Suspending Your Retirement Benefit Payments 

You may voluntarily suspend your Social Security retirement benefits if you have reached full retirement age but are under 70. This request can be made orally or in writing. By suspending your benefits, you will earn delayed retirement credits for each suspended month, resulting in a higher benefit payment when your benefits resume. 

Important Considerations Before Requesting Suspension: 

• If you are already receiving benefits, you may suspend them up to age 70. Suspension begins the month after your request. 
• You do not need to sign your request; it can be made verbally or in writing. 
• Suspended benefits will automatically restart the month you turn 70. 
• Social Security may accept advance suspension requests, but suspension cannot begin earlier than: 
  • The month after your request. 
  • Your full retirement age. 
  • Your month of entitlement to benefits (for initial claims only). 
• If others receive benefits based on your record, their payments will also be suspended, except for divorced spouses, who may continue receiving benefits. 
• If you receive benefits on someone else’s record, those benefits will also be suspended. 
• Medicare Part B premiums cannot be deducted from suspended benefits. 
• Once your benefits are suspended, Social Security will only allow reinstatement starting the month after your request.