Can I withdraw Social Security application after it's processing but before FRA?

Yes, it's absolutely possible to withdraw a Social Security retirement application while it's still in processing status! Your brother needs to submit a "Request for Withdrawal of Application" (Form SSA-521). He should do this ASAP because once benefits are paid, it becomes much more complicated. The form can be downloaded from the SSA website, but he'll need to either mail it in or take it to his local office. I'd recommend calling SSA first to let them know he wants to withdraw while it's still processing - they might be able to put a hold on the application.

he can cancel it no problem if he hasnt gotten any payments yet. once payments start, theres a 12 month window to withdraw but he has to pay back whatever he got. my wife did this last yr cause we changed our minds about her retirement date

Your brother should act quickly. He needs to complete Form SSA-521 (Request for Withdrawal of Application). Since his application is still processing, there shouldn't be any complications. There's no penalty for withdrawing before payments begin, and he can reapply at any time in the future. The difference between filing at 65 versus Full Retirement Age is significant - approximately 8-10% more in monthly benefits. If he can afford to wait until FRA or even age 70, his monthly benefit will be substantially higher. One important note: If he has Medicare through Social Security enrollment, withdrawing his retirement application won't affect his Medicare coverage.

I went through EXACTLY this last year!!! Was totally freaking out because I applied at 64 and then my financial advisor told me I was making a HUGE mistake. Called SSA like 50 times and couldn't get through to anyone. Offices were booked WEEKS out for appointments. Would have lost almost $400/month FOR LIFE if I couldn't cancel it!!!

why is everyone assuming waiting is better?? sometimes taking SS early is SMART. depends on health, other income, life expectancy, etc. my financial planner actually told me to take mine early and invest it. just saying maybe reconsider before withdrawing.

The SSA-521 form is what your brother needs. I'd like to point out something important though - if he's filing based on his own work record, withdrawing and reapplying at Full Retirement Age will indeed give him a higher monthly benefit. However, if he's filing for spousal benefits based on someone else's record, the rules are different and the advantage of waiting might not be the same. Just make sure you're clear about which type of benefits he's applied for!

dont feel bad, its actually really common to change your mind about when to start SS. the system is SO complicated and the rules keep changing. even the SSA reps give wrong info sometimes!

Question - did your brother already sign up for Medicare? Because that's a separate thing from SS retirement and he should keep that even if he withdraws the retirement application.

Just to follow up on your question about penalties or waiting periods - there are NO penalties for withdrawing before payments begin. He can reapply at any time. The only limitation is that if he had started receiving payments, he would only get one withdrawal opportunity in his lifetime. But since he's still in processing and hasn't received any money, this withdrawal won't count against that limit.