Hi Larry,
I opted for early social security, then realized I needed to work also, to continue paying for my late husband's eight years of cancer treatments (we had insurance but the annual deductibles --$5000 yearly-- crushed us.) I've been grabbing all the overtime I can, and know that I will exceed the earnings limit for 2017. I called Social Security in August to report my anticipated earnings, and was told not to worry about it, that they would recalculate in January 2018 when my actual income is known, and will withhold starting in February 2018 for what I was overpaid in 2017. I've been thinking about that advice ever since, as it seems to run counter to what i read online. Was I given bad information? Shouldn't they be withholding my monthly checks now? Not anxious to call them again, as last time I waited 45 minutes on hold. Would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you!

Hi,

Yes, it sounds like bad advice to me. I believe it's better to have your benefits withheld during the year in which you have the excess earnings, since then you at least have your earned income to live on. If you wait until after the year is over, Social Security may get around to withholding your overpayment at a time when you can least afford to give up your benefits.

Best, Jerry