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Can I Work While Collecting Social Security?

By the Gray Hair Jobs Editorial Team · Published · Facts checked against sources on · 2 min read

The short answer

Yes, you can work while collecting Social Security retirement benefits. If you are younger than full retirement age and earn more than a yearly limit, Social Security temporarily withholds some benefits. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no earnings limit. The Social Security Administration publishes the current limits each year.

This page is general information about government benefits, not individual advice. Rules and amounts change; confirm your own situation with the agency named here.

Key points

  • Working is allowed at any age while receiving retirement benefits.
  • The earnings test applies only before full retirement age.
  • Full retirement age is 67 for people born in 1960 or later.
  • Withheld benefits are not simply lost; Social Security recalculates your benefit at full retirement age.
  • The earnings limits change each year and are published on ssa.gov.

What is the earnings test?

The "retirement earnings test" is a Social Security rule for people who claim retirement benefits before their full retirement age and keep working.

Here is how it works in general:

  • Each year, Social Security sets an earnings limit.
  • If you are younger than full retirement age for the whole year and earn more than the limit, Social Security withholds part of your benefits.
  • In the year you reach full retirement age, a higher limit applies, and only earnings before the month you reach that age count.
  • Starting the month you reach full retirement age, there is no limit on earnings.

Social Security publishes the current limits and the exact withholding amounts on its Receiving Benefits While Working (opens in a new tab) page. Because the figures change yearly, check that page rather than relying on numbers you heard in the past.

What is full retirement age?

Full retirement age is the age at which you can receive your full retirement benefit. It is 67 for people born in 1960 or later. It is slightly lower for people born earlier. You can look up yours on the Social Security Administration's benefit reduction page (opens in a new tab).

Are withheld benefits lost?

Not exactly. When you reach full retirement age, Social Security recalculates your monthly benefit to account for the months benefits were withheld. Over time, you may get some or all of that money back through higher payments. How this works for you depends on your situation.

What counts as earnings?

For the earnings test, Social Security generally counts wages from a job and net earnings from self-employment. It generally does not count pensions, investment income, or interest. The SSA explains the details on its website.

What should you do before taking a job?

  1. Find your full retirement age on ssa.gov.
  2. Check this year's earnings limit on the SSA's working page.
  3. Estimate your earnings for the year, including part-time and self-employment income.
  4. Report your expected earnings to Social Security if you expect to go over the limit.
  5. Ask for help. You can contact the Social Security Administration directly with questions about your record.

Working may also affect taxes on your benefits. The IRS explains how Social Security benefits are taxed.

Where to go next

Frequently asked questions

Is there an earnings limit after full retirement age?

No. Starting the month you reach full retirement age, Social Security does not withhold benefits because of your earnings, no matter how much you earn. Full retirement age is 67 for people born in 1960 or later. It is slightly lower for people born earlier.

Does my pension count toward the earnings limit?

Generally no. For the retirement earnings test, Social Security counts wages and net self-employment earnings. Pensions, annuities, investment income, and interest generally do not count. Check ssa.gov or contact the Social Security Administration for details about your situation, since some types of income have special rules.

Where can I find this year's earnings limit?

The Social Security Administration publishes the current limits on its Receiving Benefits While Working page at ssa.gov. The limits usually change each year, so always check the official page rather than relying on older figures. You can also contact the Social Security Administration directly.

Will working increase my Social Security benefit?

It can. Social Security benefits are based on your highest-earning years. If a new year of work earns more than one of your earlier years used in the calculation, your benefit may be recalculated upward. The SSA reviews records each year.

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