Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Heres an explanation for . Our is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Bankrate logo.
Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial choices. We’ve maintained this reputation for over four decades by demystifying the financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in which actions to take next.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. All of our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts, who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.
Our reporters and editors focus on the things that people care about most, like how to save for retirement, how to pick investments, and more. This way, you can feel good about planning for the future. Bankrate logo.
Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions.
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers.
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information. Bankrate logo.
Can You Really Hit Pause on Social Security to Return to Work?
Have you already started claiming Social Security benefits but now you’re thinking about going back to work? Maybe retirement isn’t what you expected or perhaps you need some extra income. Whatever your reason the good news is yes, you can stop receiving Social Security benefits and return to the workforce.
But like most things involving government programs there are specific rules timeframes, and consequences to consider. I’ve pulled together everything you need to know about “unretiring” and how it affects your Social Security benefits.
Two Ways to Stop Social Security Benefits
There are two main options if you want to stop receiving Social Security benefits
1. Withdrawal of Benefits (The “Do-Over” Option)
If you’ve only recently started receiving benefits, you might be eligible for what’s essentially a complete do-over:
- Time limitation: Only available within the first 12 months after becoming eligible for benefits
- Repayment required: You must repay ALL benefits received so far
- One-time only: You can only use this option once in your lifetime
- Consent needed: Family members receiving benefits on your record must consent in writing
- Paperwork: Submit Form SSA-521 to your local Social Security office
This choice lets you start over, as if you had never applied for benefits in the first place. As soon as you’re ready, you can apply again, but this time with a higher monthly payment.
2. Suspension of Benefits
If the 12-month window has passed, you still have another option:
- Age requirement: Only available after you’ve reached full retirement age (66-67 depending on birth year)
- No repayment: You don’t have to pay back any benefits already received
- Delayed retirement credits: You’ll earn credits that increase your benefit amount when payments resume
- Automatic restart: Benefits automatically restart at age 70 if you don’t request them earlier
- Family impact: Most dependents will stop receiving benefits during the suspension period (except divorced spouses)
When Might It Make Sense to Stop Benefits?
Considering hitting pause on your Social Security? Here are some common scenarios where it might make financial sense:
- You retired during an economic downturn but now the job market has improved
- You received an early retirement package but now want to return to work
- You’ve received a financial windfall and no longer need the monthly income
- You realize you can manage expenses without Social Security and want larger payments later
- Your health has improved and you feel ready to work again
How Going Back to Work Affects Your Benefits
Your age is a very important factor in how your benefits will change if you decide to keep getting them while you go back to work:
If You’re Below Full Retirement Age for the Entire Year
- In 2025, you can earn up to $23,400 without reduction in benefits
- For every $2 you earn above that limit, $1 is deducted from your benefits
- These deductions are temporary – you’ll get that money back through higher monthly payments once you reach full retirement age
If You’ll Reach Full Retirement Age During the Year
- In 2025, the earnings limit jumps to $62,160 before benefits are affected
- Only earnings before the month you reach full retirement age count
- For every $3 you earn above that limit, $1 is deducted from benefits
If You’re Already at Full Retirement Age
- No limits! You can earn as much as you want with no reduction in benefits
- Your benefit amount may actually increase through recalculations
The Social Security Special Rule for Mid-Year Retirees
There’s a helpful provision if you retire or unretire mid-year. Under the “special rule,” you can get full benefits for any month you’re retired, even if you made a lot of money in a year.
For 2025, you’re considered retired in any month:
- Your earnings are $1,950 or less (if under full retirement age)
- Your earnings are $5,180 or less (if reaching full retirement age that year)
- You don’t perform substantial self-employment work (less than 45 hours/month)
Other Important Considerations When “Unretiring”
Medicare Coverage
If you stop your Social Security benefits, your Medicare eligibility typically isn’t affected. However:
- Premium payments: Without Social Security checks, you’ll need to pay Medicare premiums out-of-pocket
- Employer coverage: If returning to work with benefits, compare your employer’s health plan with Medicare to see which offers better coverage for your needs
Tax Implications
Going back to work while receiving Social Security could push you into a higher tax bracket:
- Up to 50% of benefits taxable if income is between $25,000-$34,000 (single) or $32,000-$44,000 (married filing jointly)
- Up to 85% of benefits taxable if income exceeds $34,000 (single) or $44,000 (married filing jointly)
I strongly advise that you talk to a tax expert before making any choices that could affect your taxes.
401(k) Opportunities
If you return to a job with retirement benefits, you might gain some advantages:
- You can contribute to a new 401(k) plan
- You might be able to delay Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) while still working
- Some plans allow rollovers from old 401(k)s or IRAs, which could also delay RMDs on those funds
Pension Considerations
If you have a pension, check how returning to work might affect those benefits. Every pension plan has different rules about working while receiving payments.
How to Stop Social Security Benefits: Step-by-Step
To Withdraw Benefits (Within First 12 Months):
- Calculate how much you’ve received so far (including family benefits and Medicare withholdings)
- Complete Form SSA-521 (Request for Withdrawal of Application)
- Submit the form to your local Social Security office
- Repay all benefits received
- If you change your mind, you have 60 days to cancel the withdrawal
To Suspend Benefits (After Reaching Full Retirement Age):
- Contact Social Security by phone (800-772-1213), in person at a local office, or in writing
- Request suspension of your benefits
- Plan for Medicare premium payments
- When ready to restart, contact Social Security at least a month in advance
Real Talk: Is “Unretiring” Right for You?
Making the decision to stop Social Security and return to work isn’t simple. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Can I really afford to repay the benefits I’ve already received?
- Am I healthy enough to continue working?
- Will the increased future benefit amount make up for the money I’m giving up now?
- Do I have other retirement savings I can live on until I restart benefits?
- How will this affect my spouse or dependents?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your financial situation, health, family circumstances, and personal preferences all play important roles in this decision.
Bottom Line
The ability to stop Social Security benefits and return to work provides valuable flexibility for retirees whose plans or circumstances have changed. Whether through withdrawal or suspension, you have options to potentially increase your long-term retirement income.
However, the rules are complex and the financial implications significant. Before making any decisions, I’d recommend consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning. They can help you understand how these choices will affect your unique situation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. The information is accurate as of September 2025, but Social Security rules and limits may change. Always consult with a financial professional before making important retirement decisions.
At full retirement age, you’re still eligible for full benefits
If you’re at full retirement age but choose to return to work, your benefits won’t be affected.
The SSA adds that the benefit amount will be recalculated to “leave out the months when [they] reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings. ”.
How going back to work might affect Medicare coverage
Once someone turns 65, they are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A, which is usually free and covers hospital insurance.
At 65, people are also eligible for Part B (doctor and outpatient services) and Part D (prescription costs) if they are receiving Social Security benefits. Medicare premiums are usually deducted from the benefits check.
If you have applied for Social Security benefits while receiving Part B coverage, withdrawing your application will have implications. If you keep the Part B coverage, you will be billed for future premiums — and failure to pay them on time will put your coverage at risk of removal. Lightbulb Icon.
Keep in mind that individuals earning above $106,000 are charged more for Part B premiums than the standard $185 per month in 2025. The Medicare website details monthly payments over multiple income thresholds.
Will my Benefits be Reduced if I go Back to Work?
FAQ
How do I cancel my Social Security if I go back to work?
To find out more about asking to have your benefits voluntarily suspended, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 or come into your local office.
Can I suspend my Social Security and restart later?
Yes, you can suspend your Social Security retirement benefits after you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA) to receive a higher monthly payment when you restart them. In the event that your benefits are temporarily suspended, you will receive delayed retirement credits (DRCs), which will raise your payment by approximately 8% per year.
Can you unretire from Social Security?
You can “unretire” from Social Security, but the way you do it will depend on your situation and the time you make your choice. If it’s been less than 12 months since you started receiving benefits, you can withdraw your application by submitting Form SSA-521 and repaying all benefits received.
Does Social Security stop if you go back to work?
You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time.Jan 2, 2025
Can you lose social security if you go back to work?
No, you won’t lose your Social Security benefits if you go back to work. However, your benefits may be reduced or withheld if you are younger than full retirement age and earn above the annual earnings limit. 2. Can I get my Social Security benefits back if they were withheld?
Can I Stop my Social Security if I get a job?
This is particularly true if you claim your benefits but then get a good work opportunity. As Social Security benefits don’t typically pay you more than you could earn with a real job, you might wonder what your options are to stop your Social Security without losing it.
Can I withdraw my social security if I’m still working?
You’ll have to file what’s known as a “withdrawal of benefits” if you want to suspend your Social Security payments and go back to work. You can only do this if you’ve filed for your retirement benefits within the previous 12 months, however.
Should I go back to work after starting Social Security?
Here are the key things to keep in mind if you’re considering going back to work after starting Social Security: 1. Age and Earnings Limit: Full Retirement Age: If you are younger than your full retirement age, your Social Security benefits may be withheld or reduced if your earnings exceed the annual earnings limit.
Can I stop social security if I start taking benefits?
You can stop your Social Security if you’ve started taking benefits but it’s been less than 12 months since you became eligible. However, you will have to pay back all benefits received up to that point. This restart is referred to as a full withdrawal.
Who should stop or restart Social Security benefits?
There are no universal rules regarding who should stop or restart their benefits. And some of the options are nuanced. For example, if you started your Social Security benefits less than a year ago, you have more options. Or maybe you decided to return to work, or your family situation has changed.