You can get Social Security retirement benefits and work at the same time. However, if you are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce your benefits. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, we will not reduce your benefits no matter how much you earn.
The earnings limit for people reaching their “full” retirement age in 2025 will increase to $62,160. (We deduct $1 from benefits for each $3 earned over $62,160 until the month the worker turns “full” retirement age.) There is no limit on earnings for workers who are "full" retirement age or older for the entire year.
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.
Some American workers do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Workers who don't accrue the requisite 40 credits (roughly 10 years of employment) are not eligible for Social Security. Some government and railroad employees are not eligible for Social Security.
Starting in the month you hit your full retirement age, there is no longer an earnings limit. Your benefits will no longer be reduced regardless of how much income you have. The earnings limit specifically applies to earnings from wages or self-employment.
Here are some of the most common reasons for a denial of Social Security benefits: Your monthly income exceeds $940. Your disability will last less than a year. You failed to heed your doctor's instructions.
Indeed, here are three ways you can lose at least part of your Social Security benefit. No. 1: Keep working while taking benefits early. No. 2: Be a substantially lower-earning spouse. No. 3: Be alive in 2034. Social Security still provides an important foundation for retirement.
Age 62 or older, or a person with a disability or blindness. "Insured" by having enough work credits. For applications filed December 1, 1996, or later, you must either be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present noncitizen in order to receive monthly Social Security benefits.