Larry I am 66 years old currently collecting my social security once I reached my FRA. I work full time still. Can I discontinue my benefits and wait till age 70 to increase my benefits or will it not make a difference at this time

Hi,

I recently took early retirement benefits at 62. I’m planning on returning to the workforce. I’d like to stop my benefits so that I can put off retirement until I’m 70. Would I have to repay Social Security back what I’ve received from them before I can get back on track towards receiving the maximum amount when I’m 70?

Hi,

I reached FRA of 66 just yesterday, 9/6/19. I filed a few months early though in March 2019 and got my first check in April. I now want to suspend my benefits without repaying what I’ve received thus far. I called SS back in July and was told to wait until I turned 66 and I would be eligible then. How ever, when I called yesterday I was told I’d have to withdraw and pay back the monies. That’s 2 different stories. Which is correct? I can’t afford to pay back.

Hi,

I began taking my Social Security benefit in February 2017 at age 63; then withdrew my application in October 2017 at age 64 and fully repaid the benefits since I became employed and did not need the benefit at that time. I am now (August 2019) age 66 and may be laid off later this year. If I start taking my benefits again in December 2019, will I be able to suspend if I become employed again or did the withdrawal and repayment negate my ability to suspend?

Hi,

Is it possible to start your social security either early (at age 65) or at full retirement age and then put it on hold, if, say, you get a new job and that gives you an opportunity to strength the benefits you will receive later?
I was trying to understand what was meant by file and suspend, and it doesn't seem applicable to me. Thank you.

Hi,

When my wife turned 66, I filed and suspended ( I was 68) so that she could claim spousal benefits on my income. My wife was born in 1951, so she was grandfathered in, even though the law had just changed to prevent this possibility. Now I am approaching 70. Soon it will be time for me to unsuspend and start taking benefits which means that she will have to simultaneously end her spousal benefits. If we do this online, can we trust the Social Security Administration to get the timing right?

I'm confused about what a person who is 'grandfathered' - born before 4/30/1950 - who filed and suspended before 4/30/2016 can do in regards to receiving auxiliary benefits while their own benefits are suspended. Even though they are grandfathered, must they un-suspend their benefit in order to collect the spousal or survivor benefit, and then only receive their own benefit plus an excess benefit? Or can they remain suspended and receive only the excess while their DRCs continue to accumulate?

Hi,

As per your previous response (6/19/19) a person who previously received Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits can earn delayed retirement credits (DRC) between full retirement age (FRA) and age 70 by voluntarily suspending their benefits. My situation is the same, except I am also entitled to survivor Social Security benefit. Can I I suspend my retirement benefits at FRA (to earn DRC) after being on SSDI, but still be entitled to receive survivor social security from FRA to age 70 and then switch to my own retirement benefit with DRC after 70?

Hi,

Hi -- My 69 year old husband filed and suspended and I started collecting half of his benefits when I turned 66. He will be 70 on July 31. Our question is, does he have to notify the Social Security office or will his benefits begin automatically at age 70? Is there anything specific he needs to do? Thank you!

Hi,

Hello!
At age 66 in June '17, I voluntarily suspended my SS benefits by calling SS. I was on SS Disability until age 66. In Nov. '19 I want to start benefits. How many months in advance can I call them? Do I call to make an phone appointment in advance? Thanks very much

Hi,