How Much Can You Earn and Still Get Your SS Benefits?

Social security retirement benefits

Let’s start by explaining that when you begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you are considered officially “retired” by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can receive Social Security checks and still work at the same time. However, since you are now “retired” there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full benefits. 

If you are younger than full retirement age, and earn more than the yearly earnings limit, the SSA may reduce your benefit amount. If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, they deduct $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2022, that limit is $19,560. The year you reach full retirement age, they deduct $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit. In 2022, this limit on your earnings is $51,960. And, it’s important to note, the SSA only counts your earnings up to the month before you reach your full retirement age, not your earnings for the entire year.  

Take a look at this page on the SSA’s website for more information.

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