When are Social Security checks potentially loans and not benefits? Why, when you have “excess earnings” of course. In today’s economy, many senior citizens still work during their “retirement” either because they want to or, all too often, because they must to make ends meet. Retirees who want to work as well as collect social security retirement benefits must plan their compensation carefully if they want to avoid losing some or all of their social security benefits.
In order to collect social security “old age” benefits, you must be “retired.” Congress has reasoned that if you earn more than a specified amount, you are not “retired” and, therefore, are subject to having some or all of your benefits eliminated. Congress does allow you some earnings before your benefits are jeopardized.
The amount of allowable earnings depends on your age. If you are over 65, there is no limit on the amount you may earn and still collect your full benefit. If you are at least 62, but younger than 65, you may earn up to $12,480 in 2006 before your benefits are affected. The earnings limit is adjusted each...