Is a 401(k) the same as a pension on this form?

Not automatically. Form SSA 44 has a pension income event with proof from a pension administrator. Retirement account withdrawals are MAGI, but they are not the same proof list.

My pension started late. Is that a loss?

A pension that has not started yet is not a loss of pension income. This event is a reduction or termination of benefits you had.

What proof does Social Security list?

A letter or statement from your pension fund administrator that explains the reduction or termination of your benefits. Keep the original or a copy you can send with Form SSA 44.

Can I use this if I also retired from work?

You may have more than one real event. Use the box that matches the proof you have. Retirement from a job is work stoppage. A later pension cut is this event.

Home / Loss of pension income

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IRMAA appeal after loss of pension income

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

Loss of pension income is one of the eight events on Form SSA 44. Use it when a pension was reduced or ended, and you want Social Security to use a more recent tax year for IRMAA.

This is not the same as retiring from a job. Job retirement is work stoppage. A pension that stops or shrinks after you already left work is this box.

We do not file. Social Security decides. Dollar figures on this site are estimates from published CMS brackets, not a promise.

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What this event is

Use loss of pension income when pension benefits were reduced or terminated. SSA’s listed proof is a letter or statement from the pension fund administrator that explains the reduction or termination.

Required withdrawals from an IRA or 401(k) are not a pension loss just because you wish they were smaller. Those withdrawals can still raise MAGI.

Pension loss and work stoppage

Some people have both. You retired (work stoppage) and later a pension plan cut benefits (loss of pension income). The form allows a life event. Pick the event that actually matches the change you are documenting.

If neither happened, do not buy a packet. The free check will say no.

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.

A letter or statement from your pension fund administrator that explains the reduction or termination of your benefits.

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

Related life events

FAQ

Ready to see if this applies?

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.