Social Security earnings limit confusion with survivor benefits - monthly vs. annual calculation

The Social Security earnings test is actually both annual and monthly, depending on your situation. Since 2025 is your first year receiving benefits, you can use the monthly test rather than the annual test. The monthly limit is $1,950 for 2025. If you earn over that amount in any month before October (when your mother's benefits end due to your children aging out), those specific months' benefits could be withheld. But months where you earn under $1,950 would still be payable regardless of annual total. As for reporting, you should proactively contact SSA to let them know you're returning to work and will have variable income. They'll likely have you complete an Annual Earnings Report (AER) form at the beginning of the year with your estimate, and then adjust as needed.

THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING!! I went through almost the EXACT same situation last year when my husband passed and I had to go back to work. The SSA told me THREE different things about the earnings limit depending on which person I talked to!! One said annual only, another said monthly, and a third said I had to do some weird calculation based on how many months I'd be eligible!!! I ended up with a $4,700 overpayment notice because they didn't apply the monthly test correctly when I reported my income. Now I'm STILL fighting with them to get it fixed. The whole system is designed to trap grieving people in paperwork hell!

You definitely want to use the monthly earnings test in your situation. Here's what you need to know: 1. The monthly test can only be used in your first year of entitlement OR the year your entitlement ends (which is your case). 2. For any month you earn over $1,950 (2025 limit), you'll lose benefits for that specific month. 3. For reporting variable income, you should contact SSA at the beginning of the year with your best estimate. Then, I recommend keeping a monthly log of your actual earnings and contacting them quarterly if there are significant variations. 4. You should also know that once your mother's benefits end in October, the earnings test no longer applies to you for the rest of the year. Your children's survivor benefits are not affected by YOUR earnings, only by THEIR earnings if they work. Don't worry about creating an overpayment if you're proactive with reporting. If you're unsure, always report sooner rather than later.

I tried calling SSA three times last week about a similar issue with survivor benefits and couldn't get through - got disconnected each time after waiting for over an hour! So frustrating when you need answers about something this important.

after my wife died i had same problem with the work limits. the monthly limit only applies if you stop working completely for at least one full month. if u work every month they use the yearly limit. that's what the ssa person told me last yr.

my cousin is dealing with this right now!! she said the best thing is to call ssa and have them put notes in your file about your work starting and expected income stuff. that way theres a record if they mess up later. good luck!!

I want to add some clarification about when and how to report earnings to SSA in your situation: 1. Initial report: When you start working, call and inform them of your employment start date and estimated earnings. 2. Monthly reporting is NOT required for most beneficiaries. However, given your variable income, you might want to report quarterly or whenever you have a significant change from your estimate. 3. Annual reporting: You'll receive a form (SSA-632) at the beginning of each year to report your previous year's earnings. 4. Once your mother's benefits terminate in October, your earnings will no longer matter for Social Security purposes until you decide to file for your own retirement benefits in the future. 5. Keep documentation of all your communications with SSA (dates, representative names, what was discussed). The earnings test can be confusing, but in your case, focusing on the monthly limit until October is the correct approach.

When my husband passed a few years ago, I had a similar situation with the earnings test. My main advice is to OVER-report rather than under-report. I called SSA at the beginning of the year, mid-year when my income changed, and then again near year-end. It was annoying but I never had an overpayment issue. Just make sure you're tracking everything. Also, don't forget that your children's benefits continue until they graduate high school (if they're still in school at 18) - you'll need to complete some additional paperwork for that extension.