Question:
Dear Dr. Don,
My husband is 64 and planning to retire at 66. I started collecting Social Security at 62, which was five months ago. We do not need the money for living expenses yet, and none of it has been spent.
I heard that if I give the money back and wait until I'm 66, I'll be able to collect a higher amount, even if I have not worked since age 60. Is this true, and if so, how does this work?
-- Janice Juxtaposition
Answer:
Dear Janice,
It is true that you can change your mind about collecting Social Security retirement benefits by withdrawing your application to receive benefits within the first year of collecting benefits. You repay the benefits received, and file for benefits at a later date.
Waiting until your full retirement age to collect benefits eliminates the reduction in benefits you experienced by applying for benefits at age 62. You can even decide to wait past full retirement age and earn deferred retirement credits up to age 70.
To withdraw your application, fill out Social Security Form SSA-251, including the reason you want to withdraw your application on the form, and send it to the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration will notify you when there is a decision about your withdrawal request. You have 60 days to cancel an approved withdrawal request. After that time period, you lose any possible entitlement for the period covered by your original application for benefits.
