Social Security retirement benefits are available to you as early as age 62, but the amount you receive will be less than your entire retirement benefit amount.
We will reduce your benefits based on the number of months you receive benefits before you reach your full retirement age if you begin receiving them before that time.
Your benefit amount will be higher if you wait until you are 70 years old to begin receiving benefits because you will accrue delayed retirement credits for each month that you wait to file. After you turn 70, there is no further benefit increase, even if you keep delaying receiving benefits.
Withdrawing your Social Security retirement claim can be a strategic move in certain situations. This guide will explore the process of withdrawing your claim, the eligibility requirements, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of doing so.
Eligibility Requirements for Claim Withdrawal
To withdraw your Social Security retirement claim, you must meet the following conditions:
- Timeframe: You must request the withdrawal within 12 months of your initial entitlement to benefits.
- Repayment: You must repay all benefits you received, including any interest accrued.
- No Subsequent Entitlement: You cannot be entitled to any other Social Security benefits at the time of withdrawal.
Process for Claim Withdrawal
To withdraw your claim, you must submit a written request to the Social Security Administration (SSA). This request should include your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the date you initially filed for benefits. You can submit the request by mail, fax, or in person at a local SSA office.
Benefits of Claim Withdrawal
Withdrawing your claim can offer several potential benefits:
- Increased Benefit Amount: If you wait to reapply for benefits after reaching full retirement age, your monthly benefit amount will be higher due to delayed retirement credits.
- Elimination of Early Filing Penalty: If you initially filed for benefits before full retirement age, withdrawing your claim can eliminate the early filing penalty, resulting in a higher benefit amount when you reapply.
- Correction of Filing Errors: If you made an error on your initial application, withdrawing your claim allows you to correct it and potentially receive a higher benefit amount.
Drawbacks of Claim Withdrawal
There are also potential drawbacks to consider:
- Loss of Benefits: You will lose access to any benefits you received before withdrawing your claim.
- Repayment Burden: You must repay all benefits received, which can be a significant financial burden.
- Delayed Access to Benefits: You will need to wait until you reach full retirement age to reapply for benefits, potentially delaying your access to income.
Making an Informed Decision
Deciding whether to withdraw your Social Security retirement claim is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of your individual circumstances. Factors to consider include your current financial situation, future retirement plans, and health status. Consulting with a financial advisor or Social Security expert can help you make an informed decision.
Withdrawing your Social Security retirement claim can be a valuable strategy for increasing your future benefit amount. However, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility requirements, process, and potential drawbacks before making a decision. By carefully weighing the benefits and drawbacks, you can determine if withdrawing your claim is the right choice for you.
Working While Receiving Benefits
After you begin receiving benefits, you might work, which could result in a future benefit increase for you. If your yearly earnings exceed the cap, we might withhold part of your benefits. People who retire in the middle of the year occasionally have incomes that exceed the annual earnings cap. However:
- One year’s earnings are subject to a special rule that we apply, usually the first year you start receiving benefits. This means that, regardless of your yearly earnings, we are unable to withhold benefits for any month in which we deem you to be retired.
- We will recalculate your benefit amount after you reach full retirement age to account for any months in which your earnings were too high to qualify for benefits.
Payment for Social Security benefits occurs the month following the due date.
Your first benefit check will arrive in June if you indicate that you would like your benefits to begin in May. (You must be eligible for benefits in April AND notify us that month if you would like to start receiving benefits in order to receive your first check in May.) ).
Here’s How Much Money You’ll Get From Social Security
FAQ
Can I withdraw from my Social Security early?
Can you cash out of Social Security?
Can I withdraw my Social Security in a lump sum?
Can you borrow from your Social Security early?
Can I Cash Out my Social Security benefits early?
If you’re contemplating retiring sooner rather than later, you may wonder if you can cash out your Social Security benefits early. You can claim the benefit at 62, but the longer you wait, the larger your benefit will be. Some scenarios could warrant taking it early—if you need to cover end-of-life care, pay down debt or are unable to work.
What happens if you claim social security early?
Here’s what to consider. When you claim Social Security early, your benefit will be up to 30% less than it would be if you claimed at full retirement age, which is age 66 to 67 depending on your birth year. And for every year between full retirement age and age 70 that you wait to claim, your benefit goes up another 8%.
When can I start receiving Social Security benefits?
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.
Should you take Social Security benefits early?
Taking Social Security benefits early may reduce total program earnings, but doing so makes sense in several scenarios. Waiting to claim Social Security often pays off in the long run, but there are also several reasons to start Social Security payments at the earliest possible age.