Ask Larry

How Will My Return To Work Affect My Survivor Benefits?

My husband passed away in November of 2017 at 67. He was receiving SS benefits at the time. I claimed the survivor benefits at 60 and I am 61 now. We were planning on moving to Las Vegas, which I went ahead and did. I haven't worked since September of 2017. I started working at the end of June 2018. How will this effect my survivor benefits?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

If you earn more than $17040 this year, you'll lose $1 of your 2018 benefits for each $2 that you earn in excess of that amount (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html). Social Security sets a new earnings test exempt amount each year, and the same withholding principle would apply to your benefits in future years until you reach your full retirement age. If you earn less than the annual exempt amount, however, your earnings won't have any effect on your survivor benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jul 1 2018 - 9:26am
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