Retirement Earnings Test
Working After Claiming Benefits–The Pros and Cons
Remaining in or rejoining the workforce after claiming Social Security benefits has its upsides, but it also has some cautionary factors to weigh. For example, if you are not yet at your full retirement age, there are limits to the…
The Social Security Retirement Earnings Test–2026 Edition
Today’s headline post on this site discusses the Social Security Retirement Earnings Test, specifically noting the positive implications of its elimination. For those who’ve claimed their benefits before their full retirement age and are wondering exactly what this test means…
The COLA Adequacy Argument and Retirement
The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to Social Security benefits is intended to maintain at least some degree of financial stability for seniors in their retirement years. Good intention, but does it succeed? Many sources suggest it does not meet…
Retirement Earnings Test Increase for 2026
Many Social Security benefit recipients who have not yet reached their full retirement age (FRA) but continue working are aware (or should be) of the Retirement Earnings Test, which limits the amount of income they can earn before benefits are…
Claiming Social Security while working can reduce your benefits.
This is true (emphasis on “can”), but many folks mistakenly believe that no matter how old you are, you shouldn’t take Social Security when you’re working because you’ll lose benefits. This misunderstanding is most likely attributed to the Social Security Administration’s…
Dissecting the Social Security Earnings Test
The Social Security Earnings Test severely limits the ability of early retirees to earn income without having their benefits reduced. Because of this provision, many older Americans are forced out of the workplace when they would otherwise continue contributing to…
The Retirement Earnings Test and the Probelms it can Cause
Social Security has quite a few nuances, many of which go unnoticed until they turn into problems for beneficiaries. The Social Security Retirement Earnings Test is one such nuance. Social Security regulations stipulate that upon beginning retirement, spousal, or survivor…
Examining the Retirement Earnings Test
Social Security regulations stipulate that upon beginning retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits, beneficiaries are considered “retired” and expected to leave the workforce. Current regulations allow for continued earning from employment for those who claim benefits before their full retirement age…
Ask Rusty – About When to Claim Social Security and Taxation of Benefits
Dear Rusty: I am 65 and currently working full-time. Can I apply for and start receiving my Social Security benefit? I’d expect to have to pay income tax on it if/when I do. Signed: Curious Worker Dear Curious Worker: If…
The Social Security Earnings Test—Why Does it Exist?
Claiming Social Security retirement benefits early—that is, before full retirement age (FRA)—is still a popular option in retirement finance planning. For some, it offers the opportunity to step out of a difficult work environment and into different, less stressful work.…