I am 64 and 2 months. I am working fulltime but likely to retire in April. Can I collect my social security now as well as work full time? I realize it is a lower amount than if I waited to 66 but circumstances may change that . I If I do not have to retire come April, can I suspend those benefits at that point and continue to work until 70.

Hi,

The answer to your question depends on how much you earn. If you will earn more than $16,920 this year and more than $1410, then the Social Security earnings test would require withholding of some or all of your benefits if you tried to start drawing now (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html). You could potentially start drawing effective with January 2018, provided that you will earn less than $17,040 in the calendar year of 2018. Again, though, if you earn more than that Social Security would need to withhold $1 of benefits for each $2 that you earn in excess of $17,040. Therefore, if you start drawing in January and then decide not to retire in April, you may end up having to pay back all of the benefits that you collected in the meantime depending on how much you earn.

Before filing, you should strongly consider using the maximization software on this website to fully explore your filing options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry