Social Security retirement calculator disappeared - how to regain access?
I started filling out my Social Security retirement application online about 3 weeks ago, but decided to hold off for another 6 months since I'm still working part-time. Now I can't seem to find the benefit calculator that showed me different payment amounts at different ages. I really liked seeing how my monthly amount would increase from 62 to my FRA at 67, and even up to 70. Has anyone else lost access to the calculator after starting an application? Is there a way to get back to it without actually submitting my application? I've tried logging into my my Social Security account but can only see my earnings record now, not the calculator. Any help would be appreciated!
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Fatima Al-Hashimi
The calculator you're looking for is called the Retirement Estimator. It's still available, but sometimes gets hidden in your account after you start an application. Try going directly to this page: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html instead of through your my Social Security account. You might need to input some verification info again, but it should give you the same calculations. The good news is you don't need to complete your application to use it.
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Giovanni Conti
•Thank you! I'll try that link. I was worried I'd need to start my application all over again just to see the estimates. Really appreciate the help.
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NeonNova
same thing happen to me last yr! the calculatr disappears when u pause an applicatin. so annoying!! i ended up having to call them and the lady walkd me thru finding it again but i forget the steps now sorry
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Giovanni Conti
•At least I know I'm not the only one! Did you have to wait long to speak to someone? Every time I've called SSA I end up hanging up after being on hold forever.
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Dylan Campbell
I had THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM! Their website is so confusing and things just disappear. I tried for weeks to get back to the calculator. Finally gave up and just called them but waited 2 HOURS on hold. Ridiculous!!! They should make it easier to find these tools especially for seniors who aren't as computer savvy.
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Sofia Hernandez
•I know the frustration with SSA's phone system all too well. After multiple failed attempts waiting on hold, I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an SSA agent in about 20 minutes instead of hours. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me a ton of time when I needed to sort out my retirement application issues. Just an option if you decide you need to speak with someone directly.
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
There are actually several different calculators on the SSA website that serve different purposes. The one inside your my Social Security account uses your actual earnings record and gives the most accurate estimate. The public Retirement Estimator also uses your actual earnings but with slightly less detail. There's also the Quick Calculator and the Detailed Calculator, each with different levels of accuracy. Since you mentioned seeing how your benefit increases between ages 62 and 70, you probably want the Retirement Estimator at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html as mentioned above. If you want even more detailed projections with different future earnings scenarios, try the Detailed Calculator (ANYPIA) at ssa.gov/oact/anypia/anypia.html, though it's more complex to use. The reason the calculator disappeared is that the system assumes you're moving forward with filing at a specific age once you start an application, so it removes the comparison tool.
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Giovanni Conti
•Thank you for such a detailed explanation! I didn't realize there were so many different calculators available. I'll try both the Retirement Estimator and maybe the detailed one too. It sounds like the detailed one might help me figure out if working these extra 6 months will actually increase my benefit amount significantly or not.
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Ava Thompson
hope u didnt delete ur application by accident! my brother did that trying to get back to the calculator and had to start ALL over again!
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Giovanni Conti
•Oh no! I don't think I deleted it, but now I'm worried. I'll have to check carefully. Thanks for the warning!
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Fatima Al-Hashimi
One more thing to be aware of - if you're still working, the calculator estimates might not fully account for your additional earnings this year. When you do finally apply, those extra months of work (especially if they're high-earning months) might replace lower-earning years in your top 35 years that are used to calculate your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). This could potentially increase your benefit slightly.
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NeonNova
•This is why the whole system is so confusing!! 35 years?? PIA?? who can keep track of all this stuff? no wonder we all need calculators lol
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Miguel Ramos
I wanted to delay filing for social security too but I got laid off last year. Had to file earlier than I wanted at 63. Really wish I could have waited till 67 for the full amount. Just sharing my experience.
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Dmitry Kuznetsov
•I'm sorry to hear that. For others reading this thread: if you're forced to claim early due to circumstances but your situation improves, remember that you have the option to withdraw your application within 12 months of filing (you must repay benefits received). Alternatively, once you reach FRA, you can suspend benefits to earn delayed retirement credits until age 70. These strategies can help if your financial situation changes.
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Giovanni Conti
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I was able to use the link to the Retirement Estimator and got the information I needed. I'm definitely going to wait the extra 6 months now that I see how much difference it makes. I also confirmed my application is still saved in the system, just in a suspended status. Really appreciate all the advice!
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Ava Thompson
•glad u got it working! good luck with retirement!
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