By Kirk Larson
Social Security Washington
Public Affairs Specialist
Q. What happens if I work and get Social Security retirement benefits?
A. You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, Social Secuirty will reduce your benefit. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, your benefits will not be reduced, no matter how much you earn.
Here are the earnings limits that reduce your benefits:
If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, Social Security deducts $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2017, that limit is $16,920.
In the year you reach full retirement age, they will deduct $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit, but only money earned before the month you reach your full retirement age are counted. For 2017, that limit is $44,880.
Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, you can get your benefits with no limit on your earnings.
When the government figures out how much to deduct from your benefits, it counts only the wages you make from your job or your net earnings if you’re self-employed. This includes bonuses, commissions and vacation pay. It does not include pensions, annuities, investment income, interest, veterans or other government retirement benefits.
If you receive benefits and are under full retirement age and you think your earnings will be different from what you told Social Secuirty originally, notify the agency right away. You cannot report a change of earnings online. Call 800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Q. Can I withdraw my Social Security retirement claim and reapply later to increase my benefit amount?
A. Unexpected changes may occur after you apply to start your Social Security retirement benefits. If you change your mind, you may be able to withdraw your Social Security claim and reapply at a future date. However, you must do this within 12 months of your original retirement. When you’re ready to apply for retirement benefits, use our online retirement application, the quickest, and most convenient way to apply.
Q. What are the eligibility requirements to get Social Security disability benefits?
A. To qualify for disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually 10 years). Then, you must have a condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability.
In general, monthly benefits are paid to people who are unable to work for a year or more, or who have a condition expected to end in death. The disability must be so severe the worker cannot work, considering age, education and experience. Even if you are still working you can file for benefits as long as your monthly earnings are less than $1,170.
To apply for disability benefits, you can use an online application. Online filing allows you to start immediately, file from home and save time and a trip to to a Social Security office.
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