Ask Larry

Earnings Test

What's The Maximum I Can Earn This Year And Next Year And Still Draw My Benefits?

Hello,
I began my SS benefits the month after I turn 65, this last October. So in two months I'll turn 66. I wanted to keep working even though I'm drawing my social security benefits and I'm confused as to the amount of money that I'm allowed to earn and not have any penalties. So what's the maximum amount I can earn this year and then also for next year?

Hi,

Posted: 
Saturday, September 7, 2019 - 14:29

Will I Lose Benefits If My Services Are Deemed Substantial Even If I Earn Less Than $17,640?

I am receiving benefits (on my own record) before FRA, when survivor's benefit will kick in and have a question about self employment and what is meant by "substantial services". I just became an independent contractor for a state funded program working with vulnerable populations. What concerns me Is, even if I keep my part time earnings below the minimum cap ($17640), is there a risk of losing benefits if my services are deemed as "substantial"?

Posted: 
Friday, September 6, 2019 - 15:46

Does My Non-Earned Income Count For Social Security's Earnings Test?

I started collecting SS in Jan 2018. I turned 66 in November 2018. I went over the earnings limit.. SS sent me a letter stating they would recover the overpayment. In the letter it stated that some of my 2018 income is not counted if the income I received was earned in 2017. Income such as vacation, sick pay, bonuses, and possibly profit sharing. I had my company’s payroll department fill out SSA form 131 and I brought I into the SS office. They told me that since I’m still working I can’t deduct this income. Nowhere in the letter SS sent me does it say that.

Posted: 
Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - 09:38

Will My Husband's 2019 Income Affect His Ability To Start Drawing Effective With December 2019?

My husband will reach full retirement age in july 2020, He would like to start receiving benefits in january 2020 ( december 2019 ) So if his benefits actually start in december2019 how would his 2019 income effect that? What month should he apply for his benefits ? He will be working until march 2020 , so will his working income for 2020 be ok approximately 12,000 from january thru march 2020? Thank You for your help.

Hi,

Posted: 
Thursday, August 29, 2019 - 09:43

Would Benefits Withheld Due To The Earnings Test Go Back Into My Account?

I am a one-year retiree, age 63. I'm considering returning to full-time employment and I was wondering about suspending social security benefirs. I ju st read your answer about that to another query, but I was wondering what it means that $1.00 out of every $2.00 over the additional income threshold will be withheld from my benefits. What does that mean? Does the money go back into (or remain in) my benefits account, or somewhere else?

Hi,

Posted: 
Friday, August 2, 2019 - 07:08

Is Taxable Income Limited When A Person Receives SS Survivor Benefits?

Is taxable income limited when a person receives SS Survivor benefits?

Example: Husband passes away at 40 with a 35 year old spouse and 3 kids. If the spouse begins working, will she lose her survivor benefit payments at a certain dollar amount?

Thank you for your time! This is a question that comes up frequently in a financial group I'm a part of and no one can find an answer online.

Hi,

Posted: 
Friday, July 19, 2019 - 07:48

Are Benefits Withheld Due To The Earnings Test Accumulated And Returned At FRA?

My mother is 62 years old and is considering whether to start my deceased father's Social Security (Mother FRA $25,008 and Father FRA $28,800 per year.) She would get about $23,256 from my father at age 62 and her benefit at age 70 would be about $36,059. If she is still earning income of approximately $55,000 that would reduce the benefit she receives from my father's Social Security to about $6,000 per year. Does this reduced income from my father's benefit accumulate and given to her back at age 66 or is it lost?

Posted: 
Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 08:19
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