Comments for Rebel Retirement

Comment on Don’t Worry if You Exceed the Social Security Earnings Limit by Yoga Woman

Yoga Woman — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 03:53:41 +0000

In reply to Tim.

Hi Tim, Yes, I would contact them and explain that you will not be earning the full $34,000 as in 2025. However, they will withhold benefits until you satisfy what’s been overpaid in benefits. If this will create a financial hardship, ask for a pay back arrangement. I don’t know if they will need monthly proof of earnings. A SSA rep would be the best person to answer that.

Best,
Marlene

Comment on Don’t Worry if You Exceed the Social Security Earnings Limit by Tim

Tim — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:04:23 +0000

Hello, I’m 62 started my SS in November of 2025 but they have suspended my benefits because I made $34,000 at my full time job. I plan on working part time at some point in 2026 to get under the income limit of $24,800. My question is, if I call the SS Administation can I tell them I will be making under the limit for the year even though technically I’m still working full time still will I then start to receive benefits? With it being my first year of my earning test do they need monthly proof that I’m under the $2040 monthly limit does it matter what I say as long as I tell them ill be under the yearly income limit.

Comment on Don’t Worry if You Exceed the Social Security Earnings Limit by Kathryn Stannard

Kathryn Stannard — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:03:57 +0000

I disagree that you can count on SSA. I started collecting and reported anticipated earnings of $38,000 to be earned during the course of the entire year. Instead of reducing my SSA they suspended it – without that income I was forced to return to full time work and reported income of $54,000 but they never entered the new amount so I started getting payments again – and now expected income of $90,000 so they sent me another SSA payment…I called, wrote, and went on-line to get them to STOP since I didn’t want to pay taxes on money I would have to repay. They have stopped and sent me a letter letting me know I had to pay back all they sent me for the year…ok. but no instuctions on repayment or appeal notice…just a bill for already paid Medicare. I am still so frustrated and wish I had other options…they don’t know what they are doing and I don’t trust that they ever will get it right.

Comment on Don’t Worry if You Exceed the Social Security Earnings Limit by Ava

Ava — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 22:58:44 +0000

In reply to Marlene, Yoga Woman.

Thanks so much for explaining that the “penalties” for exceeding the yearly earnings are not benefits that are actually “lost” because their full value is returned to you by S.S. through a recalculation of your monthly benefit amount, starting the January following your FRA. It really seems to be a deferment rather than a penalty. This is misleading to retirees and creates more tension at the time of making retirement choices.

I’m assuming that 24 months of “penalties” simply equate to a person filing 24 months later than they actually did when calculating their monthly benefit.

This really gives me peace of mind about timing my filing for benefits. Thanks.

Comment on Don’t Worry if You Exceed the Social Security Earnings Limit by Adam

Adam — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 20:43:33 +0000

In reply to Liz C. What you say is true but also dont forget for each year you delay collecting your monthly payout will be higher. Thats why i intend to start collecting at age 63. My pay out will be over $100/month higher at age 63.