Skip to main content
Help Join 2M+ Members
Ask Rusty · Social Security Q&A

Working while collecting Social Security

The earnings limit, benefits withheld and returned, and how continuing to work affects your Social Security.

Ask your question Free Social Security consultation
Browse the column

Working while collecting: questions and answers

18 questions answered

  1. I’m Still Working; Why Didn’t I Get a Higher Social Security Benefit?

    May 4, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    Although you contributed to SS since you started receiving SS benefits, those contributions do not affect your monthly SS benefit. 

  2. I’m Still Working; Why Didn’t my Benefit Amount Increase?

    Feb 9, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    One seems cheated given the SS taxes paid on income received after applying for benefits without any consideration for that income.

  3. Why Hasn’t My SS Benefit Changed Because I Am Still Working?

    Jul 28, 2025 · Ask Rusty

    Why Hasn’t My SS Benefit Changed Because I Am Still Working? - Ask Rusty

  4. Can I Switch to a Taxi Driver Job Without Hurting my Social Security?

    Jun 30, 2025 · Ask Rusty

    Can I Switch to a Taxi Driver Job Without Hurting my Social Security? - Ask Rusty

  5. Can My Husband Work Part Time and Collect Social Security?

    Jun 9, 2025 · Ask Rusty

    Can My Husband Work Part Time and Collect Social Security? - Ask Rusty

  6. What Counts for Social Security’s Earnings Limit?

    Jan 16, 2023 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – What Counts for Social Security’s Earnings Limit?

  7. Can I Get Survivor Benefits While Still Working?

    Dec 19, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – Can I Get Survivor Benefits While Still Working?

  8. I’m 78 and Still Working; Should I Apply for Social Security?

    Jul 18, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – I’m 78 and Still Working; Should I Apply for Social Security?

  9. About Working While Collecting Early Benefits

    Jul 4, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – About Working While Collecting Early Benefits

  10. About the Earnings Test and Taxation of Social Security Benefits

    Apr 4, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – About the Earnings Test and Taxation of Social Security Benefits

  11. My Husband Still Works; Must He Enroll in Medicare at age 65?

    Mar 14, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – My Husband Still Works; Must He Enroll in Medicare at age 65?

  12. How Do I Get Back Benefits Withheld Due to the Earnings Limit?

    Jan 10, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – How Do I Get Back Benefits Withheld Due to the Earnings Limit?

  13. About Paying SS Tax While Still Working

    Nov 1, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    About Paying SS Tax While Still Working - Ask Rusty

  14. About Working While Collecting Early Social Security Benefits

    Mar 1, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    About Working While Collecting Early Social Security Benefits - Ask Rusty

  15. Do COVID-19 Bonuses Count Toward the Earnings Limit?

    Jan 11, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    Do COVID-19 Bonuses Count Toward the Earnings Limit? - Ask Rusty

  16. About the “Earnings Test” and “Registering” with Social Security

    May 11, 2020 · Ask Rusty

    About the “Earnings Test” and “Registering” with Social Security - Ask Rusty

  17. How Can We Change Social Security’s Earnings Limit?

    Dec 16, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    How Can We Change Social Security’s Earnings Limit? - Ask Rusty

  18. Income Tax on Social Security vs. the Earnings Test

    Oct 15, 2019 · Ask Rusty

    Income Tax on Social Security vs. the Earnings Test - Ask Rusty