Ask Larry

Earnings Test

Will My Gross Or Net Income Count?

I am 63, taking early retirement. Planning on returning to work as a business owner, so, will my income regarding maximum allowable earnings be calculated on the gross or the net income?

Hi,

Assuming that your business income is reported as self-employment as opposed to wages from a family corporation, then your net self-employment earnings would be what counts for Social Security earnings test purposes (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html).

Posted: 
Thursday, May 3, 2018 - 11:23

If My Wife Collects Child In Care Benefits Will She Be Able To Work Part-Time?

I am turning 62 in July and am planning to take Social Security effective September 1, 2018. I have an adult disabled son (down syndrome) and my wife is 56. We should be eligible for Child in Care benefits. My questipn is: if collecting CIC benefits, will my wife be able to work part time?

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, April 23, 2018 - 14:17

How Would My Earnings Affect My Benefits This Year?

I am turning 62 and May and retiring in July. (earlier than expected but my job is intolerable) I plan to sign up with some temporary services. Work can be on and off. I understand there is a limit of $1420 a month. Supposed I earn 1000 in July and 200 in August and 1500 in September and 800 in October and 1700 in November and want to enjoy Christmas--So that would be 5200. As I will be collecting for half of 2018 I will be earning less than half of $17040. Would this be averaged to $866 a month? What would happen in august and October where I make over $1420 a month.

Posted: 
Friday, April 6, 2018 - 12:26

Can I Continue To Work Full-Time And Receive My Survivor Benefits At Age 60?

Can I continue to work full time and receive my survivors benefits at age 60
Or is there a penalty

Hi,

Your survivor benefits would be subject to Social Security's earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html) until you reach full retirement age (FRA). So, if you filed for survivor benefits at age 60, Social Security would need to withhold $1 of your benefits for each $2 that you earn in excess of $17,040 this year.

Posted: 
Sunday, April 1, 2018 - 10:00

Is There A Limit On What I Can Make Through Distributions From My Subchapter S Corporation?

I will be turning 62 this year in November and am considering taking Social Security benefits. However, I still plan to work. I have my own business (a subchapter S corporation). I pay myself a minimal salary and take distributions for the rest of the income. My question: Is there a limit to what I can make through distributions from my Subchapter S Corporation? Just wonder if it is the same limit as it is for regular income.

Hi,

Posted: 
Friday, March 30, 2018 - 06:57

How Do I Convince Social Security To Use My Correct 2017 Earnings?

SS held back $3600 of my ss retirement checks. They said in 2017 i WAS going to earn more then the $16000 i WAS aloud to earn. I only earned $11081. On my w2 box 1 wages and tips $11081.27. However on box 12b D there is $12039.65. Adding these two numbers together I get 23120.92. That number $23120.92 is in box 3 on the w2 social security wages. However part of the $12039.65 was for money earned in a prior year. Sick pay $4965 and vacation earned but not used. $2346.79.

Posted: 
Thursday, March 22, 2018 - 06:26
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