Can You Get Social Security and Retirement at the Same Time?

Social Security retirement benefits are a foundational income stream for many. Individuals often wonder if they can receive these benefits alongside other retirement income. The answer is generally yes, though how different income types influence your Social Security benefits or their taxability requires understanding. This understanding assists in comprehensive retirement planning.

Eligibility and Benefit Commencement Ages

To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, individuals must earn a sufficient number of work credits. These credits accumulate as you work and pay Social Security taxes. In 2025, one credit is earned for every $1,810 in covered earnings, and you can earn a maximum of four credits per year. Most individuals need 40 credits, equivalent to 10 years of work, to establish eligibility for retirement benefits.

The age at which you begin receiving benefits significantly affects the monthly amount. The earliest age to claim Social Security retirement benefits is 62, known as the early retirement age. Claiming benefits at this age results in a permanent reduction in your monthly payment, which can be as much as 30% if your full retirement age is 67.

Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is the age at which you are entitled to receive 100% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is your full benefit based on your earnings history. This age varies depending on your birth year; for those born in 1960 or later, it is 67. Delaying the start of benefits beyond your FRA can lead to increased monthly payments through Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs). For individuals born in 1943 or later, your benefit increases by 8% for each year you delay claiming, up to age 70.

Social Security benefits are calculated based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), which considers your highest 35 years of earnings adjusted for inflation. This AIME is then used in a progressive formula to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). While the number of credits determines eligibility, the amount of your benefit is directly tied to your lifetime earnings record.

How Earned Income Affects Social Security Benefits

Working while receiving Social Security benefits can impact the amount of your monthly payment, especially if you have not yet reached your Full Retirement Age (FRA). This impact is determined by the Social Security earnings test, which applies specifically to earned income from wages or self-employment. This test does not apply to income from investments, pensions, or other unearned sources.

If you are under your FRA for the entire year and continue to work, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will temporarily withhold a portion of your benefits if your earnings exceed a specified limit. In 2025, this annual earnings limit is $23,400. For every $2 you earn above this limit, $1 in Social Security benefits will be withheld.

A different earnings limit applies in the year you reach your FRA. In 2025, for the months before you attain your FRA, you can earn up to $62,160. In this specific period, $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $3 earned above this higher limit. Once you reach your FRA, the earnings test no longer applies, and you can earn any amount without your Social Security benefits being reduced.

Benefits withheld due to the earnings test are not permanently lost. The SSA recalculates your benefit amount when you reach your FRA, increasing your monthly payment to account for previously withheld benefits. This adjustment compensates you for earlier reductions.

Receiving Social Security with Other Retirement Income

Many individuals receive income from various sources during retirement in addition to Social Security benefits. Income from traditional retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and IRAs, generally does not reduce your Social Security benefit amount. This also applies to income from annuities, investments like dividends and interest, and rental income. These sources are considered unearned income and are distinct from earned income, which is subject to the Social Security earnings test.

Similarly, most private-sector pensions do not affect the amount of your Social Security benefits. Historically, certain government pensions that did not withhold Social Security taxes could lead to a reduction in Social Security benefits through provisions like the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or the Government Pension Offset (GPO). However, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 eliminated these provisions in December 2024, meaning government pensions no longer reduce Social Security retirement, dependent, or survivor benefits.

While these other income sources do not directly reduce your Social Security benefits, they can influence the taxability of those benefits. A portion of your Social Security benefits may become subject to federal income tax if your “combined income” exceeds certain thresholds. Combined income typically includes your adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and half of your Social Security benefits. Understanding how all your income streams interact with tax laws is important for effective retirement financial planning.

Applying for Social Security Retirement Benefits

Applying for Social Security retirement benefits requires gathering specific information and documentation to ensure a smooth process. You will need your Social Security card or a record of your Social Security number. Your original birth certificate or a copy certified by the issuing agency is also necessary to prove your age. If you were not born in the United States, you must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status.

Other important documents include:

• Your W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the previous year.
• Military service papers if you served before 1968.
• Your bank’s routing number and account number for direct deposit.
• Marriage or divorce certificates if applying as a spouse or former spouse.
• Details about your current and former spouses, including their Social Security numbers and dates of birth, if applicable.

You have several convenient methods for submitting your application. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers an online application portal, which many find to be the most efficient option. You can also apply for benefits over the phone by contacting the SSA directly. For those who prefer in-person assistance, visiting a local Social Security office is another available method.

After submitting your application, the SSA will review your information. The processing time can vary, but the SSA will communicate their decision to you, typically by mail. If any additional information or documentation is required during the review, the SSA will contact you. It is advisable to start gathering these documents well in advance of your planned application date to avoid potential delays.