Social Security earnings limit confusion - can I work after filing at 62 in August without penalty?

For the year you first claim benefits (2025 in your case), Social Security applies a 'monthly earnings test' rather than just the annual limit. This means that for months BEFORE you start receiving benefits (January-July), there's no limit on how much you can earn. Once you start receiving benefits in August, you'll be subject to a monthly limit - which for 2025 is $1,860 per month ($22,320 annual limit ÷ 12). So what you earned before August doesn't count against you, but you'll need to stay under that monthly amount for August-December.

just to add my experience - i filed at 62 back in may and kept working part time. SSA only looked at what i made AFTER i started getting benefits. but be careful they will check ur earnings and if u go over they will want money back later!!

To answer your second question about applying ahead of time - yes, you can apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to begin. So for an August start date, you could apply as early as April. I recommend applying online at ssa.gov - it's much easier than trying to get through on the phone these days. Just make sure you specifically select August 2025 as your benefit start month when you complete the application.

anyone else been stuck in pending status forever after applying online? I applied 2 months ago and still nothing, can't get anyone on phone either

Be very careful about claiming at 62! I retired at 62 and deeply regret it now. My monthly benefit is so much lower than if I'd waited until Full Retirement Age (67). For each month you claim before your FRA, your benefit is permanently reduced. The reduction at 62 is about 30% FOREVER. And once you start benefits, there's no going back (except within 12 months but you have to repay everything). I'd strongly recommend running calculations with the benefit estimator on ssa.gov to see the difference between claiming at 62 vs waiting until at least 67. That 30% reduction is substantial over a lifetime.

One important clarification about the earnings test: While the monthly test applies in your first year, in subsequent years (2026 and beyond) only the annual limit will apply. For 2025, the annual limit for someone under Full Retirement Age is $22,320. If you exceed this, SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above the limit. And remember, the earnings limit only applies until you reach your Full Retirement Age - after that, you can earn unlimited amounts without penalty. Also, any benefits withheld aren't truly lost - when you reach FRA, your monthly benefit is recalculated to credit you for months when benefits were withheld.

Regarding your online application question - yes, the online system allows you to upload digital copies of required documents (birth certificate, etc.). However, some people find it easier to take originals to a local SSA office where they can make certified copies for you. The advantages of applying earlier in your 4-month window: 1) If there are any issues with your application, you have more time to resolve them, and 2) It gives SSA more processing time so your first payment is more likely to arrive on schedule. Just remember that regardless of when you apply within that window, your benefits will still start in August as you requested.

Medicare enrollment is separate from Social Security and doesn't begin until age 65, regardless of when you start your Social Security benefits. When you turn 65, you'll have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (starting 3 months before your birth month) to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B. If you're still covered by employer health insurance when you turn 65 (either your own or a spouse's), you might be able to delay Medicare enrollment without penalties.