Can I claim Social Security at 65 while still working and earning $33,000? Worried about penalties but need the income

You're making a common mistake with your calculations. Since you're earning $33,000 and the 2025 earnings limit is $21,240 for people under FRA, you'll lose $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn over that limit. So your reduction would be about $5,880 in benefits withheld for the year (half of your $11,760 over the limit). If your monthly benefit would be $1,900, that's $22,800 annually. After the reduction, you'd receive approximately $16,920 for the year. So yes, between your job and reduced benefits, you'd have more income in the short term than just your job alone. But remember - this is a permanent reduction in your benefit amount compared to waiting. At your FRA, the earnings test goes away, but you'll still have that reduced benefit amount for life. Have you calculated the long-term impact? How long do you expect to live? Family history of longevity?

i started mine at 64 and kept working part-time. the SSA took away some of my beneftis each month but then when I hit my full retirement age they adjusted it back up. not all the way to what it would have been if i'd waited but higher than what i was getting. was worth it for me becuase i needed the extra SS money even with the penalty

There are two separate concepts you're confusing: 1. Benefit reduction for claiming early: This IS permanent. Claiming at 65 instead of your FRA of 66+6mo means approximately a 9% permanent reduction. This never gets adjusted back up. 2. Earnings test withholding: When you earn over the limit, SSA withholds benefits. But at FRA, they recalculate and give you credit for those months they withheld full benefits. This effectively increases your monthly amount a bit. So while you won't permanently lose the withheld amount, you will have the permanent reduction for claiming early. One strategy to consider: If your budget allows, could you wait until January to file? That way, you're one year closer to FRA, meaning less permanent reduction AND the earnings test will affect fewer months of benefits. Last thing to consider: Have you calculated how taking benefits now might impact your daughter if you pass away? Survivor benefits are affected by when you claim.

I'M GOING THROUGH THIS EXACT SAME THING!!! I'm 64, working part-time earning about $28K, and NOBODY at Social Security will give me a straight answer!!! Been trying to get through on the phone for WEEKS with no luck. This system is SO FRUSTRATING!!!

just take it now i did. money today worth more than money tomorrow thats what my dad always said lol

Have you considered how this will affect your taxes? With your $33k income plus Social Security benefits, you might end up having up to 85% of your SS benefits subject to income tax. This should factor into your calculations as well.

After reading through this thread, I want to add one more important point: if you're still working, check whether your employer offers health insurance. If they do, and if you're planning to enroll in Medicare at 65, make sure you understand how the two will coordinate. Depending on your employer's size, either Medicare or your employer plan will be primary. This could have significant implications for your healthcare costs and coverage, which should be factored into your decision about when to claim Social Security benefits.

saw somone mention taxes... dont forget bout that qtr of coverage thing. if u need more quarters for ur 40 credits working longer helps with that too

Has anyone used one of those Social Security calculators online? I tried three different ones and got completely different answers!!! I don't know which one to trust!!!

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful advice! After considering everything (especially the taxes, longevity in my family, and the permanent reduction), I'm leaning toward waiting until January to file as someone suggested. That gives me time to build up a bit more savings and reduces the total impact of claiming early. I'm going to try reaching out to SSA again for specific calculations based on my work record. The Claimyr service someone mentioned sounds worth trying after my frustrating attempts to get through. I'll also talk to a financial advisor about the tax implications and how this might affect my long-term financial picture. It's clearly more complex than I initially thought, and I want to make the best decision possible. Really appreciate all the insights from people who have been through this already!