Dear Larry, I am a 78 year old divorced female. I went on SSDI in 1999, permanently disabled due to a mental health condition. At age 65 my SSDI turned into retirement. I am planning on continuing my education, and begin working in the future. My question is, What happens to the amount of social security retirement that I get monthly if I begin making money? Are there any limits as to how much money I am able to earn on a monthly basis? Do I need to contact SSA if I begin earning money? Are there any other considerations that I need to be aware of while considering substantial employment?
Thank you.

Hi. No. Since you're past full retirement age (FRA) you can earn any amount and still draw all of your benefits, and you don't need to notify Social Security if you start working. It's possible that your future earnings could increase your benefit rate if you earn more in a year than you did in one of your previous highest earnings years that are now being used to calculate your benefit rate, but if that happens Social Security should automatically increase your benefit rate with no action required on your part.

Best, Jerry