Can I work part-time and still collect Social Security?
How Earnings Affect Benefits
If you're under full retirement age (FRA) and collecting Social Security, the Retirement Earnings Test applies. For 2025, the limit is $23,400 per year. If you earn more, $1 is withheld for every $2 above the limit.
In the year you reach FRA, a higher limit applies ($62,160 in 2025) and only earnings before the month you reach FRA count. After you reach FRA, you can earn any amount without reduction.
Withheld benefits aren't lost forever. When you reach FRA, your monthly benefit is recalculated to account for the months benefits were withheld, so you gradually get the money back.
What Counts as Earnings
Only wages from a job or net self-employment income count toward the earnings limit. Pensions, investments, and other retirement income do not count.
If you're self-employed, the test is based on your net earnings. If you're an employee, it's your gross wages before deductions.
- Report your estimated earnings to Social Security when you start or change jobs.
- Keep track of your earnings to avoid overpayment.
- If you earn more than expected, you may need to repay some benefits.
- Consider delaying benefits until FRA if you plan to work full-time.
- Use SSA's online calculator to estimate your benefit.
Common mistakes
- Thinking you can't collect Social Security at all if you work part-time; you can, but benefits may be reduced.
- Forgetting to report earnings changes to Social Security, which can lead to overpayments and repayment demands.
- Believing the earnings limit applies after full retirement age; it does not.
