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.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Paul C.

    I am 85 years old and collecting full retirement benefits. Can I work without getting penalized?

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your question, Paul. If you work and are full retirement age or older, the amount you make at work will not affect your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn.
      Please read our publication “How Work Affects Your Benefits” for more information.

  2. Clyde C.

    I have worked several years after i started to collect social security.Money was taken out for social security and the programs.Did that money go into my account?

  3. Donna L.

    I have worked several years after i started to collect social security.Money was taken out for social security and the programs.Did that money go into my account?

  4. Thomas J.

    People happen to be curious about staying”forever young” and now’s modern society is not any distinct. You wish to resist the aging procedure. The rate in which we’re aging might be quantified – its predicted biological period, or just how older the human own body actually is. Listed here would be age calculator by that it is easy to compute your era : https://calculator-online.net/age-calculator/

    • Mark

      THIS IS SPAM. Please delete!

  5. G W.

    Clarification please, for my specific circumstances: I will reach “full retirement age” (that is 66, or is should I use 66 years and 4 months?) in October 2018. To date, I have earned wages of $25,300 and expect to have a minimum of (5) more bi-weekly paychecks of approximately $1500 each (gross) between now and my 66th birthday.

    Since this is my first year drawing benefits, I understand there is a special rule which in my case, essentially exempts my earnings to date. I would like to have this rule explained with regard to my situation.

    The bottom line question is this: what can I earn between now and my “full retirement age” without having my monthly benefit reduced? Assuming some of it is not exempt, would you give me an estimate of the reduction amount? Also, do I understand correctly that any amount that is withheld will be returned to me in 2019?

    • A.C.

      Hi. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, then your full retirement age for retirement insurance benefits is 66. 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. 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. For 2018 that limit is $17, 040. 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 $1,420 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. 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 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly.

  6. Jeffie M.

    I simply desired to thank you so much all over again. I do not know the things that I could possibly have created without these hints contributed by you regarding such subject matter. This has been the traumatic setting in my view, but seeing this expert tactic you solved that forced me to weep for fulfillment. Extremely grateful for the guidance and then pray you comprehend what an amazing job that you are providing educating the mediocre ones with the aid of your web page. Probably you’ve never encountered all of us.

  7. Jan E.

    I am 69 and am still working full time, but did start collecting when I was 62. Will my income increase my social security amount in the future?

  8. John R.

    I am 69 years old, in good health and wanting to go back to work part time, What is the maximum amount of income I can make without effecting my social security income. I am married ( who is 65 this year) and we file jointly both are
    Thank you

  9. Trey B.

    Thanks for another informative site. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.

    • R.F.

      We appreciate your thoughts. Thanks for your comment!

  10. paul k.

    hi , SSI rear,s i have a problem creating acc, for myself. so i watch the video on instructions how to make an account online, but my name as it,s on my ss# DOB well i,m on ssa been getting benefits for 7 years now please help save getting my new information updating my #phone new address after the lettter i received , i mailed my info; updated PG_E bill and letter my roommate wrote stating we share rent 650.00 unties also this been really upsetting cause it,s like social security does not recognizing me at all ?????? MR> paul k. costello #2094034504/ 1272 airport way stun, ca. 95205 sincerely mine PKcostello 06/10/2018

    • paul k.

      Thank u , social security repr. assisting is appreciated o.k.

    • R.F.

      Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
      Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. Thanks!

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