Many retirees may be missing out on Social Security payments without even realizing it. Whether due to application delays, administrative errors, or simply not knowing you were eligible, unclaimed benefits can add up to thousands of dollars. If you think you’ve missed Social Security retirement payments, don’t panic—there are ways to recover them. Here’s what you need to know.
Can You Get Back Missed Social Security Payments?
The good news is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) allows retirees to claim missed payments in certain cases. If you’ve reached Full Retirement Age (FRA) but haven’t started collecting your benefits, you may be eligible for up to six months of retroactive payments. However, you won’t be able to claim benefits for any months before reaching your FRA.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recovering Your Money
If you suspect you’ve missed out on Social Security payments, follow these steps:
- Check Your Social Security Account
Log into your “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov and review your earnings record. Make sure all your income has been properly reported, as errors can impact your benefits. - Contact the SSA
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office. Be ready to provide personal identification and any necessary documents. - Apply for Retroactive Benefits
If you are eligible, you’ll need to file an application specifically requesting retroactive benefits. Remember, the SSA only allows you to claim up to six months of past payments. - Wait for Processing
Once your application is submitted, the SSA will review your case, which can take several weeks. If approved, the missed payments will be sent to you in a lump sum.
Things to Consider Before Claiming Retroactive Benefits
- Your Monthly Benefit Could Be Lower
If you claim retroactive benefits, your future monthly payments may be slightly reduced. This is because accepting retroactive payments means your official start date for receiving Social Security is earlier than expected. - Tax Implications
If you receive a lump sum for missed payments, you’ll have to report it as income for tax purposes. The SSA will send you a Form SSA-1099 for your records.
What If You Were Supposed to Get a Payment, But It Never Arrived?
Sometimes, retirees don’t receive payments they were expecting. If this happens:
- Check With Your Bank – If you receive direct deposit, confirm that your bank didn’t block or return the payment.
- Contact the SSA Immediately – Report missing payments to the SSA, and they will investigate the issue. If a payment was missed due to an error, they will issue a replacement.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Money Go Unclaimed
Many retirees unknowingly leave money on the table when it comes to Social Security. By regularly checking your benefits and acting quickly if you notice missing payments, you can ensure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to. If you need assistance, consider speaking with a financial expert who specializes in Social Security benefits.
If you think you’re missing Social Security money, act now—your retirement income depends on it!
