I sold my rental last year. Is that this event?

Usually no. Selling property is not the same as the uncompensated loss Form SSA 44 describes. Capital gain in the sale year can even raise MAGI. If a different listed event applies, use that box instead.

What proof does Social Security list?

An original copy of an insurance company adjuster’s statement of loss, or a letter from a state or federal government about the uncompensated loss. If the loss was from investment fraud or theft, they also ask for proof of conviction.

My business had a bad year. Is that property loss?

A weak profit year is not automatically loss of income producing property. Closing or transferring a business may fit work stoppage. Match the box to what actually happened.

Can investment income drops count?

A market drop is not, by itself, this SSA 44 event. MAGI can still change. The life event list is separate from a bad year in a brokerage account.

Home / Loss of income producing property

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IRMAA appeal after loss of income producing property

On Form SSA 44 this is loss of income producing property. We do not file. Social Security decides.

Form SSA 44 includes loss of income producing property. That is a specific event. It is not a catchall for selling an asset or having a weaker year in the market.

Social Security’s own evidence list points to uncompensated loss, such as an insurance adjuster’s statement of loss or a letter from a government about a loss that was not paid back. Theft or fraud has extra proof rules.

If you closed a business or stopped work, work stoppage may be the right box. If a pension ended, use loss of pension income.

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What this event is

Use this box when income producing property was lost in the way the form means, and that loss is not simply a sale you chose. A voluntary sale of a rental, with or without capital gain, is usually a different tax story. It is not automatically this SSA 44 event.

Disaster, destruction, or an uncompensated loss described in SSA’s instructions is the core of this category. If that is not what happened, do not stretch the label.

What this event is not

Lower dividends, a down market, or selling a building so you can simplify retirement are not, by themselves, this life event. Those facts might still show up in MAGI. They do not rewrite Social Security’s list.

If you are unsure, read SSA’s Form SSA 44 instructions and use the free check. A no means you should not buy a packet.

What Social Security lists as proof

These are SSA’s examples for this event, not a promise they will accept your file. Official instructions live on ssa.gov.

An original copy of an insurance company adjuster’s statement of loss, or a letter from a state or federal government about the uncompensated loss.
If the loss was due to investment fraud or theft, also include proof of conviction (for example a court document citing theft or fraud relating to your or your spouse’s loss).

Official overview: ssa.gov/medicare/lower-irmaa. Official form: Form SSA 44 PDF.

Related life events

FAQ

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The free check is three screens. It does not ask for your Social Security number. You are not charged to see yes or no. If a packet applies, you can buy a filled Form SSA 44. You file it. Social Security decides.

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Check IRMAA is independent of the Social Security Administration, CMS, and Medicare. This is not a government website. SSA decides whether to use more recent income. We do not file for you, represent you, or guarantee a lower premium. Dollar amounts on this site are estimates from published CMS brackets using the facts you entered. They are not a promise of savings.

Last updated August 27, 2026.