Social Security withdrawal request after 3 months - repayment questions before FRA in 2026
I started collecting Social Security 3 months early (big mistake!) and just learned about the one-time 'do-over' option where I can withdraw my application. I understand I'll need to pay back the 3 benefit checks I've received so far, but are there any other downsides or gotchas I should know about? My plan is to withdraw now, then restart benefits when I reach my Full Retirement Age in February 2026 to get the higher monthly amount. Does interest get charged on the repayment? Will this affect my Medicare enrollment? Is there paperwork beyond the SSA-521 form? Any insights appreciated!!
18 comments
Join the conversation
Edward McBride
The one-time withdrawal option is a great way to hit the reset button if you claimed early. Here's what you should know: 1. You must file Form SSA-521 and repay ALL benefits received (including any benefits paid to your spouse or children based on your record) 2. No interest is charged on the repayment 3. There's a 12-month limit from when you first started receiving benefits to request withdrawal 4. Medicare is separate - if you're enrolled in Medicare, withdrawing your SS application won't affect your Medicare coverage 5. When you reapply at your FRA in 2026, it'll be like you never applied before The main downside is coming up with the lump sum repayment. Many people find this challenging.
0 coins
Gael Robinson
•Thank you! This is exactly what I needed to know. I didn't realize it would include any benefits paid to family members, but thankfully I don't have any dependents collecting on my record. I've only received about $7,900 total so far, which I can manage to repay. Is there a specific department I should call to start this process or just the main SSA number?
0 coins
Darcy Moore
DONT DO IT!!!! The SSA makes this PROCESS A NIGHTMARE!!!! I tried doing the withdrawal last year and they LOST my paperwork TWICE. Then when I finally got it processed, they kept sending me benefits for 3 MORE MONTHS and now they say I owe all that money too even though I TOLD THEM TO STOP!!! Now i'm stuck in appeals hell. The system is BROKEN and they just want to make it impossible for you to fix your mistake!!!
0 coins
Gael Robinson
•Oh wow, that sounds awful! Did you eventually get it sorted out or are you still dealing with the mess? I'm worried now since I can't afford any mistakes in this process.
0 coins
Dana Doyle
I did the withdrawal two years ago and it went perfectly fine. Had to repay about $14,000 but it was worth it to get the higher monthly amount at my FRA. Just make sure you keep COPIES OF EVERYTHING and get a receipt when you submit the form. I also followed up with phone calls every week until it was processed. The key is documentation and persistence.
0 coins
Liam Duke
•Exactly this! Documentation is everything with SSA. I'd add that you should send the form certified mail so you have proof they received it. And don't forget that when you reapply at FRA, you'll need to file a completely new application. The withdrawal means your first application never existed in their system.
0 coins
Manny Lark
my sister tried this and they said she waited too long. u only get 12 months to change ur mind. after that ur stuck with the early retirement amount forever
0 coins
Edward McBride
•This is correct - the 12-month deadline is strict. Since the original poster mentions only receiving 3 benefit checks so far, they're well within this time limit. After 12 months, your only option would be to suspend benefits if you're below FRA, but you can't withdraw the application and you don't get to reset your benefit amount.
0 coins
Rita Jacobs
Has anyone here actually tried reaching SSA to process this withdrawal? I've been trying for WEEKS to talk to someone about my benefits calculation (different issue) and cannot get through. Always "all representatives are busy" then disconnected! I've called right at opening time, tried different days, nothing works. If OP needs to do this quickly to avoid getting more payments they'll have to repay, good luck getting through...
0 coins
Khalid Howes
•I had the same problem trying to reach SSA about my widow's benefits. After weeks of frustration, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU For something time-sensitive like a withdrawal request, it might be worth using. The agent I spoke with was able to process my request right away once I actually got through to them.
0 coins
Liam Duke
One thing nobody's mentioned yet - when you reapply in 2026, don't forget that any additional earnings you have between now and then could potentially increase your benefit amount. So not only will you get the full FRA amount instead of the reduced early amount, but your benefit computation might actually be higher due to additional earnings replacing earlier, lower-earning years in your calculation. It's a double win!
0 coins
Gael Robinson
•I hadn't thought about that! I'm still working part-time, and those earnings should definitely help boost my benefit calculation. That makes this decision even better in the long run.
0 coins
Darcy Moore
is 3 months really worth all this hassle?? ur only talking about maybe wat, $200-300 difference per month? just seems like alot of work and having to come up with all that money at once when u could just keep collecting now
0 coins
Edward McBride
•The difference could actually be significant over time. Taking benefits 36 months before FRA results in a permanent 20% reduction. On an average benefit of $2,000, that's $400 less EVERY month for the rest of your life. Plus annual COLAs are calculated on that lower amount. Over a 20-year retirement, that's nearly $100,000 in lost benefits. For many people, that's worth the temporary hassle of repaying a few months of benefits.
0 coins
Manny Lark
what happens if u dont have all the money to pay back? my cusin started ss early and its been 4 months but he spent most of it already
0 coins
Edward McBride
•Unfortunately, SSA requires repayment of the full amount before they'll process the withdrawal. There's no installment option for this specific situation. If your cousin can't repay the full amount, they won't be able to withdraw the application. However, if they're still under FRA, they could consider suspending benefits when they reach FRA until age 70 to earn delayed retirement credits on the portion of benefits not affected by early claiming.
0 coins
Dana Doyle
Just a heads up - after you submit the SSA-521 form, you might still receive another payment or two while they're processing your request. Don't spend this money! You'll need to return these payments as well. When I did my withdrawal, I got an extra payment deposited even after submitting my form, and it created confusion with the total amount I needed to repay.
0 coins
Gael Robinson
•That's really good to know. I'll make sure to set aside any additional payments that come through during the processing time. Would it be better to just return a check immediately if one arrives after I submit the form?
0 coins