Ask Larry

When Will My Benefit Recalculation Be Processed?

I starting SS benefits at 62. Due to working between 62 and 66, SS withheld about half of my benefits each year. I turned FRA September 2020 and SS has yet to recalculate my benefit (as of May 2021 benefit). When I talk with SS staff, they get confused and think I'm asking for the increase to my original FRA amount. I mention FRA to them because the recalc occurs after FRA, so they tell me I agreed to the reduced benefit and my benefit will not change. Maybe I do not know how to word my request. Can you tell me when the recalc occurs for FRA in September 2020?

Hi. The type of recalculation that you're referring to is called a reduction factor adjustment, which Social Security abbreviates as an 'ARF' for some reason. ARFs are automated, and to the best of my knowledge there's nothing you can do to expedite that process. Social Security doesn't publish the scheduling dates for those types of automated recomputations, but your ARF should be processed whenever they get around to doing the ARFs for people who reached FRA in 2020. Any ARF increase that you're entitled to will be retroactive to the month you reached full retirement age (FRA), and you'll be paid the back pay due in a lump sum.

Best, Jerry

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Posted: 
May 27 2021 - 6:42pm
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