Originally posted on Forbes.com Economics Matters by Laurence Kotlikoff is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Social Security benefits automatically convert to standard retirement benefits at full retirement age (FRA) and this retirement benefit can then be suspended. Here’s the story of one disability benefit recipient’s frustrating attempts to do so.
Hi Teresa, If he suspend at this point, he'll lose about six months of delayed retirement credits. Nonetheless, I recommended he do so, while still pressing SSA to reset the suspension to FRA and let him repay received benefits. best, Larry
The local office in Rochester, NY was able to suspend for me in this situation (suspending at FRA after being on SSDI). I simply wrote a letter and brought it to them in person prior to my birthday.
Conversely, I was able to resume a few months shy of my 70th birthday with just a phone call. However, the DRC calculations seem to be off (every full year of DRCs resulted in less than an 8% increase). The local office told me I had to submit a Request for Reconsideration, which I did. More than six months later and two inquiries from my congressman's staff, which were not responded to, still no response.
More than one way to skin a cat - at this point wouldn't receiving benefits, paying back full amount (if less than a year) then suspending until 70 - accomplish the same thing, or would it lessen his benefit in some way? Not saying he should have to do that, SS is STILL in the wrong here, but this may be a less stressful alternative.
JJ, Best call me to discuss. 617 834-2148 Larry
Hi Teresa, If he suspend at this point, he'll lose about six months of delayed retirement credits. Nonetheless, I recommended he do so, while still pressing SSA to reset the suspension to FRA and let him repay received benefits. best, Larry
The local office in Rochester, NY was able to suspend for me in this situation (suspending at FRA after being on SSDI). I simply wrote a letter and brought it to them in person prior to my birthday.
Conversely, I was able to resume a few months shy of my 70th birthday with just a phone call. However, the DRC calculations seem to be off (every full year of DRCs resulted in less than an 8% increase). The local office told me I had to submit a Request for Reconsideration, which I did. More than six months later and two inquiries from my congressman's staff, which were not responded to, still no response.
How awful
More than one way to skin a cat - at this point wouldn't receiving benefits, paying back full amount (if less than a year) then suspending until 70 - accomplish the same thing, or would it lessen his benefit in some way? Not saying he should have to do that, SS is STILL in the wrong here, but this may be a less stressful alternative.