Social Security rejected me for IRMAA appeal at office outside my county - forced to travel farther?

No, that's incorrect. Social Security offices serve anyone regardless of what county you live in. You should be able to visit any office for assistance. The IRMAA appeals process (Form SSA-44 for life-changing events) can absolutely be handled in person at any office. If your income dropped due to retirement, that's a qualifying life-changing event for an IRMAA reduction. Take your tax returns showing the income drop, your SSA-44 form (you can download and fill it out ahead of time), and return to any office - including the closer one. Sounds like you unfortunately got someone who either didn't know the rules or was trying to reduce their workload. I'd go back and try again, possibly asking to speak to a supervisor if they give you the same incorrect information.

Thank you so much for the information! I felt like something wasn't right about what they told me. I'll download and complete the SSA-44 form before going back. Should I try the same office again or just go straight to the county one to avoid potential issues?

I had a similar experience but at my actual county office! I think it depends on the day and who you talk to. Some SS employees are helpful and others seem to make up rules. I went back THREE TIMES for my IRMAA issue before finally getting it resolved. Each time I was told something different! So frustrating.

This is definitely incorrect information you received. There are no county restrictions for Social Security field offices - they are federal offices that serve anyone regardless of residence location. For IRMAA appeals specifically (SSA-44 Life-Changing Event form), you have several options: 1. Visit ANY Social Security office in person (not just your county) 2. Mail the completed SSA-44 form with supporting documentation 3. Call the Social Security national number (though waits can be very long) If your income dropped by 65% due to retirement, you absolutely qualify for an IRMAA reduction. Retirement is one of the specifically listed life-changing events on the SSA-44 form. I recommend completing the form in advance, bringing copies of your tax returns showing the income drop, and visiting the office that's most convenient for you. If they give you trouble again, politely but firmly ask to speak with a supervisor.

IRMAA is such a headache!!!! They're charging me and my wife extra $300/month based on income from 3 YEARS AGO when I was still working!!!! the whole system is BROKEN! Good luck getting anyone on the phone too - I tried calling for 2 weeks straight and either got hung up on or waited 2+ hours.

For what it's worth, I faced a nearly identical situation last month. My husband and I both retired in 2024, and our income dropped about 70% from what we reported on our 2022 taxes (which is what triggered the IRMAA surcharge). I went to our local Social Security office with all my documentation and the completed SSA-44 form. While they didn't turn me away based on my county of residence (which would be completely incorrect), the representative did initially claim they couldn't process IRMAA appeals in person. I politely asked to speak with a supervisor, who immediately confirmed they DO handle these issues and assigned someone to assist me. My IRMAA surcharge was removed within 3 weeks, and I received a letter confirming the adjustment. The entire process was surprisingly straightforward once I got past the initial misinformation. So yes, absolutely go back - to ANY Social Security office - and be prepared with: - Completed SSA-44 form - 2022 tax return showing higher income - Documentation of your retirement date - Most recent tax return or other proof of your current reduced income And if you're told they don't handle it, politely ask to speak with a supervisor.

Something nobody mentioned yet - you might want to check if the office you're trying to visit requires appointments now. Many SS offices switched to appointment-only after COVID and never went back to full walk-in service. You can check their specific hours and appointment policies on the SSA website or by calling the national number (though getting through is a challenge).

Update: I went back to the closer office (in the neighboring county) today, and guess what? They helped me with no problem! The rep even apologized for the misinformation I was given last time. They accepted my SSA-44 form and all my documentation showing our income drop after retirement. She said I should receive a decision letter in about 2-3 weeks. Thank you all for giving me the confidence to go back and try again!