How to Stop Social Security Benefits

Since many people can claim early Social Security benefits, there may be a need to stop Social Security benefits at some point. Certain rules and stipulations can affect your ability to stop benefits, however, so follow a few key guidelines to determine when and if you can stop benefits.

• Assess your personal situation. Stopping Social Security benefits can be an option in cases of death, or if you wish to suspend your benefits until a later date. Depending on your situation, you will have to go through different steps.


• Stop the benefits of a deceased person by calling the Social Security Administration. You will need the person’s date of birth, date of death, full name and social security number. When stopping a deceased person’s benefits, keep in mind that any money sent after his or her time of death must be repaid upon cancellation. After canceling benefits, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail, so make sure you file this paper away in case of any kind of dispute.


• Place your benefits on hold by contacting the Social Security Administration. You are only eligible to place your benefits on hold if you have had them for at least 12 months. If it hasn’t been 12 months, you will have to wait the entire duration before you can stop your Social Security checks. This rule does not apply to anyone between the ages of 65 and 70. Individuals in this age group can stop benefits at any time.