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One more important point that hasn't been mentioned: Even though you're turning 70 in July, Social Security regulations state that you attain your age the day before your birthday. So technically, you reach age 70 on July 4th, not July 5th. This is just a technical detail, but it's good to be aware of it.
Wait what? You're 70 the day before your birthday? That's the weirdest thing I've ever heard... is that really true?
Yes, this is actually in the Social Security regulations. For benefit purposes, you attain an age the day before your birthday. It's a quirk in their system, but it's been that way for decades.
To summarize what you need to do based on all the advice here: 1. Apply approximately 3 months before your July birthday (so around April) 2. Specify that you want benefits to START in July 2025 3. You can stop working whenever you want - continuing won't affect your DRCs, but could potentially replace a lower earning year if your current income is higher 4. Verify your benefit amount when you receive your award letter 5. Remember your first payment will arrive in August (for July benefits) Congratulations on maximizing your Social Security by waiting until 70!
Thank you for this clear summary! I'm going to save this and follow it step by step. Really appreciate everyone's help!
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my cousin works seasonally at a golf course and collects SS. he said the most important thing is what month you START getting benefits. if you start in october after your busy season you can make as much as you want that year before october! might be worth waiting to apply until after your busy season ends???
This is partially correct but needs clarification. In your first year of retirement, SSA applies the monthly earnings test, allowing you to receive benefits for any month you don't perform substantial services, regardless of annual earnings. However, there's an important grace year provision: the year you retire counts as a grace year if there's at least one month where you neither earned over the monthly limit nor performed substantial services. During this grace year, you can receive benefits for any month you stay under those thresholds. So yes, strategic timing of when you start benefits can be advantageous for seasonal workers, but you need to understand all the rules to maximize your benefits.
another thing to think about is that once u hit full retirement age none of this matters anymore! at 67 u can earn as much as u want with no penalties. so maybe just wait til then if u can?? that's what my neighbor did with his business
I wish I could wait, but I need the income now. My plan is to be really careful with the monthly limits for 2 years and then when I hit FRA I can just work as much as I want. Just gotta make it until then!
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I went over the earnings limit by like $4,000 last year... i was so worried but then when i called they explained that they only take HALF of the overage amount from my benefits. So for $4000 over they reduced my benefits by $2000 total (spread across several months). It wasnt as bad as people say.
You got lucky! They took WAY more from me. I think it depends on who handles your case and how much you're over.
After reviewing all the responses, here's a practical summary: Contact SSA proactively to report your anticipated earnings. The reduction will be $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. They may suspend payments for some months or reduce each payment until the amount is recovered. If you don't report it, they'll eventually find out through tax records and send you a notice of overpayment. The good news is that once you reach your Full Retirement Age, these earnings limitations disappear completely, and your benefit will be recalculated to give credit for the months benefits were withheld.
Thank you for this clear explanation! I'll definitely contact them proactively. Four more years until these earnings limits disappear seems like forever, but it's good to know my benefit will eventually be recalculated.
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my mom went thru something like this and she just gave up trying to get her money back because the SSA people kept giving her different answers every time she called...the system is so broken
Unfortunately this happens too often. It's important to get information in writing whenever possible and to speak with a Technical Expert (TE) or Claims Specialist (CS) rather than a service representative for complex issues like this. When you call, specifically ask to speak with someone who specializes in earnings recalculations and benefit type switches.
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm going to try to get through to SSA to request that earnings test recalculation. I had no idea I needed to specifically ask for this - I thought they would automatically adjust it based on my tax return. I'm also reconsidering my timeline for taking survivor benefits based on the earnings test information. One last question if anyone knows - is there a time limit for requesting the earnings recalculation? It's been almost 2 years since that initial withholding.
There's no specific time limit for requesting an earnings test recalculation, but I'd recommend doing it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more complicated it can become to process. Bring or have ready your W-2s, tax returns, or self-employment tax documentation for the year in question when you contact them. And as someone else mentioned, try to speak with a Technical Expert or Claims Specialist rather than a regular service representative.
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my aunt tried to get this and they kept saying she didnt send the right paperwork but she did!!! took her like 5 months to actually start getting the money be prepared for a fight with them!!
Oh no, that sounds frustrating! Thanks for the warning. I'll make sure to keep copies of everything I submit and follow up regularly.
Another thing to consider - if you're eligible for both your own retirement benefit and a survivor benefit, you can choose which one to take first. This can be a powerful strategy. For example, you could take the survivor benefit at 60 (at a reduced rate) and let your own benefit grow until age 70, then switch. Or take your own reduced benefit at 62 and switch to the full survivor benefit at your FRA. Run the numbers on both scenarios to see which gives you more lifetime benefits. The best strategy depends on your own work record compared to your late husband's benefit amount.
This is what I'm doing! Taking widow benefits now and letting my own benefit grow. My financial advisor ran the numbers and based on my earnings history and life expectancy, I'll come out ahead by switching to my own benefit at 70. Definitely worth talking to a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies if you can.
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Social Security started withdrawing Medicare Part B premium but it's still coming out of my bank account - double charged!
Just started receiving my Social Security retirement benefits this month (first payment came today, January 8, 2025). I've been on Medicare for about 3 years with my Part B premium ($185) being automatically deducted from my checking account each month.Here's my problem: I just noticed the SSA took the January Medicare premium out of my Social Security payment today, but they ALSO withdrew it from my checking account on December 20, 2024! So I've essentially paid twice for January coverage.I'm trying to figure out:1. Is this normal during the transition month when premiums start coming out of SS instead of bank account?2. Will Social Security automatically catch this double payment and refund me?3. Do I need to call them (ugh) to get this straightened out?Has anyone else dealt with this when starting Social Security after already being on Medicare? I'm worried if I don't address it now, they'll keep taking double payments!
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Just to clarify something important here: While this double-billing issue is common, it's not supposed to happen according to SSA's own procedures. Their system is designed to prevent it, but the timing of your benefit start date and the Medicare billing cycle created this overlap.Specifically, SSA Publication No. 05-10043 states that when Medicare premiums transition from direct payment to Social Security withholding, there should be coordination between systems. But in practice, many beneficiaries experience exactly what you're describing.Make sure when you contact them that you get confirmation that:1. Your Medicare premium payment method has been officially updated in BOTH systems2. A refund has been processed for the duplicate payment3. You have a confirmation number for the refund requestDocument everything, including representative names and call reference numbers. The squeaky wheel gets the grease in these situations!
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One more important detail: the earnings test only applies to EARNED income (wages, self-employment). It doesn't count pensions, investments, rental income, etc. This is a common misconception. Also, if you're going to earn enough to trigger a withholding, you can contact SSA in advance and have them start the withholding early rather than having them suddenly realize it later and want all the money back at once. Much easier on your monthly budgeting.
That's really helpful! I do have rental income as well, so I'm glad to hear that doesn't count toward the limit. Is there a specific form I need to file if I think I'll exceed the limit? Or just call them?
You can report expected earnings by calling SSA, using your my Social Security account online, or by visiting a local office. There's also Form SSA-131 (Employer Report of Special Wage Payments) that your employer can submit if you receive special wage payments that shouldn't count toward the earnings test.
i always get confused about FRA. isn't it different for everyone?? mine is 67 according to my SS statement i got
Yes, Full Retirement Age varies based on your birth year: - Born 1943-1954: FRA is 66 - Born 1955: FRA is 66 and 2 months - Born 1956: FRA is 66 and 4 months - Born 1957: FRA is 66 and 6 months - Born 1958: FRA is 66 and 8 months - Born 1959: FRA is 66 and 10 months - Born 1960 or later: FRA is 67 So if your statement says 67, you were born in 1960 or later.
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I'm so CONFUSED about all these different benefits!!! Is SSI the same as SSDI??? And what's this Disabled Adult Child thing??? Why does the government make this so complicated!!! 😫 I've been trying to figure out what to apply for my sister and it's a NIGHTMARE!!!
It is confusing! Here's a quick breakdown: - SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Needs-based program for people with limited income/resources who are disabled, blind, or 65+. Has strict asset limits ($2,000 for individuals). - SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For disabled workers who have earned enough work credits. No resource limits. - DAC/CDB (Disabled Adult Child/Childhood Disability Benefits): For adults disabled before 22 who have a parent receiving Social Security retirement/disability or a parent who died but was insured under Social Security. The best approach is to apply and let SSA determine which program(s) your sister qualifies for. They're supposed to consider all possible eligibilities.
just wanted to say ur a good mom for helping ur son!!! my mom helped me get on ssi when i was 19 (im 32 now) and it changed my life. dont feel bad about not doing it sooner, ur doing it now and thats what matters!!
Thank you for saying that. I've felt guilty for years thinking maybe I was holding him back by not accepting his limitations. It helps to hear from someone who's benefited from these supports. I appreciate your kindness.
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My husband went through something similar last year but his was because his employer reported his wages under the wrong SSN (switched two digits). Took MONTHS to fix and multiple visits to the local office. Start the process now because it's going to take forever to get resolved!!
Oh no, that sounds like a nightmare! I hope mine isn't that complicated. I think it's just a reporting error rather than a wrong SSN, but thanks for the warning about how long it might take.
UPDATE: I called my company's payroll department first and they confirmed there might have been a reporting error on their end. They're going to check their records and get back to me. If they did make a mistake, they said they can submit a correction to the SSA directly. Fingers crossed this resolves it without me having to deal with the SSA phone maze!
That's excellent! Going through your employer first is actually the right approach. If they confirm they made an error, they can file a corrected W-2 (W-2c) which will update the information with SSA. Smart move checking with them first!
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QuantumQuester
Looking at your specific dates, here's what I recommend analyzing: 1. If you work Jan-Oct earning $58,333 ($70k × 10/12), you'd be under the annual limit and could collect full SS benefits starting in February. 2. If you work Jan-Nov earning $64,167 ($70k × 11/12), you'd exceed the limit by $2,007, resulting in a $669 total withholding ($2,007 ÷ 3). 3. If you wait until your FRA in December to claim, you'd collect one month of benefits in 2025 without any reduction, but you'd miss out on 10 months of payments. The key calculation: Will 10-11 months of slightly reduced benefits in 2025 provide more value than waiting until FRA and getting a slightly higher monthly amount forever? For most people, taking benefits in February even with potential reductions would provide more total lifetime benefits unless you expect to live well into your 90s. The break-even age is typically around 82-83 years for this scenario.
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Miguel Silva
•Thank you for breaking it down with real numbers! This really helps me see the options clearly. I hadn't considered reducing my hours like another commenter suggested, but that plus your calculations gives me a much better picture of my options. I think I'll go ahead with starting benefits in February but try to manage my income to stay under the limit.
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Zainab Ismail
One more important thing to consider - are you still contributing to a 401(k) or other tax-deferred retirement account? If so, those contributions reduce your countable income for the earnings test. So if you're making $70,000 but contributing $8,000 to a 401(k), your countable earnings would only be $62,000 - under the limit! This is a strategy many people overlook.
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Miguel Silva
•That's brilliant! Yes, I do have a 401(k) and I'm not maxing it out currently. I could definitely increase my contributions for those months to stay under the limit. Thank you so much for this tip!
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