Social Security Earnings Limit

Will my earnings affect my Medicare benefits?

No. If you are age 65 or older, your right to hospital and medical insurance under Medicare is not affected by your earnings.

Will my earnings affect my total family benefits?

Yes. If you receive Social Security benefits as a retired worker, your total family benefits may be affected because of your earnings. This means that Social Security could withhold not only part (or all) of your Social Security checks but also those for members of your family. For more information about family members’ benefits, contact Social Security.

How much Social Security will I get when I retire?

Three months before your birthday, Social Security sends you a statement that estimates your potential benefits. Remember, this is a statement of your earnings and an estimate of your benefits. After receiving your Social Security statement, check carefully to make sure Social Security's records of your earnings match your W-2 statements. It is important that Social Security has your correct earnings information, because this affects how your benefit level is calculated. Any mistake in the record should be reported to Social Security immediately.

Social Security provides several calculators that can be used to estimate your potential benefit amounts using different retirement dates and levels of future earnings. The calculators show your retirement benefits, disability, and survivor benefit amounts. These calculators are available at Social Security Online—Benefit Calculators.

Where can I get more information about Social Security?

For more information about Social Security programs and services, to order publications, apply for benefits, or find an office near your home, visit Social Security Online or call toll-free, 800-772-1213 (for the deaf or hard-of-hearing, call the TTY number, toll-free, 800-325-0778). Social Security answers specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and provides information by automated phone service 24 hours a day.

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