Many retirees choose to file for Social Security benefits as soon as they become eligible at 62. But claiming early can lead to a permanent cut of up to 30% in monthly payments. Now, the government has confirmed that there is a second chance for those who regret filing too soon. If you claimed an Early Social Security Claim and want to undo that choice, there are steps and rules you can follow to reverse it.
This article explains how benefits are calculated, what happens when you claim early, and how you can withdraw your application to protect your retirement income.
Early Social Security Claim: How to Undo Your Choice
| Claim Age | As early as 62, but with up to 30% reduction |
| Full Retirement Age | Age 67 for (born1960 or later) |
| Delayed Credits | Benefits grow if delayed until age 70 |
| Second Chance | Withdraw claim within 12 months |
| Requirement | Repay all benefits received during that time |
How Social Security Benefits Calculated
The size of your Social Security check depends on your earnings history. The SSA uses your 35 highest-earning years to determine your benefit amount. If you worked fewer than 35 years, years with zero income are factored in, lowering your benefit.
Funding comes from payroll taxes. Workers contribute 6.2% of their wages, while employers match with another 6.2%, for a total of 12.4%. But only income up to the annual wage cap is taxed. In 2025, this cap is $176,100, and it is set to rise in 2026.
The Impact of an Early Social Security Claim
Claiming Social Security at 62 locks in a lower monthly benefit for life. For many, this means losing nearly one-third of what they could have received by waiting until full retirement age.
- At 62: Up to 30% reduction in benefits.
- At FRA (67 for those born in 1960 or later): 100% of earned benefits.
- At 70: Additional delayed credits, meaning higher payments.
For example, in 2025, the average benefit is around $2,000 per month. But the maximum benefit is over $5,100 only possible for those who delay claiming until age 70 and meet all requirements.
Age Rules for Full Retirement
The concept of Full Retirement Age (FRA) is central to Social Security. FRA was once 65 but has been gradually increasing since the 1983 reforms. The FRA is 66 years and 10 months for those who born in 1959 in the 2025. Starting in 2026, it officially becomes 67 years for everyone born in 1960 or later.
This increase means younger generations must wait longer for full benefits, making the decision to file early even more impactful.
Benefits for Higher Payments Delaying
If you do not file at FRA and instead wait, you earn delayed retirement credits. These credits raise your monthly benefit for each month you delay, up to age 70. The longer you wait, the larger the check.
For those who can afford to delay, the payoff is significant. A higher monthly benefit not only improves retirement security but also protects against outliving your savings.
Undoing an Early Social Security Claim
The government offers a little-known option to reverse an Early Social Security Claim:
- You must act within 12 months of your original filing.
- You must not have reached FRA yet.
- You must repay all benefits you received during that time.
Once your application is withdrawn, it’s as though you never filed. Later, you can reapply at FRA or beyond, giving you access to larger payments.
This option is ideal for those who claimed early due to job loss, health concerns, or uncertainty, but later returned to work or improved their financial position.
How this Second Chance Important
Retirement decisions are often made under stress or without full information. Many people file early because they worry about program changes or immediate financial needs. Later, they realize the long-term cost of reduced benefits.
The ability to reverse a decision gives retirees flexibility. Although it requires repaying benefits, it can pay off in the long run by restoring access to full or even higher benefits later.
Who Should Consider Withdrawing an Early Claim
- Workers who returned to employment and no longer need early benefits.
- People with longer life expectancies, who would benefit from higher monthly checks later.
- Seniors who made an early decision out of fear, but now see the value in waiting.
It is not the right choice for everyone, especially if repaying benefits is financially difficult. But for some, it can be a smart retirement move.
FAQs
It’s when you file for Social Security benefits as soon as you are eligible at age 62, resulting in reduced monthly payments.
Yes. You can withdraw your claim within 12 months, repay received benefits, and reapply later for higher payments.
For those born in 1960 or later, the FRA is 67. For those born in 1959, it is 66 years and 10 months.
Delaying until 70 can significantly raise payments due to delayed retirement credits.
No. It depends on your financial situation, ability to repay, and long-term retirement goals.
An Early Social Security Claim can lock you into smaller payments for life. But the government now confirms that you have a second chance. If you act within 12 months, you can withdraw your application, repay what you received, and reapply later for higher benefits.
For many retirees, this flexibility can mean the difference between a strained budget and long-term financial security. Before deciding, weigh your current needs against future benefits and consider whether undoing an early claim could set you up for a stronger retirement.