Can you update Social Security about job changes online instead of waiting hours on phone?
My mom recently started a new part-time job and needs to report her earnings to Social Security since she's receiving retirement benefits (she's 66). She's been trying to call SSA for DAYS but keeps getting stuck in 2-3 hour wait queues which is impossible with her work schedule. She doesn't have Facebook or even regular computer access (I'm posting this for her when I visit). Is there any way to update employment information online? I looked at the ssa.gov site but got completely lost trying to find this specific service on their website. Has anyone successfully reported new employment online rather than calling? Where exactly on their site can I find this for her? Really don't want her benefits getting messed up because she couldn't wait on hold forever.
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Gabriel Freeman
Yes, she absolutely can update this online through her my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. She'll need to create an account first if she doesn't have one already. Once logged in, she can report wages under the "Report Wages" section. It's much easier than calling, especially with those ridiculous wait times. If she's over her FRA (Full Retirement Age), she might not even need to report the earnings since there's no earnings limit after FRA, but it's still good practice to keep SSA updated.
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Debra Bai
•Thank you SO much! I didn't realize she might not even need to report if she's over FRA. She just turned 66 last month so I think that's her full retirement age. Will double check that. But in case she does need to report, I'll help her set up the account next time I visit. Really appreciate the clear directions!
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Laura Lopez
your mom probly doesnt need to report anything if shes at full retirement age cuz theres no earnings limit anymore. my dad works and gets SS and hasnt reported anything in 3 years, no problems
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Gabriel Freeman
•This is *partially* correct but not entirely. While there's no earnings limit after FRA, some situations still require reporting changes in work. For example, if she's receiving SSDI (disability) rather than retirement, or if she's involved in certain government pension situations. It's always better to report and be safe than risk an overpayment notice later.
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Victoria Brown
I tried to create an online my Social Security account for my husband last year and it was IMPOSSIBLE!! They kept saying they couldn't verify his identity even though we entered everything correctly. So frustrating!!
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Samuel Robinson
•The same thing happened to me! I finally had to physically go to the Social Security office with three forms of ID to get my online account set up. They told me it's a security measure to prevent fraud, but it seems excessive when they make it nearly impossible to create an account online. Once it was set up though, reporting my work was pretty straightforward in the portal.
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Camila Castillo
When it comes to reporting work activity to Social Security, the rules depend on what type of benefits your mother is receiving: 1. If she's receiving retirement benefits and has reached her Full Retirement Age (FRA), there is NO earnings limit, so she doesn't need to report her work activity. 2. If she's receiving retirement benefits but is UNDER her FRA, she would need to report her earnings because there are annual earnings limits ($22,320 in 2025 for those under FRA). 3. If she's receiving SSDI (disability), she would absolutely need to report any work activity regardless of age. If reporting is needed, there are three options: - Online through my Social Security account (ssa.gov/myaccount) - By phone (yes, those long waits) - In person at a local office (requires appointment in most locations) The online "Report Wages" tool is found under the "Benefits & Earnings" section after logging into my Social Security. If she can't create an account, you may want to schedule an in-person appointment, which can avoid the phone wait times.
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Debra Bai
•This is SUPER helpful, thank you! I've confirmed she's right at her FRA (66) and receiving regular retirement benefits, not disability. Sounds like she might not even need to report then? She was worried because her previous job ended and she started this new one, and thought any employment change needed to be reported. I'll still help her set up the online account though, since it seems useful for other things.
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Brianna Muhammad
The SSA phone lines are IMPOSSIBLE these days!!! I spent 4 hours on hold last month trying to fix an issue with my benefits and then got disconnected right before someone picked up. FOUR HOURS WASTED!!! I was literally screaming at my phone. I finally used a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in under 10 minutes after trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Their website is claimyr.com - basically they navigate the phone system for you and call you back when they have an agent on the line. Saved me days of frustration. Might be worth it for your mom if she ends up needing to call rather than using the online option.
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Debra Bai
•Thank you for this suggestion! If we run into problems with the online setup, this might be a good backup plan. My mom gets so stressed with long phone waits, and she can't be on hold while at her new job. I'll check out that video.
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JaylinCharles
Wait, I'm confused... I thought you ALWAYS had to report new work to Social Security no matter what? I've been calling them every time I switch jobs (I'm 68) and sitting through those awful wait times for nothing??? Someone please clarify!
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Camila Castillo
•If you're past your Full Retirement Age (which at 68, you definitely are) and receiving retirement benefits (not disability), you do NOT need to report work activity or earnings to Social Security. There is no earnings limit once you reach FRA. The only people who need to report work after FRA are: - SSDI recipients (disability) - SSI recipients (Supplemental Security Income) - People affected by WEP/GPO (Windfall Elimination Provision/Government Pension Offset) For regular retirement beneficiaries past FRA, your earnings are reported automatically through your tax returns, but there are no benefit reductions based on how much you earn.
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Debra Bai
Update: I talked to my mom and she's definitely receiving retirement benefits and is exactly at her FRA (66). Based on everyone's helpful replies, it sounds like she doesn't need to report her new job at all since she's at FRA and there's no earnings limit. I'm still going to help her set up a my Social Security account though, because she's been getting all her SS information through paper mail and it would be easier to have online access. Thank you everyone for the super helpful information!
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Gabriel Freeman
•Glad we could help! Setting up the my Social Security account is definitely worth it regardless. She'll be able to get benefit verification letters, manage direct deposit info, and even get her 1099 forms at tax time. Just make sure you have her cell phone for verification codes (or they can mail codes if needed). Good luck!
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