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To directly answer your question: The earnings you're generating now will only increase your benefit if: 1. They're higher than your lowest indexed earnings year currently being used in your calculation (likely yes if replacing a zero) 2. The recalculation results in a benefit increase of at least $1 (they round down to the nearest dollar) It's important to understand that the actual increase might be small. For example, if you're earning $15,000 this year and it replaces a zero in your calculation, your benefit might increase by just $10-20 per month. This is because the earnings are averaged over 35 years, and the benefit formula is weighted. However, keep working as long as it's not a hardship for you. Those small increases can add up over time, especially if you live a long life. Plus, there's always the chance that Congress could modify or eliminate WEP in the future, which would make those earnings even more valuable.
Thanks for the detailed explanation! I'm going to keep working part-time - even a small increase would help over time. One last question: will they automatically recalculate my benefit, or do I need to contact Social Security and request it?
Social Security automatically recalculates your benefit each year after your employer reports your earnings (typically after you file taxes). If your earnings increase your benefit, they'll make the adjustment and send you a notice. The increase would be effective January of the year following the work. However, there can sometimes be delays in this process. If you believe you should have received an increase based on recent earnings and haven't seen it after filing taxes for that year, it might be worth contacting SSA. Also, regarding your earlier question about trying to reach the substantial earnings threshold to reduce WEP: If you're able to work more without affecting your quality of life, it could be worthwhile. Each year of substantial earnings above 20 reduces your WEP penalty by 5%. So if you're currently at, say, 22 years of substantial earnings, getting to 25 would reduce your WEP penalty by an additional 15%.
I really appreciate this information! I think I only have about 10 years of substantial earnings, so getting to 30 seems impossible at my age. But maybe I can get a few more years to at least reduce the WEP penalty a bit. I'll see if I can increase my hours at work to hit that threshold.
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my neighbor got survivors benefits and worked part time and it reduced her check because she was under FRA. theres an earnings limit around $19000 i think? just something to know if you're still working
That's correct. For 2025, if you're under your FRA and receiving any Social Security benefits (including survivor benefits), the annual earnings limit is $22,680. SSA deducts $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. Once you reach FRA, there's no earnings limit.
Just a tip - when you apply for survivor benefits, they'll ask about your marriage date since it had to be at least 9 months to qualify (with some exceptions). You said you're just short of 32 years, so that's WAY more than enough, but be prepared with the exact date. They're STICKLERS for documentation so bring extra copies of everything!
I have our marriage certificate ready! Thanks for the reminder about documentation. I'll bring extra copies of everything just to be safe.
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my aunt got a special thing called medicare savings program that pays her medicare premium, maybe look into that??
Just to summarize what you've learned: 1. At 66, you're already at Full Retirement Age, so SSDI isn't applicable (it automatically converts to retirement at FRA) 2. Your options are either survivor benefits OR your own retirement benefits (whichever is higher) 3. Medicare is what you have at 66, not Medicaid 4. Look into Extra Help program for prescription drug costs 5. Consider contacting your Area Agency on Aging for arthritis support services It sounds like staying on survivor benefits is likely your best option financially, but it's worth having SSA do a calculation to confirm this. The resources others have suggested for managing your arthritis costs are excellent next steps.
Thank you so much for this clear summary! I feel much less confused now. I'll definitely have SSA compare the benefit amounts, look into the Extra Help program, and contact the Area Agency on Aging. Everyone here has been so helpful - I wish the official information was this clear!
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I think ur misunderstanding how this works. If ur kids r on SSDI from their dad then u can still get full survivors without being affected by the maximum. My neighbor's situation is like this and she gets the full amount. The max only applies to minor kids not disabled adults I'm pretty sure.
That's incorrect. The Combined Maximum Family Benefit (CMFB) does apply to Disabled Adult Child (DAC) beneficiaries. In fact, DAC beneficiaries are included in the same family maximum calculation as minor children and surviving spouses. The difference is that DAC benefits can continue indefinitely as long as the person remains disabled, whereas benefits for minor children typically end at age 18 (or 19 if still in high school). The family maximum is typically between 150% to 180% of the deceased worker's Primary Insurance Amount, depending on the specific benefit calculation. All auxiliary beneficiaries (including DAC recipients and surviving spouses) may be subject to proportional reductions if the total family benefits exceed this maximum.
Im confused about something... you said ur reaching FRA in 4 years but ur husband already died. Are you not getting any social security now? Shouldnt you be getting survivors benefits already? Or are you still working?
Sorry, I should have been clearer. Yes, I'm still working full-time. I'm 63 now and planning to work until at least 66, which would be my FRA. I haven't applied for any benefits yet because I thought working full-time would make me ineligible or significantly reduce any benefits. Should I be getting something now even while working?
Amelia Martinez
my dad just went through this whole thing and was so confused by all this FRA and earnings test stuff. he ended up waiting until his FRA to claim just to avoid the headache lol
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Elijah Jackson
•I understand the feeling! I considered waiting until FRA too, but I really need the additional income now, and since I'm confident I'll stay under the annual limit, it made sense for me to start in January.
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Mason Davis
Based on everything you've shared, you're approaching this correctly. Let me summarize to make sure everything is clear: 1. You're subject to the ANNUAL earnings test of $62,160 for 2025 (not the monthly test) 2. Only your earnings from January through November 2025 count toward this limit 3. As long as you stay under $62,160 through November, no benefits will be withheld 4. In December 2025 when you reach FRA, a separate higher limit applies ($16,560) 5. After you reach FRA in December, no earnings limits apply at all Keep track of your earnings, report your estimates to SSA, and you should be all set!
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Elijah Jackson
•Thank you so much for this clear summary! You've all been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident now about my situation and how the earnings test will affect my survivor benefits.
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