Will selling personal items on eBay affect my Social Security survivor benefits before FRA?

i went thru this last year! as long as ur just selling personal stuff u already own, it doesn't count as earnings. only actual wages or self-employment income counts for the earnings test. ur good to declutter and sell!!

The previous comment is generally correct, but I want to add some important clarification about how Social Security treats income. For the Annual Earnings Test that applies to survivor benefits before FRA, SSA only counts wages and net earnings from self-employment. Selling personal items you've owned for years would typically be considered disposal of personal assets, not earnings. However, be cautious if your eBay selling becomes frequent or looks like a business activity. If you start purchasing items specifically to resell them or your activity looks like a regular business, SSA might view that as self-employment income. Also, while not related to the earnings test, if you make substantial profits (selling items for more than you paid), there could potentially be capital gains tax implications - though that's an IRS issue, not a Social Security one.

I sell stuff on eBay all the time and I'm on survivor benefits too. Just make sure you keep it casual - I got flagged once because I was selling too many items in the same category (had my late husband's entire baseball card collection) and they thought I was running a store! Had to explain to SSA it was a one-time cleanout. So maybe space out your listings if you have a lot of similar items.

My sister had a HUGE problem with this last year!!!! SSA counted her eBay sales and reduced her benefits! She had to go through a whole appeal process. NIGHTMARE!!!!

If you're worried about it, you can always call Social Security directly to confirm this won't affect your benefits. I tried calling them last month about a similar question and was on hold for over 2 hours before getting disconnected. Absolutely infuriating! I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Totally worth it to get a definitive answer directly from SSA rather than wondering if you're doing the right thing.

I don't think anyone mentioned this... but what about tax implications of selling on eBay? Doesn't eBay send a 1099 form if you sell over a certain amount now? Would that mess up your benefits if SSA sees that report?

My friend's mom got in big trouble with SSA for selling stuff online while getting benefits. Just be careful is all I'm saying.

I totally understand wanting to downsize! When my husband died I had to move from our house to an apartment and it was overwhelming dealing with 30 years of stuff. Just take it slow and be kind to yourself during the process. Downsizing after losing a spouse is emotional on so many levels.

To summarize what's been discussed: Casual selling of personal possessions on eBay generally doesn't count as earnings for the Social Security earnings test that applies to survivor benefits before FRA. However: 1. If your selling activity becomes regular enough to be considered a business, it could count as self-employment income 2. If you receive a 1099-K for sales over $600 in a year, be prepared to explain on your tax return that these were personal items sold at a loss 3. Keep basic records of what you sold and that these were personal items owned for some time 4. Space out listings if selling multiple similar items to avoid appearing like a business This situation is common, and SSA understands the difference between disposing of personal property versus running a business.

I'm going through a similar situation right now! I'm 59 and on survivor benefits, and I've been slowly selling things on eBay as I prepare to downsize. Based on my research and conversations with SSA, selling personal belongings you've owned for years definitely doesn't count toward the earnings limit. The key is that you're not buying items to resell or running it like a business. One thing I've found helpful is keeping a simple spreadsheet of what I sell - just the item, sale price, and a note that it was a personal possession. Nothing fancy, but it gives me peace of mind in case there are ever any questions. Also, most of my items sell for way less than what I originally paid anyway! The downsizing process is emotionally tough, but it's also been kind of freeing to let go of things that were just taking up space. Good luck with your move - you're definitely on the right track asking these questions upfront!

I'm also a survivor benefits recipient and went through this exact concern when I started selling items online. What really helped me was understanding that the Social Security Administration draws a clear line between "disposal of personal property" and "business activity." Since you're selling things you and your husband collected over the years rather than buying items to flip for profit, you're definitely in the clear. I've sold everything from furniture to jewelry to books over the past two years without any issues with my benefits. One tip that might help: if you're selling valuable collectibles, consider taking photos of them in your home before listing them. This creates a simple record showing these were personal possessions if you ever need to demonstrate they weren't business inventory. It's probably overkill, but it gave me extra peace of mind. The downsizing journey is tough emotionally, but you're being smart to ask these questions upfront. Wishing you the best with your move!

I'm so glad you asked this question because I was worried about the same thing! I'm 61 and also receiving survivor benefits. Last year I needed to sell some of my late wife's art supplies and craft materials on various platforms including eBay, and I was terrified it would affect my benefits. After doing a lot of research and eventually speaking with an SSA representative, I learned that selling personal belongings you've owned doesn't count toward the earnings test. The key distinction is that you're not engaged in a trade or business - you're simply disposing of personal property. I kept simple records showing these were personal items (not business inventory), and I made sure to space out my listings so it didn't look like I was running a store. Most items sold for far less than their original value anyway. One thing that really helped me was framing this as "estate management" rather than "selling stuff." When you lose a spouse, you often inherit a household's worth of duplicate items and things that no longer fit your new living situation. Selling these items is a normal part of adjusting to your new circumstances, not earning income. Best of luck with your downsizing - it's emotionally challenging but necessary work.

I'm in a very similar situation - 63 and on survivor benefits, trying to sort through decades of accumulated belongings before moving to a smaller place. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! What really resonates with me is the distinction everyone's made between disposing of personal property versus running a business. I've been hesitant to start listing items because I wasn't sure where that line was drawn, but it's clear that selling our own possessions - especially at a loss - is completely different from buying things to resell. I particularly appreciate the practical tips about keeping simple records and spacing out listings. The idea of taking photos of items in the home before listing them is brilliant too. These small steps seem like they'd provide good documentation without making the process overly complicated. The emotional support in this thread means a lot as well. Downsizing after losing a spouse really is overwhelming some days. It helps to know others have successfully navigated both the practical and emotional aspects of this process. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and advice - this discussion has given me the confidence to move forward with selling some items without worrying about my benefits!

As someone who recently went through a similar situation at age 64 while on survivor benefits, I wanted to add my experience to this helpful discussion. After my husband passed two years ago, I had to downsize from our family home and faced the same concerns about selling belongings on eBay. I ended up speaking directly with an SSA representative who confirmed what others have shared here - selling personal items you've owned doesn't count toward the earnings test. The representative specifically mentioned that they understand the difference between "liquidating personal assets" and "conducting business activities." What helped me the most was keeping a simple log with three columns: item description, sale price, and "personal property" notation. I also took photos of larger items in our home before listing them, which gave me documentation that these were household belongings, not business inventory. Over 18 months, I sold furniture, collectibles, kitchen items, and clothing without any impact on my benefits. Most items sold for 20-30% of what we originally paid, which actually reinforced that this was asset disposal rather than profit-generating activity. The process was emotionally challenging but also therapeutic in helping me transition to my new living situation. Don't let benefit concerns stop you from doing what you need to do - just keep it clearly personal rather than business-like, and you'll be fine!

I'm new to this community but have been following this discussion with great interest as I'm in a very similar situation. I'm 60 and receiving survivor benefits after losing my husband 8 months ago. I've been putting off dealing with our accumulated belongings because I was worried about the benefit implications, but reading everyone's experiences here has been so helpful and reassuring. What strikes me most is how consistent everyone's experience has been - that selling personal items you've owned for years clearly doesn't count toward the earnings test. The distinction between disposing of personal property versus running a business makes perfect sense when explained that way. I'm particularly grateful for all the practical tips shared here: keeping simple records, spacing out listings, taking photos of items in the home, and framing this as "estate management" or "liquidating personal assets." These strategies seem both manageable and smart for protecting yourself while still being able to move forward with necessary downsizing. The emotional support in this thread has meant a lot too. It's comforting to know that so many others have successfully navigated both the practical and emotional challenges of downsizing after losing a spouse. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly - this discussion has given me the confidence I needed to start this process!

I'm also navigating survivor benefits and downsizing, and this entire discussion has been incredibly valuable! I'm 58 and lost my spouse 6 months ago, and I've been paralyzed by worry about accidentally affecting my benefits while trying to declutter our home. What's been most helpful is seeing how many people have successfully gone through this exact process. The consistent message that selling personal belongings doesn't count as earnings for the SSA earnings test is so reassuring, especially when it comes from people who have actually done it and spoken with SSA representatives. I love all the practical strategies shared here - the simple record-keeping approaches, spacing out listings, taking photos for documentation, and thinking of this as "liquidating personal assets" rather than selling. These make it feel much more manageable and less scary. The emotional aspect resonates deeply too. Going through a lifetime of shared possessions while grieving is overwhelming, but hearing that others found it somewhat therapeutic and freeing gives me hope. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space to discuss these concerns. This thread has given me the confidence to start this necessary but difficult process!

As someone who's been on survivor benefits for about 18 months now, I wanted to chime in with my experience since this question comes up fairly regularly. I went through a major downsizing last year and sold quite a bit on eBay without any issues with my benefits. The key thing I learned is that SSA really does understand the difference between selling your personal belongings versus running a business. I actually called them directly (after a long wait!) and the representative was very clear that disposing of personal property doesn't count toward earnings. What helped me feel more confident was keeping it obviously personal - I sold things at different times rather than all at once, kept basic notes about what I sold, and made sure everything was clearly stuff from our home rather than anything that looked like inventory. Most things sold for way less than we paid anyway. The emotional side is tough, but practically speaking, you're absolutely fine to sell your belongings to prepare for your move. Just keep it casual and don't turn it into a business operation. Good luck with the downsizing - it's hard work but you'll get through it!

I'm so grateful to have found this discussion! I'm 61 and recently started receiving survivor benefits after my wife passed away 4 months ago. Like many of you, I've been overwhelmed by the thought of going through decades of belongings while worrying about accidentally affecting my benefits. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly reassuring. The consistent message that selling personal items you've owned doesn't count toward the earnings test really puts my mind at ease. I especially appreciate the distinction everyone's made between "disposing of personal property" and "running a business" - that framework makes it so much clearer. The practical tips shared here are fantastic too. I'm planning to start with a simple spreadsheet like some of you mentioned, space out my listings, and maybe take photos of items in our home before listing them. Most of our things will probably sell for much less than we paid anyway, which seems to reinforce that this is asset disposal rather than income generation. The emotional support in this thread means so much as well. Four months in, some days I can barely look at certain items, while other days I feel ready to start letting go. Knowing that others found the process somewhat therapeutic gives me hope that this can be part of healing rather than just another overwhelming task. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly - this community is exactly what I needed to find the confidence to start this necessary process!

I'm also dealing with survivor benefits and downsizing, and this discussion has been such a lifeline for me! I'm 59 and lost my husband 7 months ago, and I've been putting off selling anything because I was terrified of somehow jeopardizing my benefits. What's given me the most confidence is seeing how many people here have actually been through this exact situation successfully. The clear distinction between selling personal belongings versus running a business makes perfect sense when explained the way everyone has here. I'm particularly grateful for all the specific strategies shared - keeping simple records, spacing out listings, taking photos for documentation, and thinking of this as "liquidating personal assets." These approaches seem both practical and protective. The emotional validation has been just as important. Going through a lifetime of shared possessions while grieving really is overwhelming, but hearing that others found parts of the process therapeutic and freeing gives me hope that this can be healing rather than just another burden. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space to discuss these concerns. This thread has transformed my anxiety about this process into actual confidence that I can handle both the practical and emotional aspects responsibly. Time to start that simple spreadsheet and begin reclaiming my space!

I'm new to this community and currently navigating survivor benefits myself at age 63. This entire discussion has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! I've been hesitant to start selling some of our accumulated belongings because I wasn't sure about the benefit implications, but reading all these consistent experiences has given me so much confidence. What really stands out to me is how clear the distinction is between disposing of personal property versus running a business. The practical strategies everyone has shared - simple record keeping, spacing out listings, taking photos for documentation - seem so manageable and smart. I'm also grateful for the emotional support in this thread. The downsizing process after losing a spouse really is overwhelming, but hearing that others found parts of it therapeutic gives me hope. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly - this community is exactly what I needed to find the courage to start this necessary but difficult process!