Ask Larry

Should I Contact Social Security To Let Them Know That I'm Not Working?

Larry: I am 65 and worked for a few years after I started collecting SS benefits at 62.Of course my benefits were adjusted because I made more over the allowed limit. Not much but a $1700.-$2000 over. I now have quit working for good at 65 and feel that my benefit should be adjusted up. I told my husband that I should contact the SS Department but he said not necessary that the SS Admin., has the information thru the payroll taxes not being with-held for me. What is the recommendation? Contact SS Admin., let them know that I am not working? Thank you.

Hi,

Social Security won't know that you've quit working unless you tell them. They will eventually get copy of your W-2 form for this year, but not until the first part of next year.

The fact that you've stopped work won't increase your monthly benefit rate, though. But, if Social Security is withholding some of your benefits because you told them that you'd be earing more than the earnings test exempt amount this year, then stopping work might mean that they won't need to withhold as much, if any, of your benefits. You may want to call Social Security and update your earnings estimate so that they won't withhold any of your benefits unnecessarily..

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Sep 6 2020 - 4:36pm
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