Direct answer
Act promptly if you change your mind. Contact SSA and ask to cancel the withdrawal before the 60-day period stated in Form SSA-521 and your approval notice ends. The controlling date is tied to SSA mailing the approval notice, not the date you first requested withdrawal.
Check the written approval
Use the notice SSA sent for your case. It confirms whether the withdrawal was approved and provides the instructions, date, and appeal information that apply to the decision. Keep the envelope and a copy of every response you send.
How to contact SSA
Contact the Social Security office handling the request or call SSA. Explain that you want to cancel the approved withdrawal and follow the office's instructions for a written request. Do not send another Form SSA-521 as though it were a new withdrawal.
If more than 60 days have passed
Form SSA-521 states that the withdrawal request may not be canceled after 60 days from mailing of the approval notice. Ask SSA what options remain for your record. A new retirement application may be possible, but it is a new application and may not cover the same retroactive period.
Repayment and benefits
Do not assume that asking to cancel stops repayment collection or immediately restarts payments. Continue following SSA's written directions until it confirms the status of the withdrawal, repayment, Medicare, and any benefits paid to family members.
Official sources
- SSA — Form SSA-521, Request for Withdrawal of Application
- SSA — Cancel your benefits application
- SSA — Contact Social Security