Can Social Security Benefits Be Suspended After Age 67 Without Repayment?

My client, age 67, is currently collecting his SS benefits. He called SSA to suspend his benefit so he could start to receive DRC’s. SSA told him he could only do so if he paid back the SS benefits that he had received so far. She said that was a recent rule change. Is that correct? If not, is there a POMS reference I can provide my client with?

Your client should be able to suspend their Social Security benefits after reaching Full Retirement Age (FRA) without having to repay any benefits received so far. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows individuals who have reached FRA to voluntarily suspend their benefits to earn Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs), which can increase their benefit amount by approximately 8% per year of suspension until age 70.

There has been no recent rule change that requires repayment of previously received benefits for those suspending their benefits after FRA. Your client was given incorrect information. According to the Program Operations Manual System (POMS), section GN 02409.110, individuals can voluntarily suspend their benefits at any time after reaching FRA without the need to repay past benefits.

Your client can reference this POMS section when discussing the matter with SSA to ensure they receive the correct information and proceed with the suspension if that is their decision.

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