Working While You’re Collecting Social Security

Early Social Security claims may shrink your benefits—here’s what to know before you file.
Working While You’re Collecting Social Security
Claiming Social Security early could cost you—especially if you’re still working. Rix Pix Photography/Shutterstock
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Choosing when to collect Social Security retirement benefits is a consequential decision. It will affect your finances for the rest of your life. You’ll be able to claim reduced retirement benefits as early as 62.

In fact, in 2022, nearly 30 percent of new Social Security beneficiaries began receiving benefits at age 62, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. The full retirement age (FRA) for those born in 1960 or later is 67, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Although you can claim the benefits early, there are drawbacks. And one of them relates to any continued employment.

Social Security Earnings Test

You can receive Social Security or survivors’ benefits and work at the same time. But the Social Security earnings test will be applied to you.
Anne Johnson
Anne Johnson
Author
Anne Johnson was a commercial property and casualty insurance agent for nine years. She was also licensed in health and life insurance. She went on to own an advertising agency, where she worked with businesses. She has been writing about personal finance for 10 years.