IRMAA appeal checklist
IRMAA appeal letter checklist
If your income dropped because of a major life event, you may be able to ask Social Security for a new IRMAA decision. This checklist keeps the request focused.
Open main calculatorBefore you decide
- Find the tax year Social Security used on your IRMAA notice.
- Identify whether you had a qualifying life-changing event.
- Gather documents before submitting Form SSA-44.
Common qualifying events on SSA-44
Work stoppage or reduction
Retirement or reduced work can support a request when it lowers income compared with the tax year used for IRMAA.
Marriage, divorce, or death of a spouse
Family-status changes are listed by SSA as life-changing events for IRMAA reconsideration.
Loss of pension income
A reduction or loss of certain pension income may support a new decision when documented.
Documents to gather
Your IRMAA notice
Keep the notice showing the premium year, tax year used, and current surcharge.
Proof of event
Examples include employer letters, retirement paperwork, marriage or divorce documents, or death certificates.
Income estimate
Prepare a reasonable estimate of the lower income year and keep tax documents when available.
Official sources
- CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B premiums and deductibles for Medicare Part B premium and IRMAA amounts.
- SSA Form SSA-44 for IRMAA life-changing event reconsideration.
- IRS Social Security income guidance for taxable Social Security benefit rules.