Retirement

Working While Retired

September 21, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: October 5, 2021

two women smiling and looking at flowersRetirement 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.

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

Related Articles

How Special Payments After You Retire Affect Your Social Security Benefit

You and Your Family May Be Eligible for Increased Benefits

Can I Keep This Benefit Payment?

Understanding the Need for a Representative Payee

Comments

  1. David L.

    If I retire and sign up to receive Social Security am I permitted to wok part time to have something to do? If so how much am I permitted to earn so it doesn’t effect my benefits.

    • Ray F.

      hello David! Yes, you can work while you receive Social Security retirement benefits. Visit our Retirement Planner: Getting Benefits While Working for information on how your earnings may or may not affect your Social Security benefits. Thanks.

  2. David H.

    If I reach Full Retirement in October 2018 when should I notify SSA about starting my SS check.

    • Ray F.

      Thank you for your question, David. Our system is set up to take applications three months in advance. When ready, you can apply for your benefits online. Please visit our Social Security Retirement Planner for more information.

  3. Kenneth E.

    I plan retire at 62, born June 15, 1958, how much can I make annual working while taking early retirement penalties ? I was told in 2017 by SSI agent $17,000.00 , has that figure gone up as by our new president ? I’ll retire June to July of 2020, top 1st check to get about August 4th if retire in June .please,reply, Ken

    • Ray F.

      Hello Kenneth. For 2018 that limit is $17,040. Please keep in mind, this amount changes every year.
      Also, you have to be 62 throughout the entire month to be eligible for a payment, which means that if you decide to retire at age 62, you will be eligible for your retirement benefits in July, and you will receive your first payment in August. See Payment Dates for more information on this topic.
      You can still work and receive your Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. However, 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.
      We have a special rule that applies to people who retire in the middle of the year. Please visit our Retirement Planner: Getting Benefits While Working and read our publication How Works Affect Your Benefits for more information.

  4. Bruce C.

    I will be 69 years of age on 5/13/2018.
    I have worked past my full retirement age of 66, and have not taken benefits yet.
    I am thinking of applying for Social Security when I turn 69.
    If I apply on 1 May instead of 13 May (my birthday) will I be credited fully to age 69?
    Also, is Social Security always paid on the 1st of the month, or is it “staggered” to mid-month?
    Thank you for your time.

    • Ray F.

      Hello Mr. Hartman, you may find our Early or Late Retirement Calculator helpful. 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 May, you will receive your first benefit payment in June. When you are ready, you can complete your application for retirement benefits online. Happy planning!

  5. Yugank K.

    Get Heavy Discounts on Your Online Shopping

  6. patrick c.

    patrick connolly SS #2463
    I am blocked from ss site.
    Signed in with wrong p/w.
    Need help re-establishing use of site.
    Thanks
    Patrick Connolly

    • Ray F.

      Hi Patrick, if you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!

  7. Norman G.

    If you make to much you have to pay taxs. ss allredy been taxed

  8. Virginia

    If I receive benefits at the full retirement age and continue to work, but there is no limit as to how much I can earn,then why is my SS benefits taxable? That seems unfair, hasn’t the benefits been taxed before?

    • Ray F.

      Thank you for your comment, Virginia. Current federal law, requires everyone working in covered employment or self-employment regardless of age or eligibility for benefits to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes.
      For further income tax questions, you will need to contact the IRS. Their toll-free number is 1-800-829-1040.

  9. Larry P.

    How can I use the retirement estimator. It seems to be blocked. Did I block access to my information?

    • Ray F.

      Hi Larry! If you cannot use the Retirement Estimator, please use one of our other benefit Calculators. Which calculator you choose depends on what you want do.
      If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks.

  10. Vernice B.

    Please call my cell

    • Ray F.

      Hi Vernice. Unfortunately and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot provide assistance in your case. You will need to speak with one of our representatives to resolve the overpayment issue. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.
      Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

Comments are closed.