Working While Retired
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: October 5, 2021
Retirement life is different for everyone. Social Security is here to secure today and tomorrow, whether you sail into the sunset or decide to continue working. Some of our rules allow you to receive Social Security retirement or survivor benefits and work at the same time, as long as you don’t make more than Social Security’s annual earnings limit. For 2021, that limit is $18,960.
If you’re younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we’ll reduce your Social Security benefits. But starting with the month you reach full retirement age, we will not reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. Our Retirement Portal explains the requirement and deductions, and what happens after you reach full retirement age.
Two of our online tools can help you find the information you need to make the right decision for you. You can find your full retirement age based on your date of birth by using our Retirement Age Calculator. Our Retirement Earnings Test Calculator can help you find out how much your benefits may be reduced if you are working and haven’t reached your full retirement age.
There are several things to consider if you plan to continue working after you retire. Our website gives you detailed information for the type of employment that you have. It also explains what types of pensions, annuities, and income do not count toward your earnings limits.
Additional earnings after you start collecting benefits might increase your monthly benefit. If there’s an increase, we’ll send you a letter telling you of your new benefit amount. If you think your earnings will be different than what you originally told us, let us know right away. For more information, read our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits, or visit our website. No matter what you decide to do with your retirement life, you can count on Social Security.
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Tags: retirement, retirement benefits
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Glen K.
I starting taking retirement benefits after I reached my full retirement age. I am now working full time. Will social security and medicare deuctions be taken from my pay check?
A.C.
Hi, Glen. Thanks for your question. Yes, the Federal Insurance and Self-Employment Contribution Acts (FICA and SECA) require the withholding of taxes from wages of all employed people, as contributions to the Social Security and Medicare programs. To learn more about FICA and SECA, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Judy
I am 74, still working and have Medicare Part A. Can I get Medicare Part B together with Plans D & F now, cancel my group health insurance and continue to work?
L.A.
Hi Judy and thank you for your question. If you are still working and you are covered under a group health plan based on that employment, you may not need Medicare Part B until you stop working or your employer drops your health care coverage. However, you should speak to her personnel office, health benefits adviser, or health plan to see what’s best for you. Go here to read more about whether you need Medicare Part B. We Hope this helps.
Judy S.
If I have Medicare Parts A&B and Medicare Plans D&F, can I cancel my work group health insurance and continue to work?
L.A.
Hi Judy. Thank you for your question. If you are still working and you are covered under a group health plan based on that employment, you may not need Medicare Part B or Part D until you stop working or your employer drops your health care coverage. However, you should speak to her personnel office, health benefits adviser, or health plan to see what’s best for you. Go here to read more about whether you need Medicare Part B. We Hope this helps.
Maria A.
Read Equifax can sometimes help and be used as proof of identity. Lost documents abroad. Was abroad for the last three years. Have an expired passport, expired Jan 2019. Victim of ID theft goes back before that date, based on data provided by Experian Credit Report. American Citizen. Cannot login to the online services provided by ssa.gov for my account. Local ssa office does not take expired passports. Low on income so cannot get the documentation replaced right now. Will appreciate any advice or guidelines. Glory to God the Father!
Ann M.
I’m 71 and retired, widowed with a mortgage, etc. I have an opportunity to go back to work. How many hours can I work a week?…..what is the limit I could earn in a year? With taxes, elec., etc going up, I could stand to work some.
Louis
If one has been collecting SS since age 62 and goes back to work at age 66 Should SS tax be taken out of their salary?
L.A.
Hi Louis. Thank you for your question. Everyone working in employment or self-employment regardless covered by Social Security, regardless of age or eligibility for benefits, must pay Social Security taxes. Also, you may have to pay Federal taxes on your Social Security benefits. For further income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS or call its toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040. We hope this helps.
Cary J.
I have a tax client that is 78 years old and gets a 1099 from a nursing center for the work she does helping people in nursing homes. I was told that those monies need not be reported because she is almost old as dirt. and are not counted as income. Please advise.
Kenneth F.
I am turning 70 and have to go back to work. Is there a adjustment to my Social Security.
Susan G.
How do I report I’m working part time?
Bessie L.
i am making sure I didn’t go over 2019