Ask Larry

Will I Lose My Social Security If I Return To Work?

I am 68 years old and will turn 69 July 5th of this year. Due to severe money issues, I want to return to my old job in NYC for just short of 6 months. I will stay at my brothers home. I have a few related questions: Can I still collect my SS monthly benefit? Will I lose my medicare while I am working? If I lose my SS, will I have to re-apply all over again? Would my benefit be greater due to the added income? Will I owe NY state income tax? I thank you in advance. Kind regards, Sal

Hi Sal,

Since you are already over full retirement age, you won't lose any Social Security benefits if you return to work. And, your Medicare coverage would continue as well.

Your additional earnings could result in an increased benefit rate, but only if your earnings are higher than one of the previous 35 years currently being used to calculate your benefit rate (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10070.pdf). I can't answer your question about income taxes, though, since Social Security is my only area of expertise.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Apr 24 2017 - 7:50am
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.