Hi there,

Good news! Yes, you may certainly withdraw your application for Social Security retirement benefits.

If you have changed your mind about starting your benefits, you can cancel your application for up to 12 months after you became entitled to retirement benefits. This process is called a withdrawal and allows you to reapply later. The withdrawal can only be used one time.

Although you have probably not received any benefits yet, when considering withdrawing an application you should understand a few things about the process.

1. If anyone else is receiving benefits based on your application, they must consent in writing to the withdrawal.
2. You must repay all the benefits you and your family have received from your retirement application. This includes:
   -Benefits your spouse or children received, whether they live with you or not, and
   -Money withheld from your Social Security retirement checks for: Medicare Part B, Part C, and Part D premiums, voluntary tax withholding of federal income taxes for any closed tax years, and certain garnishments and levies withheld from your benefits such as child support and alimony obligations.
3. If you are already entitled to Medicare, you may choose to withdraw your Medicare coverage if that is appropriate for your situation.

Best of luck,
Martha

Do you have a question about Social Security? Ask Martha your own question here.

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