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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Gary L.
I made too much money in 2018 and ss took back $191. I filed a form requesting a waiver because it wasn’t my fault. SS didn’t receive it and my local office said it wasn’t received in the mail. And said to do it online but my computer was in the shop. Now I am trying to find the form and don’t know what to call it. Please advise. Thanks. Gary
Ann C.
Hi, Gary. We are sorry to hear about your experience and 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.
Ronald F.
How do I register for part B health insurance? I have Part one! THANKS
Ann C.
Hi, Ronald. Thanks for your comments. Individuals that are still working and are covered under an employee group health plan based on that current work qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). Find more details on an SEP here. We hope this helps.
Nancy S.
I only make a little over 12,000 on social security. If I get a part time job what is the most i can make and not have to file
Bernard M.
Greetings! I just signed up for social security, but I’m still working and plan to try to stay working till I’m 70 years of age. I signed up for Part B – but I was told to cancel it – can you help me with that please?
Thanks!
Bernard M. Ruzzo
cell – 682-706-1330
email: ruzzob@rocketmail.com
Noelia M.
I applied for medicare because I will be 65 in January 2020
I am a full time worker and have healthcare insurance coverage.
what do I do? should I have applied for medicare if I have health insurance with my employer?
Ann C.
Hi, Noelia. Thanks for your question. If you are covered under a group health plan based on your current employment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that will let you sign up for Medicare Part B. You have an 8-month SEP to sign up for Part A and/or Part B that starts at one of these times (whichever happens first):
• The month after the employment ends
• The month after group health plan insurance based on current employment ends.
Usually, you don’t pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a SEP. You should always check with your health benefits advisor, or health plan representative to see what’s best for you. To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit http://www.medicare.gov. Please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 if you need further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Vernon M.
this needs updated from 2017
Melissa K.
If I sign up today to begin this month, how long will it be until I get my first check?
Ann C.
Hi, Melissa. Your payments are established almost immediately after we process your application. Remember that benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of February, you will receive your first benefit payment in March. For more information, visit our Benefits Planner: Retirement. We hope this helps.
Patrick
I’m 65 and 4months how much can I earn before penalty for the year? I will turn 66 this year.
Ann C.
Thanks for your question, Patrick. If you reach full retirement age during 2020, we must deduct $1 from your benefits for each $3 you earn above the earnings limit, $48,600, until the month you reach full retirement age. For more information and examples of how this works, visit our Benefits Planner: Getting Benefits While Working. We hope this helps.
Larry S.
Hi
I looking to see that my application for Part B is being processed? I still need to sign up for Medicare Advantage. I would like keep my future Doctors in January.
Thank you
Larry S Lake
Ann C.
Hi, Larry. 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. If you still need assistance, call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. 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.
Arlis C.
We sold a rental two years ago in 2018 and paid the taxes, about $50,000 to $60,000…put the money into a savings account for old age, retirement account, Now we are being told that they are taking out of our social security $450 apiece , almost $900 for the two of us, my husband and me…yet it says on this website that there is no earnings limit after a certain age so why, at age 76, are we being penalized on our social security for selling a rental income. That is like earned income. What is going on? This is very tough when we basically live on our two social security checks each month. Why is a selling a rental different than earned income. Help. Please answer me.
Ann C.
Hi, Arlis. 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. If you still need assistance, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. 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.