Will survivor benefits be reduced if I earn under $24,000 at age 60?

I went through this exact situation last year! Yes, survivor benefits WILL be reduced if you're under your Full Retirement Age and earning income. The earnings limit for 2025 is around $23,340 (increases a bit each year), and SSA deducts $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. Even though you're planning to earn just under the limit, be SUPER careful not to go over it - even a small year-end bonus could push you over and trigger reductions. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an SSA agent quickly when I had questions about this - saved me hours of waiting on hold. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

my mom got survivors at 60 and still worked. they took some of her benfits when she made too much but she got it back later when she hit full retiremnet age. sorry dont know the exact amount tho

There are a few important details about the survivor benefits earnings test that you should know: 1. The annual earnings limit for 2025 for those under Full Retirement Age (FRA) is $23,340 2. SSA will deduct $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit 3. Only wages and self-employment income count toward this limit (not investment income, pensions, etc.) 4. The earnings limit is higher in the year you reach FRA, and disappears completely once you reach FRA If you're planning to earn just under $24,000, you'll likely face a small reduction. I'd recommend planning to stay under $23,340 to avoid any reductions. Also, remember that any benefits withheld aren't truly lost - they're added back when you reach your FRA, resulting in a higher monthly benefit.

They absolutely reduce your benefits AND they make you pay that money back! The whole system is rigged against anyone who needs to work. I was forced to pay back over $4,500 in "overpayments" because I earned just a little over their precious limit. Then they wanted it all back at once!!! Good luck getting a straight answer from anyone at SSA too - every person tells you something different!!!

My experience with survivor benefits and the earnings test was pretty straightforward. I reported my estimated earnings when I applied, and SSA withheld some payments at the beginning of the year as a precaution. Then they adjusted throughout the year based on my actual earnings. Just make sure you're upfront about your expected income when you apply, and you shouldn't have any surprises. One thing to keep in mind - the month you turn 60 is the first month you're eligible, but your first payment would be for the next month. So if your birthday is in April, your first payment would be for May, paid in June. This is important for your budget planning.

I think theres a different limit in the first year you claim benefits. Somethin' about monthly earnings instead of yearly. You should call and ask specifically about that because it might affect how much you can work right after you turn 60.

I've been managing survivor benefits while working part-time for almost two years now. Here's what I've found works best: 1. Track your income carefully - I use a simple spreadsheet to make sure I don't go over the limit 2. Report any significant changes in your expected earnings to SSA promptly 3. Set aside some money from each benefit payment in case you accidentally exceed the limit 4. Remember that only earned income counts - not investments, rental income, etc. Also, if your health insurance is the main reason you're continuing to work, you might want to calculate whether the benefit reduction from earning more is offset by the value of the insurance. Sometimes it makes financial sense to earn a bit more even with the reduction.

does anyone know if they count overtime pay toward the limit? my boss sometimes asks me to cover extra shifts

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I feel much better prepared now. I'm going to make sure I stay under that $23,340 limit to avoid any reductions. I'll also make sure to be very clear about my expected earnings when I apply, and keep track of everything with a spreadsheet as suggested. The timing of payments is also good to know for my budget planning. Really appreciate all the advice!