Early Retirement after severance ends
Hi Terry, Love your walkup on Lisa’s show. I was laid off and my last day was 1/31/25. My last severance check was 6/30/25. Employment will run out in July. I have not found employment and at 66 my full retirement age is in January 2026. I need income and was considering early retirement as of July 1st. Can I do that and not have my severance impact my retirement benefits? AI tells me yes but I can’t find it in the SSA.Gov Website. Appreciate your help.
Terry Says
WAIT — You have a bigger problem! YOu must immediately apply for Medicare! YOu have 6 months after termination of employment to apply AND to choose a top supplement, where you cannot be denied for health reasons. That should be your immediate priority. For help on that, may I suggest you call
JT Medicare Solutions at 800-227-1012.
Next, yes you can and should apply for Social Security — but it would be really smart to wait until you are at FRA. Your severance is just part of your earnings. And you’re only penalized if you apply before FRA. Use your severance to live on til January!
