Retiring Teacher Faces Social Security Roadblocks Before Move

Retiring Teacher Faces Social Security Roadblocks Before Move

Navigating the path to retirement should be a time of celebration and new beginnings. Yet for many educators, the journey can become unexpectedly challenging, especially when dealing with Social Security benefits. If you’re approaching retirement age and preparing your Social Security application, you might find comfort in knowing you’re not alone in facing these hurdles with the Social Security Administration.

When Retirement Plans Meet Social Security Bureaucratic Reality

Recently, a dedicated teacher shared their heartfelt struggle in an online community. After years of shaping young minds, they planned to retire in May 2025 and begin their well-deserved Social Security benefits the following month. Their next chapter included a dream move to Costa Rica—a plan that seemed thoughtfully arranged.

However, despite careful planning, they received troubling news: their Social Security benefits were suspended because they were still employed. This happened even though they had clearly indicated their retirement date on their application. The confusion deepened with each call to the Social Security Administration, as representatives provided different answers about benefit eligibility.

“I understand how disheartening this must feel,” one supportive community member commented. “After dedicating your career to others, the last thing you need is this added stress during what should be a joyful transition.”

Understanding What Went Wrong with Social Security Benefits

The core issue lies in timing and how retirement benefits are processed through the Social Security system. Since this teacher will work through May 2025, June becomes their first “non-service month”—the first month they’re eligible for Social Security benefits.

This timing means:

• Their first payment would actually arrive in July, not June
• Because they worked during part of 2025, the Social Security Administration should apply a monthly earnings test rather than looking at their annual salary (Retirement Earnings Test)
• The application process didn’t properly account for their specific retirement timeline

By 2026, things should smooth out completely. The Social Security Administration would start fresh with the new year, recognizing their fully retired status and allowing payments to flow without interruption.

Finding Your Way Forward with Social Security

If you’re facing similar challenges with your Social Security retirement benefits, take heart—there is a path forward. A knowledgeable community member offered these supportive steps:

1. Reach out to the Social Security Administration again
2. Specifically ask for a “work notice” for 2025
3. Make sure this notice shows June through December as “non-service months”
4. Clearly state in writing that your teaching position has ended

Following these steps should help resolve the suspension, allowing benefits to begin properly in July 2025.

Regarding the move to Costa Rica, simply inform the Social Security Administration of your new address. However, it’s important to verify that Costa Rica is among the countries where Social Security payments can be sent, as not all countries qualify for international benefit transfers.

You’re Not Alone on This Social Security Journey

This teacher’s experience reminds us that even with careful planning, transitions into Social Security retirement can bring unexpected challenges. What matters most is knowing that solutions exist and support is available.

If you’re approaching retirement, consider starting your Social Security application process early to allow time for addressing any unexpected eligibility issues. Remember, countless others have successfully navigated these waters before you.

Your years of service deserve to be honored with a smooth transition to retirement. While bureaucratic hurdles with Social Security may appear, with patience and persistence, you can move forward into this exciting new chapter of your life with confidence.