I am 62 years and working full time is becoming very exhausting. I have been a widow for over 15 years and have been struggling to survive even though I work full time. Please, can I collect survivor's benefits while working?

Hi,

i will receieve a lawsuit settlement in a few weeks of 27000 will that effect my social security

Hi,

The only way that I can imagine that it might is if it is an award of back wages, or if it is worker's compensation and you are receiving disability benefits.

Best, Jerry

Larry, I'm confused on the earnings test. My DOB is 1-5-1952, if I retire this year (2017) @ 65 and still work, how much could I earn per month and not effect my benefits? I plan to retire in July and will have made about 35,000 this year at that point, It seems the earnings test doesn't do me any good because I don't reach FRA in this year. I miss it by 3or 4 days. I'm I correct on this?

Hi,

If you collect widows benefits, can you still work and receive your benefits at the same time.

Hi,

Possibly, but the Social Security earnings test may limit the amount that you can draw prior to full retirement age. For more information on the earnings test, refer to Social Security's website: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html.

If I sell my life insurance to a life settlement co. Will it affect my Medicare or socialsecurity?

Hi,

No. I suppose the additional income could increase your Medicare Part B premium rate at least temporarily, but it wouldn't affect your Medicare coverage or Social Security benefits.

Best, Jerry

RE: First year rule I am retiring in March 2017 at age 62. I will be earning between $1000 and $2000 each month for January and February. How much can I earn between March and December? Is it $14100 for that 10 month period (irrelevant of how much I earn each month as long as it doesn't total more than $14100) OR is it no more than $1410 each month because of the first year rule? Thank you.

Hi,

I remarried three years ago, in 2013 after my husband of 33 years died in 2012. My present husband insisted that I receive my late husband's widow's benefit which I did. How much more can I earn above my $1158.00 widow's benefit?

Hi,

I am turned 62 in 2016 and started collecting SS benefits. My wife is 47 and still works and makes about $48K per year. I realize that my SS income will be subject to income taxation, but will my benefits be reduced due to her earned income? Thank you!

Hi,

No, only your own earnings count toward the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html).

Best, Jerry

I receive survivors benefits. If I work how much can I earn before losing benefits? Also why would social security call me?

Hi,

I still find the "Earnings Test" very confusing. When it talks about the "benefits withheld", does that refer to reduced social security payments from signing up before FRA or does it refer to "withholding $1 for every $2 (of $3) dollars earned? I am interested because I would like to know whether withheld pay from working will be refunded when a person reaches FRA or whether a person's social security payment will be increased when reaching FRA. Thank you for all you do to clarify a very confusing issue! Happy Holidays!

Hi,