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By Steve Schneider

Social Security News

Many people pick up side jobs when the holiday shopping season comes around. It’s a good way for you to make some extra income during the busy season. Or you can ease back into work if you have been out of the labor force for a while. We’re here to help you navigate seasonal employment if you get Social Security.

You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. But if you’re younger than full retirement age and earn more than certain amounts, your benefits will be reduced, although not dollar for dollar. Your benefits could increase when you reach full retirement age. You can read more about employment while retired at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html.

Special rules make it possible for people that receive Social Security disability benefits to work and still receive benefits. The same goes for or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you want to try working again, seasonal work could help you ease back into the work force. Read Working While Disabled at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095.pdf or visit our Ticket to Work website at https://choosework.ssa.gov for more information.

We also have an easy-to-share video introducing people to Ticket to Work at choosework.ssa.gov/library/meet-ben-an-introduction-to-ticket-to-work.

Keep in mind that you must report all earnings, including your seasonal earnings, to Social Security. Your earnings also count toward your future benefits. You earn Social Security credits when you work in a job and pay Social Security taxes. We use your total yearly earnings to figure your Social Security credits. You can learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10072.pdf.

Employment can bring positive change to your life in many ways, providing independence and community involvement. Social Security is here to help. Please share this information with friends and family.

Steve Schneider is the Social Security manager in Middlesboro.