Seasonal Work While Getting Social Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: July 16, 2021
Many people pick up side jobs when the holiday shopping season comes around. It’s a good way for you to make some extra income during the busy season or ease back into working if you have been out of the labor force for a while. We’re here to help you navigate working seasonally if you get Social Security.
You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. But if you’re younger than full retirement age and earn more than certain amounts, your benefits will be reduced, although not dollar for dollar. Your benefits may increase when you reach full retirement age. You can read more about working while retired.
If you receive Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), special rules also make it possible for people to work and still receive monthly payments. If you want to try working again, seasonal work may help you ease back into the work force. Read our publication, Working While Disabled: How We Can Help, or visit our Ticket to Work website for more information.
We also have an easy-to-share video introducing people to Ticket to Work.
Keep in mind that you must report all earnings, including your seasonal earnings, to Social Security. Your earnings also count toward your future benefits. You earn Social Security credits when you work in a job and pay Social Security taxes. We use your total yearly earnings to figure your Social Security credits. You can learn more by reading our publication, How You Earn Credits.
Having a job can bring positive change to your life in a number of ways, providing independence, fulfillment, and community involvement. Social Security is here to help. Please share this information with friends and family.
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About the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Comments
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Neva
I would like to know the answer to that question. Got the same problem.
Verdusco
What was the point of this article???
Laura L.
Will my estimated $9000 of part time work, in all of 2019, increase my monthly SS? Thanks
Neva
I would like to know the answer to that question. Got the same problem.
A.C.
Hi, Laura. Each year we review the records for all working Social Security recipients to see if additional earnings may increase monthly benefits. If your earnings for the prior year are higher than one of the years we used to compute your retirement benefit, we will recalculate your benefit amount. Generally, we will send a letter explaining any increase in your benefit amount. Please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or contact your local office directly for further assistance. We hope this helps.
Loretta
I plan to work with the Cenus Bureau in 2020. I am 68 do I have to go to social security and let them know?
Ray E.
You don’t have to go to SS before you work for the Census. You just need to report your earnings on your Tax returns. You say that you’re 68, well if you are already claiming SS and also do this “seasonal” Census work, your Benefits should NOT be affected. Whether you will pay taxes or not depends on your overall income – also, tax might be deducted at source depending on how they pay you – W2 or 1099.
A.C.
Hi, Loretta. Thanks for your question. If you work and are full retirement age or older, the amount you make at work will not affect your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner: Getting Benefits While Working. We hope this helps.
Alberto B.
Good morning Ms Bogle. My name is Alberto Barnett. I claimed for SSI when I turned 66 1/2 years of age. According to what I was advised, I did not meet the criteria to have my SSI increased to more than I’m receiving now. I would like to know why? The individual I spoke to stated that is all I was entitled to. Why are caucasians continuously getting so much more than the black senior citizens? Whe paid our dues as well, why are we being shortchanged? Please, can you assist me with this endeavor. Thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Alberto. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Joan O.
How do I officially report the death of my father-in-law?
Charlie
Go to a Social security office
Be prepared to return the last SS monthly payment.
A.C.
Hi, Joan. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Typically, the funeral director notifies us of an individual’s passing by sending the deceased person’s death certificate to their local Social Security office. However, you may report the death of your father by submitting his death certificate to your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
mohand-mouloud o.
Voudrais juste apporter une précision concernant les 35 ans de travail retenu pour ma carrière. En fait, pendant presque tout ce temps j’ai travaillé jours et nuits ainsi : pendant la journée j’enseigne au lycée ou je vendais du matériel pédagogique aux établissements scolaires et pendant la nuit je fabriquais ce matériel .
Crazy k.
I’m on Social Security Disability. Every time I try to get a job. I report it. I also report my income.
Now our state raised min wage to $15 an hour. I’m afraid I’ll lose all my benefits if I start work again.
I feel like a yoyo. SSA one year says I was underpaid. So I get a retropayment. But at the end of the year, SSA says oops you owe SSA Thousands of dollars.. We paid you too much.
So I’m afraid to go back to work because SSA does not know what they are doing.
Anyone has this same problem I have?
KRISTEN M.
c/o;
The Social Security Administration; (SSA);
Ann Arbor, Michigan; (USA);
12/12/2019; December;
Clerk;
Please Note;
Thank You, I Appreciate Your Support
For An Offer Of An: “Early Retirement” Option;
Of, “Part Time Employment”; As An: Employee,
Of, “Pure Michigan Talent Connect”; (2019); (KMC);
Of, A Website;
jobs.mitalent.org;
Job Totals (#9,441); (2019); (KMC);
Of, Two, (02), “Online Services”; Resumes;
1); “Microsoft Word”; (PDF);
&;
2); “Acrobat Adobe Reader, XI”; Of, (X);
Of, A: “Portable Document Format”;
(2013) – (2019), (KMC);
I Was Contacted, Via Of, A Mobile Phone,
By “The: Social Security Administration”;
On November, 21, 2019,
About The Option Of An “Early Retirement”;
(Of, A Monthly Amount), As An: Employee Of “Pure Michigan Talent Connect”; (2019); (KMC);
My Address Is:
Ms. Kristen M. Carlson;
1086, Greenhills Drive;
APT (#841),
Ann Arbor, Michigan;
48105; (2722), (2719);
(USA);
Phone:
1(734)276-9068; (KMC);
Thank You!;
Sincerely;
Ms. Kristen M. Carlson;
Of, “Pure Michigan Talent Connect”;
(2019); (KMC);
Robert W.
I am a72 year old physician still in private practice STILL pay FICA taxes both employee and employer contributions—- i waited until age 70 to collect social security—- will my monthly benefit go up as i contribute and have been for last 2 years ??
A.C.
Hi, Robert. Thanks for your question. Each year we review the records for all working Social Security recipients. If your earnings for the prior year are higher than one of the years we used to compute your retirement benefit, we will recalculate your benefit amount. We pay the increase retroactive to January the year after you earned the money. Visit our Retirement Planner: Getting Benefits While Working for more information. We hope this helps.