Social Security retirement benefits already started but need to cancel - still employed with company insurance

Don't panic, this is fixable! You need to contact SSA immediately though - not just by email. You have 12 months from when your benefits began to withdraw your application, which is called a "withdrawal of application." You'll need to fill out Form SSA-521 and submit it as soon as possible. You will need to repay all the benefits you've received, including any Medicare premiums that were paid on your behalf. Don't spend that money! Since you haven't cashed the check or have only received one direct deposit, it should be straightforward. Regarding Medicare, once you withdraw your retirement application, your Medicare enrollment will also be terminated (unless you specifically request to keep it). Since you have employer insurance and are still working, this shouldn't be an issue.

omg i did the EXACT same thing last year!!! its gonna be ok. u gotta do the withdrawal form thing and return ALL the $$ they sent u. make sure u keep proof that u returned it too!!! i took pics of everything and got receipts

You need to take immediate action. Here's what you should do: 1. Download and complete Form SSA-521 (Request for Withdrawal of Application) 2. Include a letter explaining that you're still employed with employer health coverage and didn't intend to start benefits yet 3. Do NOT return the money until SSA instructs you how they want it returned 4. Visit your local SSA office in person if possible, as this is time-sensitive The decision to withdraw is entirely yours, but be aware that if you withdraw, it's as if you never filed the application. When you decide to reapply in the future, your benefit amount will be recalculated based on your age at that time. As for Medicare, since you have creditable employer coverage, you won't face penalties for delaying Part B enrollment. You'll be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period when you actually retire.

I've been trying to reach SSA for 3 weeks about a similar issue and CANNOT get through. Calling is completely useless - busy signals, disconnections after waiting 2+ hours, and the local office is booked solid for appointments until February! I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at SSA in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Seriously saved my sanity dealing with my SS overpayment issue. For something time-sensitive like canceling benefits, I wouldn't waste time with emails or trying to call directly.

whatever u do DON'T SPEND THE MONEY! my cousin did this and thought he could just pay it back later when he got his tax refund and they hit him with all kinds of penalties!!!! bad idea!!

The SAME THING happened to me in 2024 and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! Social Security is completely incompetent!!! I sent THREE emails explaining I didn't want to retire yet and they ignored ALL OF THEM!! Then they had the nerve to tell me I should have CALLED instead! The whole system is rigged to FAIL!!!

To address some confusion in this thread: 1. You must complete Form SSA-521 for a withdrawal of application 2. You must repay ALL benefits received (including any Medicare premiums) 3. The withdrawal must be completed within 12 months of your entitlement date 4. You can only withdraw once in your lifetime 5. Email is not an official communication method for time-sensitive matters with SSA Once processed, it will be as if you never filed. Your future benefit amount will be calculated based on your age when you actually apply. This is different from "suspending" benefits, which is another option after you reach Full Retirement Age.

If you're still working, this is definitely the right move. Not only will your benefit amount increase by approximately 8% for each year you delay (between FRA and 70), but continuing to work might increase your Primary Insurance Amount by replacing lower-earning years in your calculation. Double benefit! Once you've handled the withdrawal paperwork, I'd recommend scheduling a benefits planning session with SSA when you're about 6 months from your actual retirement date. They can help you coordinate everything properly.