I took early retirement @ 62 last July 2017 because of no work in the oil field. I have a chance to go back to work this November for just a few weeks or so. I make $650 per day doing Wellsite geology and will quickly be over the allotted limit. I would like to pause (suspend) my SS payment for November, then restart my SS payment in December. Is this possible to do and what should I say to the SS rep when I call. Thanks, Phil

Hi Phil,

Yes. Since 2017 is your initial year of entitlement, you can be paid benefits for at least any month in which you earn less that $1410 this year (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/rule.html). However, if you could also be paid for November using the calendar year earnings test, you couldn't voluntarily suspend your benefits for that month. You will simply need to call or visit Social Security and tell them how much you plan to earn this calendar year, and in which months you will earn no more than $1410.

Best, Jerry