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Hernando Today

Social Security Sets No Restrictions On Earnings After Turning 66

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By ADON TAFT, Life to the Fullest

Hernando Today

Published: October 20, 2008

QUESTION: I am 64 years of age and collect Social Security disability payments. When I turn 66 years of age, does it turn into regular Social Security and, if it does, would I be allowed to be employed?

T.K.
Visiting Spring Hill from Ronkonkoma, N.Y.

ANSWER: You are correct in thinking that your Social Security disability payments automatically will become Social Security retirement benefits when you are 66 years old.
There are no restrictions on earnings for anyone who is 66 or older. In fact, if your annual earnings are greater than your earlier earnings, it may increase your benefit.
Before reaching age 66, those who are disabled and receiving Social Security benefits are encouraged to work if they are able. After a trial period, they may earn up to $940 a month for a limited number of years without affecting their benefit.
People who are not disabled who take Social Security at age 62 or at any time after that up to age 66 can work but their benefits would be reduced by $1 for every $2 they earn more than $13,560. During the year they turn 66, their benefit would be reduced $1 for every $3 they earn above that amount until the month they actually become 66. After that age, there are no restrictions on earnings.

QUESTION: My husband was drawing disabled Social Security benefits when he died. I am working at the current time and I was wondering, if I became disabled, would I draw disabled Social Security benefits based on my earnings or would it be from his earnings, which were more than mine. We have no dependent children.

P.C.
Lexington, Ky.

ANSWER: Disability payments always are based on your own work record. However, although you don't give your age, you may be eligible for a widow's benefit based on your husband's work record. If you are at least 60 years of age, you would be entitled to a widow's benefit. At your age of 66, thatamount would be the same as what your husband would have been entitled to at age 66 (which is what his disability payments amounted to) if that is greater than what your benefit based on your own work record would be. That benefit would be reduced slightly for each month you are younger than 66 when you apply for the benefit.

QUESTION: My husband is 63 and is receiving Social Security disability payments. Will his monthly amount change when he is 66?

S.J.
Spring Hill

ANSWER: No. Disability payments are based on the amount the recipient would be entitled to as a retirement benefit at full retirement age.

*****

CORRECTION: Alert reader Jean Maleary, a faithful reader of the online edition of Hernando Today in Little Clacton, Essex, England, pointed out that in a recent column on universal health care, I misidentified Werner Christie. He is the former minister of health in Norway, not in England.

If you have questions about any issues connected with aging, except medical conditions, please write to Life to the Fullest, Hernando Today, 15299 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, Fla. 34613, or send e-mail to adontaft@yahoo.com. Please include your name and address.

Adon Taft is a resident of Brooksville.

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