Survivor benefits at 60 - will $14 over earnings limit cost me all November/December checks?

I think this hapens a lot, SS reps give dif answers depending who you talk to. I think its the $1 for $2 thing, but not 100% sure. Hope you get a clear answer soon!

You'll only need to pay back the overage amount at the $1 for every $2 over rate. SSA doesn't withhold entire monthly benefits for such small overages. They calculate the exact amount using the formula and either reduce future payments slightly or send you an overpayment notice. The annual earnings test is calculated based on the calendar year. Since you're only starting benefits in November, your entire year's earnings count against the limit, but you'll only have to pay back based on the exact formula. This is a common misunderstanding among SSA representatives. If you call again, specifically ask to speak with a Technical Expert who specializes in retirement and survivors benefits calculations - they'll have more detailed knowledge about the earnings test.

I had a similar situation when claiming widow's benefits two years ago. My earnings were just slightly over the limit. What happened was they sent me a letter the following year after they reviewed my W-2, and I had to pay back a small amount. The important thing to know is they do NOT automatically withhold future checks for tiny overages like yours. That would be ridiculous! The $1 for every $2 over is exactly how they calculate it. Also, are you SURE you'll be over? Have you accounted for all possible deductions? Sometimes things like health insurance premiums, transportation costs, or business expenses can reduce your countable earnings.

Here's what's happening: When you exceed the annual earnings limit by such a small amount ($19), you'll only need to repay $9.50 based on the $1 for $2 rule. However, the confusion comes from HOW they collect it. SSA typically doesn't bill you for tiny amounts like $9.50. Instead, they might: 1. Round it to zero and ignore it completely 2. Apply a small reduction to one future payment 3. Combine it with any future adjustments The representatives giving conflicting information might not be familiar with how the computer system handles these edge cases. One thing to note: if you earn significantly more than expected in Nov/Dec and go further over the limit, that could change things. Source: I worked with retirement claims processing for 15+ years.

I went through EXACTLY this with my husband's survivor benefits!!! Called SSA like 5 times and got 5 different answers! It's MADDENING! I was over by about $45 and they just deducted a small amount from one check the next year. No big deal in the end but the stress of not knowing was AWFUL.

my mom had this happen. they sent her a letter asking for the money back the next year. it wasnt much. dont worry about it

Have you tried using Claimyr? Saved me hours when I had a similar earnings question. Instead of waiting on hold forever, they got me through to a SS agent in 10 minutes. Their video explains it better than I can: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. I found it super helpful for getting to someone knowledgeable who could actually look at my specific case. Just another option if you're tired of the endless hold music!

Just wanted to add - make sure you're using the 2024 earnings limit for survivor benefits at age 60, which is $22,320. Sometimes people use the wrong limit by mistake. And remember that only earned income counts - not investments, pensions, etc.

WAIT! If you're only claiming in November, isn't there some kind of first-year rule where they look at your monthly earnings instead of annual? I feel like there was something special about the first year you claim benefits...