I started my application for benefits but would like to wait another year. I haven't submitted it yet but there is no way to let me cancel the application.It doesn't allow me to put in a later date than 5/22. It says if I do not submit it by 7/22 I could lose my benefits. What can I do?

Hi. For future reference, you aren't allowed to apply for benefits more than 4 months prior to the month you want to start your benefits. As for the application you started but didn't submit, after 6 months it will no longer be considered as a valid claim. That won't hurt you, though, if you don't want to claim your benefits until next year.

To clarify the notice you received, when you start an online application it establishes a protective filing date. If you don't submit the application, Social Security then sends you a 6 month closeout notice. If you fail to submit your application within that 6 month period then the protective filing date you established is no longer valid. That doesn't mean you'll lose any benefits, though, it just means that you wouldn't be able to claim benefits as soon as you could have if you'd applied on your protective filing date. But, it sounds like you don't want to claim benefits now, anyway.

If you don't want to claim benefits until next year then you don't need to be concerned about letting your protective filing date expire. However, you'll need to start over by filing a new application when you do want to claim benefits. Before you decide when to start your benefits, though, you may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry