Can I suspend Social Security at 62 and restart later for higher benefits?

Yes, what you're describing is possible! It's called voluntary suspension. You can start benefits at 62, suspend them later, and then restart. During suspension, you earn delayed retirement credits (8% per year) until age 70. BUT - and this is important - you cannot suspend benefits until you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is probably around 67 for you based on your age. Between 62-FRA, you'd need to withdraw your application instead, which has different rules and timeframes. Also remember that if you're working while collecting early benefits, you'll be subject to the earnings test which might reduce your benefits anyway if you earn too much.

This is a really important distinction that the previous commenter mentioned. Before FRA, you'd need to withdraw your application (Form SSA-521), and yes, you would need to repay ALL benefits received. And you can only do this withdrawal once in your lifetime, within 12 months of first receiving benefits. After reaching FRA, you can suspend and won't need to repay anything, plus you'll earn those delayed credits. As for your original question about the benefit amount - if you work additional years with good earnings, your benefit could increase when recalculated, regardless of suspension. Social Security always uses your highest 35 years of earnings.

my sister tried something similar last year and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! SS told her one thing on the phone then sent her letters saying something complete different. ended up owing them money and her credit got messed up. just be super careful with this start-stop stuff

I actually think you're better off just waiting to claim until FRA or even 70 if you can. Each year you delay (after 62) gives about 8% more in monthly benefits FOR LIFE. That's a guaranteed return you can't beat anywhere else. Run the numbers - if you live past ~80, you'll come out ahead by waiting. The break-even point calculation matters a lot. What you might consider is working part-time during those 62-67 years instead. If the work is good income, it might even increase your eventual benefit by replacing lower earning years in your calculation.

Has anybody here actually managed to talk to a real person at Social Security lately? I've been trying for THREE WEEKS to get through about my widow benefits and keep getting disconnected or waiting hours. It's impossible to get answers about these complicated situations without talking to someone directly.

Circling back to the original question - there's another option worth considering. If you're going to be working while collecting early benefits, be aware of the earnings limit. In 2025, if you're under FRA and earn more than about $22,750 (estimated based on current trends), SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above the limit. This might actually accomplish what you want - you get some benefits while earning less, then they reduce automatically when you earn more, and you don't have to deal with the withdrawal process.

wait i'm confused...does taking SS at 62 and then going back to work mess up your medicare too?? thats what my neighbor told me

Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses! This has been incredibly helpful. Based on what I've learned, I think my best option is to just delay applying until I'm truly ready to stop working. The withdrawal option sounds too restrictive and financially problematic with having to repay all benefits. And I wasn't fully considering the significant permanent reduction for claiming at 62 vs waiting. Great point about the earnings test too - I'd likely exceed that limit with my consulting work anyway, so I'd be giving back a chunk of what I receive. This forum has saved me from making what could have been a costly mistake!