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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Pamela J.
Hi, if you are 66 and go back to work, is there a limit on how much you are able to earn?
L.A.
Hi Pamela. In 2019, if you are under your full retirement age, and your earnings are more than $17,640 a year, or $1,470 a month, we have to withhold $1 of benefits for every $2. In 2020, the earnings limits are $18,240 a year, or $1,520 a month. Again, if your earnings are above these limits, we withhold $1 of benefits for every $2. You can find more information about the earnings limits here. You can also read out publication titled “How Work Affects Your Benefits”. We hope this helps.
Della R.
I have a Question … My birthday is coming up on January 17 born in 1954 I will be 66 years old … I am on disabled Deaf SSA and still working part-time I learned that unlimited earn wage no limited which means I can make much money no limited in 2020?
Thanks, Della
L.A.
Hi Della. Congratulations on your upcoming birthday! If you are at your full retirement age in January of 2020, you are correct: the earnings limits no longer applies to you. You can find more information about the earnings limits here. We hope this helps.
Niles F.
If working after age 66 and 4 months and my annual employment income is greater that $16,920, will I still get my full Social Security monthly payments? Also if keeping my employer based medical, dental and vision benefits which includes a savings account card for paying deductibles and other medical expenses?
A.C.
Hi, Niles. When you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. For more information about how earnings may affect your benefits, visit here. We hope this helps.
Polly B.
Will I need to have social security/medicare deducted from my check if I am over 66.
A.C.
Hi, Polly. Unfortunately, your question is a bit more complex than we can answer in this forum.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.
vanel f.
if I retire at 62 what is the max I can work
John M.
I reach full retirement age on Jan 23, 2020. If I elect to start collecting my S.S. Benefits starting in Feb 2020, and I still wish to work full time, it is my understanding that I can make as much as I want without incurring a penalty. Is that correct?
Also, if I start collecting my benefits, what form do I need to download to have taxes taken out?
Thank you.
L.A.
Hi John. When you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. For more information, visit our Retirement Planner: Getting Benefits While Working and read our publication titled “How Work Affects Your Benefits.” If you want to start, change, or stop the withholding of taxes from your Social Security benefits, you need to complete and present to us (Social Security) the IRS form W-4V. You can find the link to the W-4V and additional information about this form on our internet page titled “Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits.” If you have additional questions, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Delilah C.
I am 68 years old and retired receiving social security benefits. I would like to work perhaps part time. How much can I earn without affecting my benefits,
Hank T.
I turned 70 years old and I am still working .
Started drawing at 62.5 still paying into S.S.
When do I stop paying in or do I get increased benefits?
Thank You
Kevin C.
If I work while receiving SS, and make $1000 more than the $17,640 limit what would my SS deduction be and would it be deducted from each payment or will I have to pay it back at the end of the year?
L.A.
Hi, Kevin. If you are younger than full retirement age and receiving retirement benefits in 2019, we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn above $17,640. If you reach full retirement age during 2019, we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $3 you earn above the earnings limit until the month you reach full retirement age. If you work and are full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn. If an overpayment occurs due to your work, you can contact us to make payment arrangements. For more information and examples of how this works, please see our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits. We hope this helps.
Joe P.
I am 62 years plus of age. I would like to know if I can start drawing my full social security benefits listed at this time and if there is a limited amount of hours I can work once I start drawing social security benefits.
L.A.
Hi Joe. Thanks for your questions. If you choose to get benefits before your full retirement age, they will be reduced. Also, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, this can reduce the number of payments you receive through the year. For 2019 that limit is $17,640. If you applied and received benefits prior to attainment of full retirement age, and work part-time thereafter you will be considered “retired” only if your monthly earnings are $1,470 or less. Also, if your earnings will be over the limit for the year but you will be retired for part of the year, we have a special rule that applies to earnings for one year. However, if you work and are full retirement age or older, you may keep all of your benefits, no matter how much you earn, starting with the month you reach your full retirement age. Please visit our Retirement Planner: Getting Benefits While Working for more information. If you have specific questions about your situation, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak with one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. We hope this helps.