Earnings Test

Hi Larry,

I am 60 years old and have taken the widower's benefit. My annual this year will be around $16,000. I have 4 months under $1410, two months with no income, and the remaining 6 over the $1410. Is it okay to make over the $1410 on those 6 months as long as I don't exceed the $16920? I really would want to avoid having any amounts held back next year. Next year my income will be more predictable with a monthly $1410 and I would not be able to make it if I were to lose a social security check along the way. Thank you.

Hi,

If you are married and receive social security benefits aren't you suppose to report your spouse income

Hi,

I'm sorry, but you haven't furnished enough information to allow me to properly answer your question. If you are referring to the earnings countable for Social Security earnings test purposes and you receive benefits on your own record, then only your own earned income is considered(https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html).

hi my question is if i told my estimate for this year would be 24400 and i get 1748 a month so that would be 7480 over the limit half would be3740 but they already withheld 3 whole months which is 5244 . my question is what if i earn more than that but what i would owed them is total of 4528 .it's still in the same of that what they withheld in the end i do not really know exactly how much but i estimated to them all and all it's not going to be more than they withheld would they withhold another check or take it from that 5244 thank you.

Hi,

Hi Larry,

thank you so much for answering my question . but i forgot to ask you if social security withhold more than what i owed what do they do with the rest of that money . i collect widow benefits and i will always get them because they were bigger than mine . thank you also also what if what i told them was more or less thanks

Hi,

my question is .about the limit this year . i have gone back to work and called s s told them that i will be making 24400 they with held 3 months out of my payment . will my payment resume back automatic or do i have to keep on calling them thank you

Hi,

Once Social Security has withheld enough checks to cover the $1 for each $2 that you'll earn in excess of the $16,920 exempt amount, they should resume payment of your benefits automatically.

Best, Jerry

Do you know what the earnings limit will be for 2018? Thank you.

Hi,

No. Those limits will be determined and announced in the mid to latter part of October 2017, around the same time as the Social Security cost of living increase (if any) is announced.

Best, Jerry

I started taking my SSA benefits at 64. I had filed a wrongful termination case against an employer for firing me for a disability. I just went to mediation and they agreed to pay a larger sum of money. Though since I already take social security will I lose my feneits or can I prove to SSA that it was a special payment (form 131) and not lose my ss benefits?

Hi,

My nephews dad passed away and collects ssc. Hes 16. Is he able wo work small cash job to help finance school materials during summer vacation without having to report it too the state of wisconsin. Working for an asfault company that pays cash too workers.

Hi,

Your nephew can earn up to $16,920 this year without losing any of his Social Security benefits to the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html).

Best, Jerry

Larry, I had to take early Social Security benefir so I could combine with my income to survive. Due to health issues this year high medical expenses, I've had to work over time to pay these expenses. My income will exceed the income limit of $19,500 . My income will be approximately $30,000. I fear punishment from Social Security because of the additional income. I receive a monthly Social Security benefit of $1,278 which I've had to combine with my income to survive. I fear Social Security.