Social Security monthly earnings limit confusion - can I exceed $1,950 some months if annual total stays under $23,400?

The monthly limit only applies during the first year u claim benefits. So if u go over $1950 in some months but stay under the annual limit for the whole year, SSA won't care. They just look at the total. Just make sure u report your estimated earnings when u apply and update them if things change.

There's actually an important distinction here. The monthly earnings test applies ONLY in the first calendar year you receive benefits. Since you're starting in February 2025, the monthly test would apply for calendar year 2025. For the months you receive benefits in 2025, if you earn over $1,950 in any month, you could lose benefits for that specific month, EVEN IF your annual earnings are below $23,400. This is a common misunderstanding. However, there's a special rule for the first year. SSA will pay a full benefit for any month you're "substantially retired" - meaning you earn less than the monthly limit OR don't perform "substantial services" in self-employment, regardless of how much you earn in other months. I recommend calling SSA directly to discuss your specific situation, as this can get complicated with variable earnings.

To clarify: Yes, in your first calendar year of receiving benefits (2025 in your case), the monthly earnings test DOES apply. This means for any month in 2025 that you earn over $1,950, you could have benefits withheld for that specific month, even if your annual total stays under $23,400. Starting in 2026, only the annual limit would apply. This is directly from SSA's rules about the retirement earnings test: "In the first year that you work and receive benefits, we use a monthly earnings test. This means that regardless of your yearly earnings, you can receive a check for any month that you earn less than the monthly limit amount."

Everyone's missing a key detail here. The monthly earnings test only applies in a PARTIAL year of retirement. Since you're starting benefits in February and working all year, you're under the ANNUAL test, not the monthly test. The monthly test is for people who retire mid-year (like if you worked January-July, then retired completely in August and started benefits then). From SSA's website: "In the first year of retirement, the Social Security Administration counts earnings for that year on a monthly basis. That's because many people retire in mid-year, having already earned more than the annual exempt amount." Since you're working throughout the year (just with varying income), you'll be fine as long as your total stays under $23,400. I went through this exact situation when I retired at 63 and continued part-time consulting.

I had THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM last year!!! The SSA website is SO confusing on this. I started my benefits in March 2024 and was working part time at Walmart. They kept scheduling me more hours during holidays and I went over the monthly limit twice but stayed under the yearly amount. SSA TOOK AWAY my benefits for those 2 months!!! Had to go through a whole thing to get them back. CALL THEM DIRECTLY and get it in writing!!!!!

I've called SSA about this exact issue when helping my brother with his retirement planning. The agent confirmed that if you're working throughout the year (not retiring mid-year), they apply the annual limit. But here's the thing - reaching an agent who actually understands the nuances can be nearly impossible with wait times. I discovered a service called Claimyr that got me through to an SSA agent in under 20 minutes. They basically navigate the SSA phone system for you. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or just visit claimyr.com. It saved me hours of hold time frustration. Definitely worth getting clarification directly from SSA on this since your specific work pattern might affect how they view your situation.

My sister in law works for SSA and she told me the monthly test is ONLY for the first year you start benefits AND only if you aren't working the whole year. If you're working jan-dec, even part time with different amounts each month, they just look at the annual total. Don't stress about the monthly amounts as long as your total stays under $23,400!

just wondering why ur starting benefits before FRA anyway? dont u get more money if u wait? my dad waited till 67 and got way more

Did u check with ur employer? my cousin got messed up cuz her company reported her earnings differently than she thought and she ended up going over the limit without realizing it. might wanna double check how they'll report ur income during tax season