You May Be Able to Work and Receive Social Security Benefits
Reading Time: 3 MinutesLast Updated: May 22, 2025
“Can I work and get benefits?” is perhaps one of the most common questions we’re asked. The answer depends on your age and your earnings.
Our rules about working and getting retirement, spouse, or survivor benefits are based on earnings limits. If you’re getting benefits now (or will in the future) and plan to work, you should understand these limits so you can avoid being overpaid.
When you receive benefits from us, you must report any changes that could affect your eligibility or payment amount. That includes changes in your work. Overpayments can occur if you underestimate your earnings or don’t report your earnings in a timely fashion.
Note: If you receive Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments, different rules apply. You must report all your earnings to us.
Annual earnings limits
These are the earnings rules if you receive retirement, spouse, or survivor benefits.
- If you are younger than full retirement age (referred to as FRA) for the entire year, you can earn up to $23,400 in 2025, and your benefits will not be reduced. If you told us you expect to earn more than $23,400 in 2025, we will deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn above the annual limit.
- If you reach FRA in 2025, you can earn up to $62,160 between January and your birthday month. We will deduct $1 from your benefits for each $3 you earn above $62,160 until the month you reach FRA.
- If you are full retirement age or older, there is no earnings limit.
Only your wages count toward the earnings limit. We don’t count pensions, annuities, investment income, interest, veterans or other government benefits. If you’re self-employed, we consider only your net earnings from self-employment.
Special monthly rule
If you retire mid-year, you may already have earned more than the annual earnings limit ($23,400 in 2025). That’s why there is a special rule that may apply the first year of retirement. Under this rule, your benefits will not be reduced if you earn less than $1,950 in each of the remaining months.
For examples of how the rules work, read “How Work Affects Your Benefits.” You may also want to use our earnings test calculator to determine how your earnings could affect your benefit payments.
We adjust your benefits based on the earnings estimate you provided. If your earnings will be different from what you originally told us, let us know right away by calling 1-800-772-1213. Timely reporting of any changes can help us pay you the correct amount. Next year your employer will report to us your actual 2025 earnings. If you receive payments you aren’t eligible for, we’re required by law to adjust your benefits or recover the overpayment.
Your benefits may increase based on your earnings
If we withhold some of your benefits due to your earnings, your benefit amount will increase when you reach FRA.
Your earnings from work may also increase your monthly amount. Each year we automatically review the records for everyone getting benefits who work. If your latest year of earnings are one of your highest years, we’ll refigure your benefit and pay you any increase you are due.
To learn more, visit our Receiving Benefits While Working page.
Please help us spread the message by sharing this information with your family, friends and others who may want to work and get Social Security.
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john
I was told max I can work each month is $1860.00, here it is saying a person can make $1950.00 a month , which is true?
Jhon
This is an eye-opening read. Spouse entitlement to pensions often seems straightforward, but there are so many scenarios where things can become complicated. For example, second marriages, children from previous relationships, and ex-spouses with legal claims can all affect the outcome. One thing I think should be emphasized more is the importance of legal advice and clear documentation. Simply assuming your spouse will inherit your pension could be a costly mistake. I was surprised to learn how some private pensions require the spouse to apply within a certain time frame after death. Missing deadlines or not knowing where to start can cause unnecessary delays.
My question is: In the case of a remarried pension holder, how are pension benefits typically divided between a current spouse and a former spouse who may have a court order?
Maria L.
“This article provides clear and helpful information. It’s encouraging to know that working while receiving Social Security benefits is possible under certain conditions. Thanks for the insight!
Audrey P.
Can I get SSDI after my SS payments have been suspended?
Shelia S.
I work 30hrs a week on SSDI will my disability be cut
Derrick F.
How many hours am able to work people have told me 20 hours a week is this true
Julie S.
How much can a person on SSA make?
Alexandre
This article provides a clear and valuable explanation for anyone wondering whether they can continue working while receiving Social Security benefits. I appreciate how it breaks down the earnings limits by age and retirement status, and the inclusion of the special monthly rule is especially helpful for those retiring mid-year. It’s great to know that benefits can increase later based on continued work. Thank you for making this important information so accessible!
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Scarlett
Well said. I thought the same thing.
Wesley
I’m 65 _ on disability, soon 66 would it be worth it to apply for standard at this time . Would I get more than disability on retirement. .if so. How much.? Or will I get more waiting until 67.
Tanya R.
It’s up to you. Disability benefits automatically convert to retirements at full retirement age.
Michelle P.
My brother is on disability and why wa s Medicaid taken away ahead income was cut btabout 500 dollars how is he supposed to live.
Sincerely his sister Michelle
Lenora M.
My name is Lenora Moody-Oliver. I’m on Disability. I want to know how many ours a week I can work. I don’t have enough money to last me through the month and there is no one willing to help me ,
Rik
I’m in the same situation. I don’t receive my deposit until the last Wednesday of each month because of the last number of my social security number, that means I’m already late on bills and need to pay late fees and overdraft fees at bank. I can not receive EBT or another assistance because they say I make $100 ,over limit. I and my disabled son have approximately 8 doctors appointments per month, just got of hospital after 3 weeks, no help. I’m now on a feeding tube permanent because the diease took my ability to eat away. They are coming to repo car tomorrow, our closest doctor are 30 miles away. I have no idea what I’m going to do. I definitely understand
debbie t.
Please send more information on the home clean-up