Ask Larry

If I Continue Working After Claiming Benefits Will Those Years Count Toward My 35 Year Average?

Larry, if I draw at FRA 66 & 4 months and continue to work full time, will those years count toward my 35 year average.

Hi. Yes, but only if you earn enough to increase your benefit rate. Social Security retirement benefits are based on an average of a person's highest 35 years of Social Security covered wage-indexed earnings, so additional years of earnings only increase a person's benefit rate if they're higher than one or more of the 35 years currently being used to calculate the person's benefit rate.

Before claiming benefits you should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jan 13 2023 - 3:53pm
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