Help with what goes in Step 2 on SSA-44 form ( request to lower IRMAA)

[JenniferC694816]

Here is the background:  I was laid off effective 9/15/2023 due to a company reorganization and my position was eliminated.  As part of the action the company paid me a severance in addition to bonuses and unpaid vacation plus my salary for nine months.  Needless to say my total income for 2023 was quite large.  Since i was already 67 in 2023 I decided to quit working and officially retire.  Effective 10/2023 the only income I have now is SSA benefits, my husband’s pension and any IRA (taxable) distributions I take.  I did not submit any request to lower IRMMA  for 2024 year since they were using 2022 income and I was ok paying the extra.  However, it is a different story for 2025 since they are using the 2023 income.  The extra IRMAA adds approx 500 each to my husband and I.  I am trying to fill out the form to lower IRMMA and need some help in filling it out correctly.  I went to the SSA office in December 2024 to get help but was advised in January when I called that they initally instructed me wrong.  The girl on the phone told me just to follow the instructions provided on the form.  Agghh.  My question is related to part two of the form.  Do I indicate 2024 and state all our income for that year (2024 taxes have not been done yet but I have the 1099s) since that is when my income dramatically drops?  Do I then enter “no” in step 3.  I know to select work stoppage and severance in previous section and married/joint.  I have the official letter for work stoppage and the letter outlining severance $$ as well as all income for 2024.  I know I must provide the tax returns once they are completed.  Appreciate any help on step 2.  Thanks in advance. 

[cat0w]

Have you signed into your SS account and tried to find an answer there?

[JenniferC694816]

Yes, but no reference or response.  I will probably try going back to their office again.    Usually, I can figure these things out but I just want to make sure I am putting the correct info in step 2.  Just thought I would see if anyone else had run into this and figured it out.