Working After 65: What to Know About Jobs, Medicare, and Social Security

Working after 65 is a choice many people make. For some it is about money. For others it is about staying active, keeping a routine, or using skills they worked hard to build.

Whatever your reason, a few practical questions are worth answering before you take a job. This guide covers benefits basics, choosing the right kind of work, and finding openings.

What to do first

Start with your goals and limits.

• Why do you want to work? Income, health coverage, purpose, social contact, or a mix?
• How much do you want to work? A few hours a week, part-time, seasonal, or full-time?
• What pace and physical demands suit you?
• Where do you want to work? At home, close to home, or anywhere?

Then look at how work fits with your benefits. This is where a little research early can prevent surprises later.

How does working affect Medicare?

Medicare eligibility generally begins at 65. If you are still working, your choices may depend on whether you have health coverage through your job or a spouse's job, and on the size of the employer.

The rules about when to sign up, and when you might owe a late enrollment penalty, can be detailed. Read the official guidance on when Medicare coverage starts (opens in a new tab) and use Medicare.gov (opens in a new tab) to check your situation. Our guide on Medicare and working explains the basics in plain language.

Premiums and costs change each year, so rely on Medicare.gov for current figures.

How does working affect Social Security?

If you are younger than full retirement age and collecting benefits, earning above a yearly limit can temporarily reduce your benefits. Full retirement age is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. Once you reach it, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits.

The Social Security Administration publishes the current limits on its page about receiving benefits while working (opens in a new tab). If you have not started benefits yet, its page on how age affects your benefit (opens in a new tab) explains how timing matters. See also our guide to Social Security and working.

Because every situation is different, consider contacting Social Security directly or speaking with a qualified advisor before you make decisions.

What kinds of jobs work well after 65?

The right job depends on your skills, health, and goals. Some common directions:

• Part-time work in your former field. Your experience is valuable, and some employers welcome reduced hours.
• Consulting or contract work. You set the scope and schedule. See what contract work is.
• Roles with low physical demand, such as administrative support, customer service by phone, tutoring, or bookkeeping. Browse jobs with low physical demand.
• Remote work, if you are comfortable with a computer and video calls. Read finding legitimate remote work.
• Seasonal work, such as tax season, holiday retail, or summer programs. See seasonal jobs.

For example, a retired teacher might tutor students a few afternoons a week. A former accountant might help small businesses during tax season.

How to present yourself to employers

Some employers may have unspoken questions about older applicants. You can address them calmly.

• Show you are current. Mention software, tools, and recent training.
• Be clear about availability. Say what hours you want and that you are reliable within them.
• Keep your resume focused. Include recent and relevant work. For older roles, consider whether each detail is necessary for the role.
• Talk about the future. Explain what you want to contribute, not just what you have done.

Our interview guide for experienced job seekers covers common questions and how to answer them.

Your rights at work

The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects people 40 and older, with no upper age limit, at employers with 20 or more employees. State laws may cover smaller employers. If you believe you were treated unfairly because of age, read our age discrimination guide and the EEOC's overview (opens in a new tab). This is general information, not legal advice.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Taking a job before checking how it affects Medicare enrollment or Social Security.
• Assuming you must work full-time. Many employers offer part-time or flexible roles.
• Overlooking scams. Real employers do not ask you to pay for training or equipment upfront. Read how to spot fake job listings.

Where to find help

• Social Security Administration at ssa.gov (opens in a new tab) for benefit rules.
• Medicare at Medicare.gov (opens in a new tab) for enrollment and coverage.
• American Job Centers, found through CareerOneStop (opens in a new tab), for free career help.
• Senior Community Service Employment Program at the Department of Labor (opens in a new tab) for eligible people 55 and older with limited income.

Your next steps

1. Write down your goals for working: income, hours, and type of work.
2. Check Medicare.gov and ssa.gov for how working affects your benefits.
3. Browse jobs for workers over 65 and part-time jobs.
4. Update your resume to focus on recent, relevant experience.
5. Set up job alerts for the roles you want.