Can I stop my SS retirement application after previous withdrawal? LTD benefits still active

There's a lot of confusion about withdrawal and cancellation of SS applications - they're different processes. Based on what you're describing, you previously did a formal withdrawal (Form SSA-521) which is limited to once in a lifetime. However, what you need now is a non-claim, which is different and can be done if you haven't received benefits yet from the current application. You need to speak with someone who understands the difference and submit a written request specifically asking for your application to be treated as a "non-claim" or "withdrawal before adjudication" - not a formal withdrawal under the once-in-a-lifetime rule. Make it clear that you haven't received any payments from this current application. Act quickly - once benefits are paid, your options become much more limited.

This happened to me last year! SSA told me the same thing about "once in a lifetime" withdrawal. I ended up having to appeal through my local office, and it took 3 months of back and forth. The key was getting through to a technical expert (not just any rep) who finally understood my situation. Don't give up! But also make sure you understand how your LTD policy coordinates with Social Security - mine required me to apply for SSDI, not early retirement. Have you checked if your LTD has similar requirements?

The rule is really clear - withdrawls are once per lifetime no matter what. You made a big mistake applying a second time before making sure your LTD was really ending!!! I went through something similar and had to accept the consequences. Your only real option may be to file for a reconsideration but don't get your hopes up. SSA rarely makes exceptions to their rules.

I'm not sure why this is happening to you but I've had NOTHING but problems with Social Security. Wait times of 2+ hours on the phone, disconnected calls, wrong information from different reps. It's exhausting. If you need to talk to someone at SSA quickly, I finally found a service called Claimyr at claimyr.com - they got me through to a real SSA agent in under 20 minutes after I'd wasted days trying. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Honestly it saved my sanity with my disability appeal. Good luck with your situation!

have u tried going to ur local office in person? sometimes they can fix things right there that the phone ppl cant (or wont). also bring any paperwork u have from when u canceled before. might help ur case.

I think people are missing something important here. Even if you manage to cancel this application, you're going to face the same issue when your LTD actually does end in October 2025. The once-in-a-lifetime withdrawal rule will still apply. Have you considered filing for SSDI instead? If your health condition is why you stopped working, you might qualify, and SSDI has different rules than retirement benefits. This could potentially solve your long-term problem rather than just delaying it by a few months.

THE SSA IS COMPLETLEY UNFAIR!!!! they tell u differnt things every time u call. i applied 3 different times for benefits and got 3 different answers about when i could start. DONT TRUST THEM to give u the right information. fight back!!!! demand to speak to supervisor after supervisor until someone helps!!!

Just to clarify some misinformation I'm seeing in this thread - the distinction between a withdrawal and cancellation/non-claim is important: 1. Withdrawal (Form SSA-521): Used when you've already received benefits and want to pay them back and "reset" as if you never filed. Limited to once per lifetime. 2. Cancellation/Non-claim: Applies when you've filed but benefits haven't started being paid. Not subject to the once-per-lifetime limit. Since you haven't received payments from your new application, you should be eligible for cancellation. The issue is finding someone at SSA who understands this distinction. Request to speak with a Technical Expert specifically about a non-claim, not a withdrawal.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I called SSA again today and specifically asked for a Technical Expert as suggested. I explained the difference between withdrawal and non-claim (which the first rep didn't seem to understand). After being transferred, the TE confirmed that since I hadn't received any payments yet, I could indeed file for a non-claim! I'll be sending a written statement to make it official. Such a relief. I plan to maximize my LTD until October and then reassess my options. This forum has been incredibly helpful - I was getting nowhere with the standard SSA phone line. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge!