Social Security earnings test when switching from survivor to retirement benefits mid-year - which test applies?

The earnings test depends on your age. At 67, you'll be at Full Retirement Age (FRA) in August, which means the earnings test no longer applies once you reach your FRA month, regardless of which benefit you're receiving. For January through July, the annual earnings test would apply to your survivor benefits (currently $21,240/year for 2024, likely higher for 2025), but once you hit your FRA month in August, you're free from the earnings test completely.

The SSA rules can be so confusing! When I switched from disability to retirement, I had a similar question. What worked for me was using Claimyr to get through to a specialized SSA agent who knew about these transition rules. I was on hold for days until I found their service (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an agent in under 15 minutes who explained everything clearly. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Completely worth it for complicated situations like benefit transitions.

Your case is actually more complex than the first response suggests. You're dealing with TWO transitions in 2025: 1. January: Started receiving survivor benefits while under FRA 2. August: Reaching FRA AND switching to your own retirement benefits For the period from January-July, the annual earnings limit would normally apply to your survivor benefits. However, since you're switching benefit types in August (the same month you reach FRA), you may qualify for the monthly earnings test for the remainder of the year. But here's the critical point: since you're at FRA in August, the earnings test NO LONGER APPLIES regardless of which benefit you're receiving. So in practice, you only need to worry about January-July earnings exceeding the annual limit (prorated for 7 months). Talk to a Technical Expert at SSA who specializes in these transitions - not just a regular claims rep.

I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT SAME NIGHTMARE last year!!! The SSA reps gave me 3 DIFFERENT ANSWERS and I ended up having to repay $4,500 because they calculated it wrong the first time!!! Make sure you GET IT IN WRITING whatever they tell you. The monthly test SHOULD apply when you switch benefits (thats what the law says) but some of their computers don't process it right. I had to file an appeal and it took 5 MONTHS to resolve!!!

My sister did something similar. What matters is your age not which benefit. After FRA no earnings test at all. Before FRA the annual test applies unless you first claim benefits mid-year then the monthly test can apply for remainder of that first year only. But once you hit FRA nothing matters anymore - earn all you want.

i thought survivor benefits had different rules than retirement? my husband died 3 years ago and i was told the earnings limits were different but maybe the rules changed

I spoke with a different SSA rep yesterday who had a totally different explanation! She said that since I'm starting the year on survivor benefits, the annual test applies to the entire year regardless of switching to retirement benefits. But she also wasn't 100% sure and suggested I make an appointment with a Technical Expert. This is so frustrating when even SSA staff give contradicting information!

To clarify for everyone in this thread: 1. The earnings test is based on age, not benefit type 2. Once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test no longer applies regardless of benefit type 3. The monthly earnings test only applies in the calendar year you first become entitled to benefits 4. Switching from one benefit type to another doesn't trigger a new application of the monthly test Since the original poster is reaching FRA in August 2025, they need to be concerned about the earnings test for January-July only. After that, they can earn unlimited amounts without affecting either benefit type.

just wanted to say thanks for asking this question, im in almost same situation but switching in october. this thread is really helpful