Ask Larry

Will My Record Be Clean If I Get Off SSDI And Pay Back The Money?

Will my record be clean if I get off ssdi and pay back the money .have only been on it for 5monts.not worth it.

Hi. I don't know what you mean by "clean", but you could withdraw your claim and repay any benefits you've received (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/withdrawal.html#how). Social Security would still then have a record of the fact that you applied for benefits and then withdrew your claim, but for all intents and purposes it would be treated as though you had never applied.

Before withdrawing, though, you should probably discuss your options with someone from Social Security. You wouldn't need to withdraw your claim if you're simply planning to return to work. If you do return to work your benefits could potentially end up being suspended or terminated, but you likely wouldn't be required to repay any benefits you received prior to returning to work. If you don't withdraw your claim and if you do return to work, though, be sure to inform Social Security so that they can take timely action to suspend or terminate your benefits if necessary.

For more detailed information on working while disabled, refer to the following Social Security publication: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Mar 10 2022 - 10:26am
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.