Ask Larry

Can I Pay Back Or Suspend My Benefits Now To Get A Higher Benefit Later?

My disability converted to retirement in December 2020. Can I payback or suspend social security now to get a higher benefit later?

Hi. You can voluntarily suspend your retirement benefits in order to earn delayed retirement credits (DRC), but you can't do so retroactively. The earliest that you can suspend your benefits is effective with the month after the month you request the voluntary suspension. So, for example, if you contacted Social Security today (i.e. May 5 2021), the earliest month that you could choose to suspend your benefits would be June 2021.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
May 5 2021 - 2:01pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.