Q. I'm 64, working full time and not on Social Security. If I retire around June, will my earnings from earlier this year prevent me from starting Social Security retirement?
A. You still can start your Social Security retirement. Based on calendar year earnings levels, the annual earnings test limits benefits payable to people younger than their full retirement age. Since people retire at all times during a year, there is a one-time special rule that considers earnings on a monthly basis rather than the calendar year. Using this one-time monthly rule, you can receive retirement for months you are retired this year, regardless of your yearly earnings. For more information, log on to www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html .
Economic Recovery
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provides for a one-time payment of $250 to people receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits. Payments will be issued in May, separately from your Social Security or SSI benefit. This payment is automatic and will be sent the same way your regular benefits are received. People with direct deposit will receive it electronically, while people receiving paper checks will receive their payments in the mail. No action is required on your part.
For more information, call (800) 772-1213 or (800) 325-0778 for the hearing impaired. More information also is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/payment .
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General information questions can be sent to Howard I. Kossover, SSA, 402 DeMers Ave, Suite 300,Grand Forks ND 58201; phone (701) 772-5518 ext. 200; fax: (701) 772-8622; e-mail: howard.kossover@ssa.gov . Please include the name of the paper in which you read the article. General information also is available on the agency Web site, www.socialsecurity.gov , or by calling the national toll-free number, (800) 772-1213.
