Self-employment documentation needed for Social Security application at 64 (FRA 67)

When I applied last year as self-employed, they wanted my tax returns (including Schedule SE and Schedule C) for the current year and previous year. They're mainly looking at your Schedule SE since that's where your self-employment tax is calculated. Make sure you have your bank account info for direct deposit too. The online application is actually pretty straightforward for self-employed people. Just be honest about your expected earnings for this year since you're under FRA and will be subject to the earnings limit ($21,240 for 2025).

They didn't ask me for ANY tax forms when I applied online! Just had to enter my expected income. But then 3 months later they sent a letter asking for proof of income and I had to send everything in. Super annoying! Make sure u have everything ready just in case.

For self-employed individuals applying for Social Security retirement benefits, here's what you should have ready: 1. Your last 2-3 years of complete tax returns including Schedule C and Schedule SE 2. Estimated net earnings for current year 3. Monthly breakdown of expected work/income if you'll continue working 4. Birth certificate or passport for identity verification 5. Bank account information for direct deposit 6. Marriage certificate if you were ever married Since you're applying before your FRA of 67, be very careful about the earnings test. For 2025, you'll lose $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above $21,240. The SSA will ask about your expected earnings for the year you apply and the following year. Also, starting at 64 means you're taking a roughly 20% permanent reduction from your full retirement age benefit. Make sure you've calculated whether this makes financial sense given your situation and health concerns.

I've been trying to reach someone at SSA to ask similar questions but IMPOSSIBLE to get through!!! Been calling for WEEKS and either get disconnected or told the wait is 2+ hours. Their online system is confusing and the local office is booked months out. How is anyone supposed to get answers when they make it so DIFFICULT?!

just make sure ur reporting income correctly cuz they do check with IRS. my brother-in-law got in trouble for underreporting his pressure washing business for years, now hes paying back a TON to SS

To answer your follow-up question - they don't need physical copies during the online application. You just enter the information from your tax forms. But keep digital copies ready to upload if requested. For variable income, they mainly care about your expected earnings for this current year since that affects the earnings limit. They understand self-employment income fluctuates. Just provide your best estimate and update them if things change significantly.

the monthly breakdown thing confused me too! i just gave them my best guess each month. winter months were low, summer high (landscaping). they seemed ok with estimates as long as the yearly total made sense

Yes, they do ask for monthly breakdowns for self-employed individuals since the earnings test is technically monthly during your first year claiming benefits (this is called the Grace Year provision). However, they understand seasonal work fluctuates. Just provide reasonable estimates based on your work patterns. Also, importantly, only your net earnings from self-employment count toward the earnings limit. This is your gross income minus business expenses and half of your self-employment tax. Make sure you understand how this is calculated to avoid reporting errors.

When I applied last year the SSA website kept crashing when I tried to enter my self-employment info. Called for help but waited 3 hrs just to be told to "try again later" 🙄 Ended up having to go to the local office. Bring EVERYTHING with you if you go that route. My friend applied online with no issues tho so maybe I just had bad luck

Exactly right about the Grace Year. During your first year receiving benefits, you can receive a full benefit check for any month you earn under the monthly limit (which is the annual limit divided by 12, so about $1,770 for 2025) regardless of your annual total. This is specifically helpful for seasonal workers like yourself. After your first year on benefits, they switch to the annual method. At that point, they only care if your total annual earnings exceed the yearly limit. One more thing to consider: The earnings limit increases in the year you reach FRA and then disappears completely once you hit your full retirement age. So these restrictions won't apply once you turn 67.