earnings limit thing instead

To summarize your options since there's some confusion in the comments: 1. If within 12 months of filing: You can withdraw your application (Form SSA-521), repay all benefits, and it's like you never filed. You can refile later for a higher amount. 2. If it's been more than 12 months since filing: You cannot suspend benefits until you reach Full Retirement Age (likely 67). 3. Working while receiving benefits: Subject to the earnings limit ($22,320 in 2025) until you reach FRA. Excess earnings result in withholding of benefits. The decision should be based on your short and long-term financial needs, life expectancy, and employment plans. There's no single right answer - it depends on your circumstances.