Hi Larry, I am planning on working part time, and collecting my deceased husband’s social security. By the way I am 60 years old. How much can I make a year without been penalized.?

Hi. The current Social Security earnings test exempt amount is $18,960 (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html). If you earn less than that in 2021 then you would not lose any benefits because of your earnings. But, Social Security would need to withhold $1 of your benefits for each $2 that you earn in excess of the exempt amount. The exempt amount is adjusted each year, but the exempt amount of earnings for years after 2021 haven't yet been announced. There is no limit on earnings once you reach full retirement age (FRA).

Prior to applying for benefits, you should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze your options so that you can determine the best possible filing strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry