Can I withdraw my SS application after medical diagnosis? Concerns about reapplying and benefit increases

You're actually in better shape than you might think. The SSA allows you to withdraw your application within 12 months of when you started receiving benefits. Since you just applied in December, you're well within that window. There's no mandatory waiting period to reapply after withdrawal - you can technically reapply immediately, though most people wait until they're ready to actually receive benefits. As for your benefit amount - yes, if you continue working and your earnings are substantial, your benefit could increase. The SSA recalculates your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) annually based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If your current earnings replace a lower-earning year in that calculation, your benefit will increase accordingly.The withdrawal form (SSA-521) is pretty straightforward, but you need to be prepared to repay any benefits you've already received. Have you actually started receiving payments yet?

Thank you for this detailed info! I haven't received any payments yet - they told me my first payment would arrive in February. So it sounds like I won't have to repay anything. Do you know if the medical situation would make any difference in their decision to approve the withdrawal? I'm concerned they might think I'm trying to game the system somehow.

They almost NEVER deny withdrawal requests if ur within the 12 month window! I did this 2 years ago no problem. Just make sure u get the form in ASAP. The longer u wait the more complicated it gets.

This isn't exactly true. My neighbor tried to withdraw her application 3 months after filing and was denied. Something about her already collecting spousal benefits previously made her ineligible. The rules aren't as simple as everyone thinks.

Sorry about your health issues. I was in almost your exact situation last year. Had applied for retirement but then got diagnosed with a chronic condition that required expensive treatments. I decided to withdraw my application and wait until I was closer to my Full Retirement Age (FRA) to maximize my monthly benefit.The SSA doesn't really care about your reason for withdrawing, as long as you're within the 12-month window and haven't received benefits yet. In your case, since you haven't received any payments, the process should be relatively simple. Submit the SSA-521 form, clearly state your reason (changed your mind due to health considerations), and they should process it within a few weeks.And yes, your benefit amount will continue to increase if your earnings go up. Each additional year of substantial earnings can potentially replace a lower-earning year in your calculation. Plus, there's the delayed retirement credits of 8% per year if you wait past your FRA.

Thanks for sharing your experience! When you withdrew, how long did it take for them to process your request? I'm worried about timing with my medical treatments.

It took Social Security 5 weeks to process my withdrawal request last year. But I kept getting disconnected when calling to check on the status, which was infuriating. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real person at SSA. They have this system that waits on hold for you and calls you when an agent is ready. Saved me hours of frustration. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU And just to add to what others have said - yes, if you continue working and your earnings are high enough to be among your top 35 years, your benefit will increase. That's why many people working past 62 who are still earning good money choose to delay benefits even if they initially applied.

That service sounds like a lifesaver! I tried calling yesterday and waited 45 minutes before giving up. I'll check out that website. Do you remember if they wanted specific details about why you were withdrawing your application? I'm wondering how much I need to explain about my medical situation.

i withdrew mine in 2023 and reapplied 6 months later. no problems at all! but make sure you file the right form and check the right boxs. one thing nobody mentioned is that you can ONLY DO THIS ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME so be sure!!!

This is an excellent point about the once-per-lifetime limit on withdrawals. The SSA is very strict about this - if you withdraw and reapply now, you won't have the option to withdraw again in the future. Make sure you're certain about your decision.

Oh wow, I had no idea about the once-in-a-lifetime restriction! That definitely makes this a bigger decision. I think I'll still move forward with the withdrawal given my health situation, but that's really important to know. Thank you both!

The SSA system is RIGGED against us seniors! I applied, tried to withdraw THREE WEEKS later when I found a part-time job, and they made the process IMPOSSIBLE! Kept losing my paperwork, saying they never received my form (I sent it certified mail!!!), and by the time they \

I understand your frustration, but your experience seems unusual. The SSA doesn't typically charge interest on benefit repayments for withdrawals submitted within the proper timeframe. Did you receive an official notice stating you owed interest, or was this perhaps a miscommunication with a representative? The formal withdrawal process is generally straightforward when done within the first 12 months, especially if no benefits have been received yet.

They absolutely DID charge me interest! Maybe it was because of how long they dragged out my withdrawal process (over 3 months). By then I'd received 2 payments. The whole thing was a NIGHTMARE. Maybe things run smoother in other offices but the one in [city] is a disaster. Just warning everyone to be prepared for incompetence!

My sister withdrew her application last year due to some changes in her financial situation. She mentioned that on the form you need to give a reason for withdrawing, but it can be pretty simple -

One important addition about your question regarding benefit increases: If you withdraw now and continue working, your benefit will increase in three ways:1. Higher earnings may replace lower earnings years in your top 352. You'll get delayed retirement credits of 8% per year for each year you wait past your Full Retirement Age (up to age 70)3. Annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) will be applied to your base benefit amountGiven your medical situation, you might want to do a careful analysis of life expectancy and break-even points. Sometimes it's financially advantageous to take benefits earlier if you have health concerns that might impact longevity. Have you spoken with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies?

I haven't talked to an advisor yet, but that's a good suggestion. My cardiologist is optimistic about treatment, so I'm not expecting drastically reduced longevity if everything goes well. But you're right that I should consider all the angles. The delayed retirement credits sound substantial - I hadn't considered that benefit of waiting.

whats ur FRA? if ur only 62 u should def wait anyway, ur benefits r reduced by like 30% at 62 compared to FRA! with health issues u should get the biggest check possible

My FRA is 67. I initially filed early because I thought my part-time income plus reduced SS would be enough, but these medical expenses change everything. You're right about waiting - sounds like I'd get a significantly higher monthly amount.

good luck with your hart issues! my husband had a triple bypass last year and SS was the last thing on our minds. make your health the priority and the rest will work out!! <3

Thank you for the kind words! You're absolutely right - health comes first. I hope your husband is doing well now after his surgery.