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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Vernice B.
Good morning, I will like to make an appointment at 1250 D Buffalo Dr. About what I owe Social Security. I was paid $6,846.00 too much. I will like to know how to paid this back. My name is Vernice H. Baker, Social Security#*** – ** – **** 6365 Mount Eden Dr. 89139
702-802-8064 :cell * 702-272-0486. Thanks
David J.
I have filed for early retirement under age 66,2 mo.
My benefits may start in march of 2018
How will any unemployment benefits, should I receive them effect my social security benefits if I am receiving them when my social security benefits start in March ? I am unsure as of this time whether I will receive the unemployment benefits or not.
David J.
I work just part of the year and earn less than the $16,920 max for early retirement, although my monthly pay would exceed the $1410 limit my total for the year would be under $16,920 say if I only worked 3-6 months to earn the $16,900.00
Would that effect the monthly benefit.
this would be the case if I only worked winter or summer months or seasonal work but stayed under the yearly max.
Ray F.
Hi David. Generally, we apply a monthly earnings limit when you retire in mid-year and have already earned more than the yearly earnings limit. This is usually the case the first year of retirement. This special rule lets us pay a full Social Security check for any whole month we consider you retired, regardless of your yearly earnings. If you continue to work, we apply the earnings test to all of your wages earned throughout the year.
a c.
It’s totally unfair & wrong for SS to even think they can limit people’s income once they’ve retired. No reason for it other than more gov control keeping the people down.
Priscilla
Can a person drawing ss at 62 years of age draw at a higher rate if their house sband is still working?
Ray F.
Hi, Priscilla. If a person begins to receive benefits at age 62 or prior to their full retirement age, their benefits are reduced. The reduction factors are permanently applied to all of the benefits the person may qualify for. You may still be eligible to collect a higher benefit amount on your husband’s record. For specific in your case, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and speak with one of our representatives. Remember, if someone is eligible for both, his or her own benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay their own first. If their spousal benefits are higher than their own retirement benefits, he or she will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Please visit our Retirement Planner: Benefits For You As A Spouse for more information. Thanks!
Priscilla T.
Sorry – need to add she continues to work full time.
Priscilla T.
My sister reached full retirement in March 2017. She has been drawing benefits for a couple of years, so has had her benefits reduced. Now at age 66 1/2 she is being told that the payment reduction continues because of past monies owed. I thought that the benefit owing is discontinued when reaching full retirement and that the past withholds are repaid as part of an increased benefit. True?
HenryLammers
I need to let Andrea that I am Devorice and I want direct express payment.
debra s.
I will be 65 in December after Christmas. I plan to retire end of this year. I understand I can work part time job and still get social security benefits but at age 66 will it increase? I was informed at the end of the year my SS benefits would be 93.9 at age 65. Suppose I just get SS at age 65 then at age 66 will it increase? If I don’t work nor get SS benefits but Medicare yes, then when I turn 66 how will that affect getting SS at age 66?
Ray F.
Hi Debra. You can work while you receive Social Security retirement benefits. When you do, it could mean a higher benefit for you in the future. Visit our Retirement Planner for more important information. Thanks!
joseph c.
how much longer do i need to go before i am through paying my penilty off for making more then i was allowed 2 years ago
Ray F.
Hi Joseph, for security reasons, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. In your situation, we encourage you to contact your local office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!