I was getting ready to file an application for early Social Security benefits. I am 61 and 9 months. My husband is 53 and collects disability due to blindness, if we really needed the money badly. Because of family health issues and taking care of family I have not worked for the last six years. I just got an offer for a job part-time at a local store, and since my father died in January I have decided to take the part time job. Is it okay that I go ahead forward with my application for Social Security and go ahead and work at the same time? Or is it best to go ahead and work part-time and not file for my early Social Security at this time? We really need more money to live on, what is best for us at this point? I'm so confused.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss. The answer to whether or not you are able to receive reduced benefits and still work part-time depends on how much you earn. If you earn less than $15720 per year, it's not a problem. If you earn more than that, you may still be able to receive some benefits. Social Security will withhold $1 of your reduced benefits for each $2 that you earn in excess of $15720 (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html).

Whether it's best for you to apply for reduced benefits is a personal decision that depends largely on your life expectancy and financial situation. In return for taking early benefits, you will be opting for a lower monthly benefit rate, which will continue for at least as long as both you and your husband are living. You may wish to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to get a better understanding of your filing options, and their long term effects.

Best, Jerry