General, SSI

Three Things You Need to Know about Seasonal Work and Social Security

December 4, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

woman shopping 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags: , , , , ,

See Comments

About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. Jill C.

    Can I work and do I report income monthly to the SS office I am SSD.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Jill. Special rules allow you to work temporarily without losing your monthly Social Security disability benefits. After your nine-month trial work period, we still provide a safety net that allows you to work another three years risk free. During those three years, you can work and still receive benefits for any month in which your earnings do not exceed a certain limit. For 2019, those limits are: $2,040 for blind individuals; or $1,220 a month if you are not blind. For more information on working while receiving Social Security disability benefits, click here. You can report your earnings using your personal my Social Security account. Whether you are receiving Social Security or SSI, you may be able to work. Learn more information by reading our publication, “Working while Disabled- How We Can Help.” Thanks!

  2. Lisa S.

    have question been getting SSI since 2016 not the full you can get I was told about a credit stimulus check you can get if have not filed taxes for some time I received a Medicaid tax form can you get refund for health care cost and another thing Medical bills and Medicaid billed for the treatment who can I talk to.

  3. Mary N.

    How much do I need to make in a quarter to count as a credit to meet the insured status for disability. If a person has worked off and on and I need to see if they have enough quarters.

    • Lisa S.

      I know 50 points is all I know don’t know how they get points like I only have 45

  4. Scott

    I worked in US for nearly 2 years and when I reported stress and depression symptoms I was fired after released from hospital. I tried claiming disability but I am not a US citizen and I can’t claim in Australia as I was in USA at time of injury. I paid taxes for 2 years but I can’t claim in either country. I have been determined as TPD now in Australia but cannot claim on the services here as I was employed by the USA team..what can I do it’s been 2 years already I can’t get any explanation

    • Lisa S.

      That doesn’t sound right at all I believe I would get legal advice on that just don’t make any sense at all.

  5. charles c.

    When did people pay the lowest FICA % rate in this century?

  6. Steve S.

    When does one get back amount paid in if you are working part time and drawing benefits?

  7. Diana G.

    How much can a disability person make a month without it messing up my disability check.? Every time I call in or go in to the office its a different answer.

  8. Virginia N.

    2018 Monthly calendar of pay dates?

  9. Judith A.

    I am trying to find out how much a person 77 years of age can earn while receiving social security benefits. Nothing I have come across gives me the information I need. I have had different people tell me different things, but most of them tell me you can earn any amount. Others tell me I can only earn $17,000.00 a year. I would appreciate information on this.

    • Ray F.

      Hello Judith, at 77 years young, you have reached your full retirement age. 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. Please read our publication “How Work Affects Your Benefits” for more information. Thanks!

  10. Rachel G.

    how do report a person thats working a full time job but report any of income but getting disability.

    • Ray F.

      Hello Rachel. If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of Social Security benefits, we encourage you to report it. Thanks!

Comments are closed.