There’s a limit on how much you can earn and still receive your full Social Security retirement benefits while working. Some people who file for benefits mid-year have already earned more than their yearly earnings limit amount. We have a special rule for this situation.
The special rule lets us pay a full Social Security check for any whole month we consider you retired, regardless of your yearly earnings. If you will:
- Be under full retirement age for all of 2023, you are considered retired in any month that your earnings are $1,770 or less and you did not perform substantial services in self-employment.
- Reach full retirement age in 2023, you are considered retired in any month that your earnings are $4,710 or less and you did not perform substantial services in self-employment.
Example: John Smith retired from his job at age 62 on June 30, 2023. He earned $37,000 before he retired.
On October 5th, John starts his own business. He works at least 15 hours a week for the rest of the year and earns an additional $3,000 after expenses. His total earnings for 2023 are $40,000.
Although his earnings for the year substantially exceed the 2023 annual limit ($21,240), John will receive a Social Security benefit for July, August, and September. This is because he was not self-employed and his earnings in those 3 months are $1,770 or less per month than the limit for people younger than full retirement age.
John will not receive benefits for October, November, or December 2023 because he worked in his business over 45 hours per month in all 3 months.
Beginning in 2024, the deductions are based solely on John's annual earnings limit.