

Working part-time in retirement can provide not only extra income but also a sense of purpose and routine.
However, for individuals who rely on Social Security it’s important to understand how earnings from part-time work may affect the monthly benefits you receive. The impact varies depending on your age, how much you earn, and which type of Social Security support you’re getting.
If you’ve already reached full retirement age (FRA)-which, for anyone born in 1960 or later, is age 67-your Social Security retirement benefits won’t be reduced no matter how much you earn.
You can take on a part-time job, work full-time, or even start a business without it cutting into your monthly Social Security checks.
However, if you begin collecting benefits before you reach your FRA, your earnings from work could temporarily lower the amount of money you receive each month. That reduction depends on how much you earn and whether you reach FRA in the same calendar year.
How income affects Social Security and SSI differently
If you’re under FRA and working in 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will deduct $1 from your benefits for every $2 you earn over $23,400. Once you reach the year of your FRA, the rules shift slightly.
“In the year you reach FRA, the limit increases to $62,160, and the deduction is $1 for every $3 earned above this threshold, but only for earnings before the month you reach FRA,” according to ssa.gov.
It’s important to understand that these reductions are not permanent. Once you hit full retirement age, the SSA recalculates your benefit amount to reflect the months when your benefits were reduced or withheld due to excess earnings.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the calculation is more stringent because SSI is a needs-based benefit designed for individuals with limited income and resources.
Because even part-time earnings can affect your SSI payments, recipients need to be cautious. Depending on where you live, state-specific supplements or exclusions might also apply.
There are several ways to navigate part-time work while maximizing the Social Security benefits available to you. One of the most effective strategies is to delay claiming Social Security until you’ve reached full retirement age-or even later.
Equally important is keeping track of your earnings if you’re under FRA. Another key step is keeping the SSA informed of any employment changes
To get the most from your benefits while continuing to work, consider speaking with a financial advisor or a Social Security counselor.
This news was originally published on this post .
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