Lost 6 months of Social Security backpay after FRA - can my husband still claim it?

Yes, your husband can still request the retroactive benefits! When people file after their Full Retirement Age (FRA), they're eligible for up to 6 months of retroactive benefits. Since he just applied recently, call the SSA immediately and explain that he wants to establish an earlier entitlement date to receive retroactive benefits. The SSA can adjust his application to include this request. Don't wait too long though - it's much easier to fix this now than months down the road.

When I filed after my FRA last year, I had the exact same issue! I applied online and completely missed the retroactive benefits option. I spent WEEKS trying to get through to SSA on the phone but kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. The agent was able to adjust my application to include the 6 months of back payments, and I received them about 3 weeks later. Definitely worth fixing this - it's YOUR money!

ABSOLUTELY request those backpayments!!!!! The SSA does this ALL THE TIME - they never tell you about benefits you're entitled to unless you specifically ask. It's DISGUSTING how they keep information from seniors. My father-in-law lost almost $18,000 because no one told him about retroactive payments when he filed at 68. By the time we figured it out, it was too late to appeal. The system is DESIGNED to make you miss out on benefits you've EARNED!!

my uncle had same thing happen. he got tha backpay but they reduced his future payments a tiny bit. still worth it tho cuz big chunk of money upfront

As others have mentioned, your husband can definitely still request the retroactive benefits. I'd recommend calling SSA and specifically asking for a "reopening" of his retirement application to request the 6 months of retroactive benefits. Make sure to mention that he was not informed of this option when he applied. Document everything - who you speak with, date and time, and what they tell you. If for some reason the representative says it's not possible, ask to speak with a supervisor. The retroactive benefits are a provision under Section 202(j)(1) of the Social Security Act, specifically for people who file after their Full Retirement Age.

My friend just went through this last month! You have 12 months from the time he filed to request a withdrawal and reapplication. He's well within the timeframe. Just call them and be super nice - the frontline folks at SSA are overworked.

happened to me to. got a lump sum of like $9000 for 5 months backpay after my wife showed me an article about it. took about 3 weeks to get the money after i called them

why would anyone delay taking ss after fra anyway? just curious cuz i'm taking mine the minute i can get it lol

Just wanted to update - I called the SSA this morning using that Claimyr service I mentioned, got right through to an agent who confirmed that the husband should absolutely receive those 6 months of retroactive benefits! She said it happens all the time that people don't know to ask, and that's why it's so important to have all your questions ready before you apply. Hope this helps!