Can I withdraw my Social Security application that's still 'in progress' without using my one-time withdrawal option?

Yes, you can withdraw your application! Since your application is still processing and you haven't received any payments, you need to submit Form SSA-521 (Request for Withdrawal of Application) as soon as possible. You're right to be concerned about the one-time withdrawal rule, but technically, the once-in-a-lifetime withdrawal applies after you've started receiving benefits. If you withdraw before any payments, most SSA agents don't count it as your one withdrawal. But to be safe, include a letter explaining you're canceling a pending application, not using your withdrawal option.

I tried doing exactly this last year. Application was in progress for 5 weeks, changed my mind, sent in the form. Worked fine. They never counted it as my "one time" because I hadn't gotten any payments. Definitely get that form in ASAP though!

This might seem like a simple question but it's actually quite important to understand the nuances. The SSA-521 form is what you need, but the real issue is timing. The one-time withdrawal rule typically applies after benefits have been paid, but some SSA representatives interpret policy differently. To be absolutely certain, you should explicitly state in your request that you're canceling a pending application that hasn't been processed, not exercising your one-time withdrawal option. Another consideration: if you're withdrawing to wait until your FRA at 67, make sure you've calculated the increase in benefits (approximately 8% per year after FRA). Sometimes it makes more sense to file and suspend rather than withdraw, depending on your specific situation and life expectancy.

Ok I'm confused now - aren't you ALWAYS allowed to cancel an application before it's approved??? Why would that count as your one withdrawal?? That doesn't make sense! My brother had to cancel his disability application halfway through and reapply later and nobody said anything about a one-time limit.

I had THE WORST experience trying to find answers about this exact situation!! Spent THREE DAYS trying to get someone at SSA on the phone. 2 hours on hold one day, got disconnected. Next day waited 90 minutes, got someone who didn't know the answer. Third day waited again, got transferred, disconnected AGAIN!!! Finally I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it changed everything. They got me connected to an SSA agent in 20 minutes instead of hours on hold. The agent confirmed that withdrawing before receiving payments doesn't count as your one-time withdrawal option and helped me start the paperwork. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Saved me so much frustration after days of getting nowhere.

my sitution was different but kinda similar, i started gettin ss at 62 and then got a good job offer 2 months later. called ssa and had to pay back ALL the money i got before they would stop it. and they said that was my ONE TIME to change my mind ever. so if you havent gotten any $$ yet your probably ok

Form SSA-521 is definitely what you need! I work with seniors planning retirement and withdrawal requests are handled differently depending on timing. If you haven't received benefits yet, most offices won't count it against your one-time withdrawal option. But here's the thing - it's ultimately up to the SSA representative processing your case. If you're concerned, include a cover letter explicitly stating you're requesting a cancellation of a pending application, not using your one-time withdrawal right. Also, consider calling your local office first to confirm their specific procedure.

Curious why you're backing out? I'm trying to decide when to take my benefits too. Is 67 that much better than 65?

Just to clarify something I'm seeing in these comments - there's an important distinction between withdrawal (Form SSA-521) and suspension of benefits. Withdrawal means you're completely canceling your application/benefits and it's as if you never applied (but you must repay any benefits received if payments started). This can only be done once in your lifetime. Suspension means you've already reached full retirement age, started benefits, but want to temporarily stop receiving them to earn delayed retirement credits (8% per year until age 70). You can suspend and restart benefits multiple times after reaching FRA. In the original poster's case, since they haven't received payments and the application is still processing, they need the withdrawal form (SSA-521).