Social Security survivors benefits question - does Airbnb income count toward my earnings limit?

Good news - rental income, including from Airbnb, is generally considered unearned income by Social Security. This means it should NOT count toward your earnings limit for survivors benefits. The earnings limit only applies to wages from a job or net earnings from self-employment. However, there's an important distinction: if you're providing substantial services to your renters beyond just basic property management, the IRS and SSA might consider it self-employment income instead of passive rental income. Based on what you described (just basic cleaning and messaging), it sounds like you're in the passive rental income category, which wouldn't count toward your $23,000 limit.

my sister has airbnb and she gets survivors too, they never counted it as earned income for her. but she doesnt clean it herself she has a cleaning lady. i think as long as your not doing hotel type stuff like cooking breakfast and giving massages lol your fine. i wouldnt worry about it

I'm actually dealing with something similar but with a rental property. I called SSA about this THREE TIMES and got different answers each time!!! So frustrating! First person said rental income doesn't count toward earnings limit, second said it depends on how involved I am with management, third said I should talk to a tax professional. What a waste of my time!!! I ended up hiring an accountant who specializes in Social Security issues, and he confirmed rental income is usually NOT counted for the earnings test unless you're essentially running it like a bed and breakfast where you're providing substantial services.

This is a common question with Airbnb hosts receiving Social Security benefits. Here's the technical breakdown: 1. The Social Security earnings test only applies to EARNED income (wages and self-employment income). 2. Rental income is generally considered UNEARNED income and doesn't count toward your earnings limit. 3. However, the distinction depends on whether you're providing "substantial services" to your guests. If you provide substantial services primarily for your tenants' convenience (like regular cleaning during their stay, breakfast, shuttle services, etc.), the income may be considered self-employment income rather than rental income. Based on what you described (basic cleaning between guests and messaging), your Airbnb income would likely be considered passive rental income that doesn't count toward the $23,000 earnings limit for 2025. For documentation purposes, keep records of exactly what services you provide. The IRS publication 527 covers this distinction in detail.

Wait I thought Airbnb was definitely self employment?? My tax guy said all my airbnb income is self employment because of the 1099 form. Now I'm confused

congrats on the tiny house! been wanting to build one myself 😊 do you mind sharing how much it cost to build? thinking about doing something similar when i retire

Great question about Airbnb income! I work with retirees as a financial advisor, and this comes up frequently. The key factor is your level of involvement: • If you're just renting out property (cleaning between guests, providing linens, basic maintenance) = NOT counted toward earnings limit (unearned income) • If you're providing "substantial services" like daily housekeeping, meals, guided tours, etc. = LIKELY counted as self-employment income toward earnings limit The fact that your only involvement is basic cleaning between guests and messaging puts you firmly in the "rental income" (unearned) category. Just make sure to properly report it on your tax return (typically Schedule E rather than Schedule C). Also, keep in mind that at FRA (Full Retirement Age), which is 67 for most people now, the earnings limit goes away completely. At that point, you can earn as much as you want without affecting benefits.

WATCH OUT with Social Security! They can be really picky about these things and sometimes they make mistakes. My friend lost half her benefits because she didn't report some income correctly and then had to pay everything back! Make sure you document EVERYTHING about your Airbnb and maybe even get something in writing from SSA about your specific situation.