Retirement life is different for everyone. Social Security is here to secure today and tomorrow, whether you sail into the sunset or decide to continue working. The rules allow you to receive Social Security retirement or survivor benefits and work at the same time, as long as you don’t make more than Social Security’s annual earnings limit. For 2017, that limit is $16,920.
If you’re younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, your Social Security benefits will be reduced. But starting with the month you reach full retirement age, they will not reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. The retirement planner explains the requirement and deductions, and what happens after you reach full retirement age.
Two of the online tools can help you find the information you need to make the right decision for you. You can find your full retirement age based on your date of birth by using our Retirement Age Calculator. The Retirement Earnings Test Calculator can help you find out how much your benefits may be reduced if you are working and haven’t reached your full retirement age.
There are several things to consider if you plan to continue working after you retire. The website gives you detailed information for the type of employment that you have. It also explains what types of pensions, annuities, and income do not count toward your earnings limits.
Additional earnings after you start collecting benefits might increase your monthly benefit. If there’s an increase, you’ll receive a letter telling you of your new benefit amount. If you think your earnings will be different than what you originally told us, let us know right away. For more information, read How Work Affects Your Benefits.
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Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.
This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.
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