Can I withdraw my Social Security application before benefits start at 62 to return to full-time work?
Well, I thought I was ready to be done with the workforce, but turns out retirement and I don't get along! I left my federal government position about 8 months ago with my pension, and I've already filed my Social Security application to begin when I turn 62 next month (April 2025). But honestly, I'm climbing the walls with boredom and missing the structure (and extra income) of working. I haven't received any SS payments yet since my benefits haven't started. Can I just cancel my application at this point? I've heard about the 'one withdrawal in a lifetime' rule, but since I haven't actually received any payments, would this even count as using that option? Is there paperwork I need to complete? I'm planning to return to work full-time in the healthcare field with benefits, so I'd rather wait until my FRA to claim Social Security anyway. Does anyone have experience with withdrawing an application before benefits start? Is it a complicated process? Any drawbacks I should know about?
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Zara Rashid
Yes, you can absolutely submit Form SSA-521 (Request for Withdrawal of Application) since you haven't received benefits yet. The 12-month withdrawal period starts from when you're entitled to benefits, not when you applied. But you need to do this BEFORE your benefits start in April! Call SSA immediately - don't wait until the last minute because processing can take time. I went through something similar last year and the withdrawal was straightforward.
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Sean Doyle
•Thank you! That's exactly what I needed to know. I'll call SSA first thing tomorrow to request that form. Did you have to provide any specific reasons for your withdrawal?
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Luca Romano
The form is pretty simple, but getting through to SSA can be the hard part! When I tried withdrawing my application last summer I spent 3 days trying to reach someone. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - definitely worth it when you're on a deadline like this. The withdrawal itself was easy once I actually talked to someone.
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Nia Jackson
•is that service legit? sounds kinda sketchy tbh. how much did it cost?
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Luca Romano
•It's completely legit! They just help you skip the phone queue. I was skeptical too but was desperate after being on hold for hours. The SSA agent I spoke with was helpful and processed my withdrawal right away. And yes, there is a fee but considering I needed to get this done quickly, it was worth every penny.
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Mateo Hernandez
u should think twice b4 going back to work!! i retired at 62 and went back 3 months later...worst decision ever. manager half my age, everything changed, new systems. pension + SS is less $ but way less stress.
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Sean Doyle
•I appreciate the warning! I've actually maintained some consulting ties with my old colleagues, so I think the transition back won't be quite as jarring. In my field (healthcare administration), I'm finding the skills shortage means I can negotiate pretty favorable terms. But you make a good point about the stress factor - definitely something to consider.
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CosmicCruiser
Just to clarify some misinformation I'm seeing: withdrawing your application before benefits start DOES still count as your one-lifetime withdrawal! The "one withdrawal" rule applies regardless of whether you've received payments or not. That said, it's absolutely the right move in your situation since you're returning to full-time work. Some advantages of withdrawing: - You can earn delayed retirement credits if you wait until after FRA - No earnings limit concerns while working - Potentially higher benefit amount later based on additional earnings Form SSA-521 needs to be submitted before your entitlement date. Make sure to specifically request WITHDRAWAL (not suspension) when you speak with an agent. Your entitlement month is April, so you need to act quickly.
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Sean Doyle
•Oh! I'm glad you mentioned that about it still counting as my one withdrawal. I had misunderstood that part. Given that I'll be working full-time with decent income, it definitely makes sense to wait until my FRA or even 70 to maximize benefits. I'll make sure to specifically request withdrawal when I call.
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Aisha Khan
DONT WASTE YOUR TIME CALLING SSA!!!! I tried for TWO WEEKS last month to reach someone about my disability application. Kept getting disconnected or 3+ hour wait times!!! Their phone system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!!!! Go to the local office in person if you want anything done!!!
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Ethan Taylor
•My local office requires appointments now and they're booking 3 months out. OP doesn't have that kind of time if benefits start in April. Calling is probably still faster even with the wait.
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Ethan Taylor
I filed for SS at 62 and regretted it too, but I was already receiving payments. In your case, you're in the perfect position to withdraw since you haven't received any money yet. No repayments to worry about! Just make sure to submit that Form SSA-521 before your benefit start date in April. And congrats on finding work you want to return to! I've found that working part-time in retirement gives me the best of both worlds - some income and structure but also free time. Though sounds like you prefer full-time.
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Sean Doyle
•Thanks! I'm definitely a full-time kind of person - I've tried the part-time approach for these past 8 months (some consulting work), but I find I do better with more structure. Plus the healthcare benefits with full-time employment are a big draw.
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Nia Jackson
wont this mess up your earnings record when you do eventually file for benefits? my uncle did something like this and said it caused all kinds of problems with his benefit calculation later.
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CosmicCruiser
•No, withdrawing an application won't negatively affect your earnings record or future benefit calculations. In fact, returning to work will likely increase your future benefit amount! The SSA uses your highest 35 years of earnings to calculate benefits, so additional years of good earnings can replace lower-earning years in the calculation. Your uncle may have experienced a different issue - perhaps related to the Windfall Elimination Provision if he had a pension from non-covered employment.
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Sean Doyle
Update: I called SSA this morning (was on hold for over an hour) but finally got through. The agent confirmed everything you all said - I need to submit Form SSA-521 before my April entitlement date, and yes, this does count as my one-lifetime withdrawal even though I haven't received payments yet. They're mailing me the form today, but the agent also mentioned I could download it from ssa.gov and submit it immediately. I'm going to do that and also mail a copy with delivery confirmation. Thanks everyone for your help! Can't wait to rejoin the working world (never thought I'd say that!).
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