Social Security earnings limit confusion - switching from survivor to FRA benefits in 2025

The SSA rep gave you correct information. Once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test no longer applies - you can earn as much as you want without any reduction in benefits. This applies whether you're collecting on your own record or as a survivor. So starting January 2025, assuming that's when you hit your FRA, you're good to go with that part-time job! As for your other questions: 1. Medicare premiums - Yes, if your income goes up significantly, you might have to pay what's called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). But this is based on your tax return from 2 years prior, so you wouldn't see an increase until 2027 based on 2025 earnings. 2. Working past FRA - Yes, additional earnings can potentially increase your benefit. Social Security recalculates your benefit annually and will automatically adjust if your recent earnings replace lower earnings years in your calculation.

be careful!!! my sister thought the same thing but ended up losing benefits. the rules are different depending on which type of benefit ur on. survivor benefits have different rules than retirement i think. did u ask specifically about SURVIVOR benefits or retirement? they might have answered for the wrong one!!!

I went through almost EXACTLY the same situation last year! The part about no earnings limit at FRA is 100% true - I've been working 25 hours a week since hitting my FRA and getting my FULL benefit with no problems. About the Medicare question - my premiums did go up, but not right away. It kicked in this year based on my 2023 income. They call it IRMAA and you'll get a letter if your income pushes you into a higher bracket. And yes, working until 70 CAN increase your benefit if you're making good money. Social Security looks at your highest 35 years of earnings, so if what you're earning now is higher than some of those past years (even after indexing), your benefit will go up. But if you're just doing minimal part-time work, it might not make much difference.

I've spent 30+ years dealing with SSA regulations. Let me clarify your situation: 1. Earnings limit after FRA: Once you reach your Full Retirement Age, the earnings test COMPLETELY disappears. This is true whether you're on survivor benefits, your own retirement, or ANY Social Security retirement benefit. You can earn unlimited amounts without any reduction. 2. Medicare and work: Medicare Part B premiums are income-based using what's called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). For 2025, your premiums would be based on your 2023 tax return. For 2026, your 2024 return, etc. For 2025, the standard Part B premium is expected to be around $185, but if your modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain thresholds, you'll pay more. 3. Working until 70: Yes, continuing to work can increase your benefit IF these earnings replace lower earnings in your 35-year calculation. SSA automatically recalculates annually. Plus, for every year you delay taking your own retirement benefit between FRA and 70, you get Delayed Retirement Credits of 8% per year - that's a guaranteed increase regardless of work. One important distinction - you mentioned SSDI survivor benefits, but SSDI is Disability and survivor benefits are something different. Were you on Disabled Widow(er) Benefits? The rules still apply the same way regarding FRA and earnings tests.

My neighbor just went thru this and she said she needed to fill out some special form to make sure SS knew she was switching from survivor to retirement benefits? Anyone know about that?

I tried calling SSA for weeks about a similar question and couldn't get through to anyone! The hold times were ridiculous and I kept getting disconnected. Eventually I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA agent in under 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I got through, the agent confirmed that after FRA there's no earnings limit whatsoever. I was also concerned about Medicare premiums increasing, and they explained the IRMAA thresholds to me. For 2023 (which would affect 2025 premiums), the first threshold was around $97,000 for single filers. If your part-time work keeps you below that, you should still pay the standard premium.

Congrats on reaching FRA! Something no one mentioned yet - even though the earnings limit is gone, you still have to pay income tax on your combined income (work + SS benefits) if it goes over certain thresholds. For most people, up to 85% of SS benefits become taxable when your combined income gets high enough. Just something to budget for!

One final clarification for you: to maximize your benefits, remember that: 1. You can work unlimited amounts after FRA without benefit reduction 2. If you're switching to your own retirement benefits, consider whether it makes sense to delay claiming your own retirement past FRA to earn delayed retirement credits (8% per year until age 70). You could potentially continue receiving survivor benefits while delaying your own retirement benefit, depending on which is higher. 3. Any new earnings that replace lower earnings in your 35-year calculation will increase your benefit. SSA recalculates annually. 4. Watch those IRMAA thresholds for Medicare premiums - for 2025 (based on 2023 income), the first tier starts around $97,000 for individuals. Based on everything you've shared, you're making good decisions. Starting work in January 2025 after reaching FRA gives you complete freedom from the earnings test.