Three Things You Need to Know about Seasonal Work and Social Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Right after Halloween, stores and businesses begin advertising that they’re looking for seasonal workers. It’s a good way to make extra income during the busy holiday season. We know you may have some questions about seasonal work and how it affects your work record. Social Security is here to answer your top three questions about seasonal work.
- Do I earn credits toward future Social Security benefits if I get a job during the holidays?
Yes, your seasonal earnings 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.
- I get Social Security benefits. Will seasonal work affect my benefits?
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. Your benefits will increase when you reach full retirement age.
If you receive Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), special rules 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. If you’re ready to work again, or would like to try this holiday season, read Working While Disabled.
- How do I make sure my seasonal wages are posted correctly?
Your personal my Social Security account is the easiest and most efficient way to verify your earnings. If you don’t have an account, create one today. Your personal my Social Security account puts you in the driver’s seat of your personal record. You can view your Social Security Statement, request a replacement card, report your wages if you’re getting disability, and more!
Remember that Social Security is here to help you secure today and tomorrow. You can find the answer to most of your questions by visiting our website.
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Tags: my Social Security, Social Security benefits, social security disability benefits, Social Security statement, SSI, supplemental security income
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
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richard
I want to know why way can t get are check before christmas
Lesly F.
I am 63 and 9 month i can’t get retirement because i have 25 credit i need 15 more credit how can get 15 more credit to get 40 credit i am suffering with depression,high blood pressure and diabetes.please answer for me mr..!
AKA
There are more than 3 thoughts when being employed seasonally whether or not you receive benefits. One that is often overlooked is: If you earn enough in 2 or 3 months you may receive 4 quarters of credit as if you had worked all year. The best thing to know is if you do have questions call SS toll free # 1-800-7721213 or call your local office. Asking specific questions on this blog is not appropriate.
R.F.
Just a reminder – For security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. We respond to questions and provide general information on our programs and services. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. You can also create a personal “my Social Security account” to review your earnings record and get estimates of your future benefits. Thanks!
Thomas G.
Can I get more social security from working after retirement ?
,
R.F.
Hi Thomas! Generally, if you continue to work while receiving retirement benefits, your monthly benefit amount could increase. 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 any of the years that were used to compute your retirement benefit, we will recalculate your benefit amount. If an increase is due, a new monthly benefit amount is established on your record automatically. We hope this information helps!
Thomas G.
Can I increase my social security by working part time I am 77 now?
AKA
Yes, if you pay into SSA and the amount is higher than one of the 35 years used in figuring your payments.
martha g.
Hello my name is Martha Gomez im deaf so i wonder still same 1170 or up to 1180 limit for job??
AKA
1170 and 1180 are not earnings limits for social security. If you get SSI you must report all work activity. SSI is based upon need like other welfare payments. Being deaf is a moot point.
R.F.
Hi Martha. A person may still be eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program if they work. However, their earnings cannot exceed a certain amount. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit.
In 2017, the SGA limit is $1,170 per month (or $1,950 for blind disabled individuals).
In 2018, the SGA limit is $1,180 per month (or $1,970 for blind disabled individuals).
In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you’re able to work.
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you are required to promptly report any work activity.
Please visit our Disability Planner: “If You Go Back To Work” for more information. Thanks!
Linda K.
If your full retirement age is 66 and you start collecting benefits, can you still earn money without loosing part of your ss benefit?? If you can, how much, or is there any limit to the amount you can earn??
AKA
Go to: https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/10/22/here-are-the-2017-and-2018-social-security-earning.aspx
The answer is yes and the reference will give you the amounts for 2017 and 2018. There are special rules in the first year of retirement.
Roger W.
this is a compliment about an employee in our local social security office 80027 Louisville CO.
it is not about an interviewer, but for the guard who works there.
the office was recentliy moved from boulder to louisville. the website does not even acknowledge this. we needed to go there + when we did, we got valuable info and help from the guard on duty.
he should be commended.
thank you. a reply to see if this was received and any follow up would be appreciated.
R.F.
Thank you, Roger! Your thoughts are important to us and we’re pleased when feedback is positive. We will be sure to pass along your note as it helps us know we have made a difference to those we serve every day. Thanks again!
AKA
Thanks but the guards are usually private contractors and not employed by Social Security. The PA Specialist should be concerned about the website not being updated.
R.F.
Please be aware that our official agency responses will always include the Social Security Administration (SSA) seal, and that we have an official social media team dedicated to posting messages and responses to customer inquiries or comments that specifically address SSA issues. Thank you for your support and for using our blog.
R.F.
NOTE: Please be aware that our official agency responses will always include the Social Security Administration (SSA) seal, and that we have an official social media team dedicated to posting messages and responses to customer inquiries or comments that specifically address SSA issues. Thank you for your support and for using our blog.
Martha F.
Do you provide jobs or have a list of jobs ?
R.F.
Hi Martha, please visit https://www.usajobs.gov/ to keep up-to-date with new job openings at SSA. Thanks!
AKA
I suspect that Martha was asking about jobs in the general market. You should have referred her to the State Bureau of Employment Services in her county.
142. B.
Do I get more
Snarky
Everyone will but you and a few others.