Ask Larry

When Can I Expect To Get Some Of The Money Back That Social Security Withheld?

Last year the SSA withheld $7900.00 of my social sec.money because I am still workind. When can I expect to get some of it back. I will be 66 in July.

Hi,

Assuming that the correct amount was withheld, that money won't be returned to you directly. However, if Social Security withheld more than $1 of benefits for each $2 that you earned in excess of $16,920 last year then they will refund the excess withholding as soon as they've verified your 2017 earnings. You may be able to speed up the process by submitting proof of your 2017 earnings to Social Security.

Indirectly, you'll begin to recoup money lost to the earnings test in the form of a higher monthly benefit rate effective at your full retirement age (FRA). Social Security should raise your monthly rate by roughly 5/9ths of 1% for each month that your benefits were reduced for age but for which you ended up not receiving benefits due to the earnings test. Those types of recomputations are done automatically but it could take up to 18 months after your FRA to receive the higher rate. Any applicable rate increase would be paid retroactive to FRA, though.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
May 3 2018 - 10:34am
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.