Retirement Benefits While Working

If your earnings for the prior year are higher than one of the years used to compute your retirement benefit, then your benefit amount will be automatically recalculated.

If some of your retirement benefits are withheld, because of your earnings, your monthly benefit will increase starting at your full retirement age.

For 2018, the limit on earned income is $17,040 annually or $1,420 per month.¹² The limit on earned income varies each year based on the cost of living.

EXAMPLE:
Henry is considering claiming early retirement benefits this year, at age 64. Social Security calculates that if he does so, he’ll receive $866 a month (which is about 13% less than if he waited until his full retirement age of 66).

But Henry also intends to continue working part-time, with an income that will be about $5,000 over the yearly limit on earned income. If he does claim the early benefits and makes that part-time income each month, Henry would lose one dollar out of two from the $5,000 he earns over the limit, which means $2,500 for the year.

So, by claiming early retirement and continuing to earn over the limit, Henry incurs a double penalty: His retirement benefits are permanently reduced by 13%, and he loses an additional amount every month (until he reaches full retirement age) to the extent he earns over the income limit.¹³ After reaching full retirement age, there is no Social Security limit on your earnings.

You should consult your financial advisor to determine the best time for you to start collecting.