My friend recently got widowed. She is still working. Will her income affect her survivor benefits?

Published: December 12, 2023

Full question: My friend recently got widowed and her late husband had been receiving SS benefits. My friend is still working, will her income affect her survivor benefits being taxed ?

Hi there,

If your friend is still working and younger than her full (normal) retirement age – FRA, (between 66 and 67 depending on her birth year) Social Security survivor benefits may be affected by the “earnings test” if she earns over the earnings threshold for her age.

You can see more information about the earnings test here.

At, and after, her FRA the earnings test no longer applies.

Your friend can also receive personalized assistance by scheduling a call with an RSSA here.

Take care,
Martha

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