SOCIAL SECURITY GETS A SMALL BOOST
Low inflation might be a plus for the economy in general, but when it comes to Social Security benefits, low inflation means a small "pay" raise. That's certainly the case for the coming year, as benefits will jump a meager 1.4 %. Benefit recipients will see the raise beginning with the checks to be issued the first week of January 2003.
As a result of the new adjustment, the maximum retirement benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age in March 2003 will be a lofty $1,741 per month. For the first time, however, full retirement age is more than age 65. For those born in 1938, full retirement age is now 65 and 2 months. Full retirement will gradually increase so that it will eventually become age 67 for those born in 1960 or later. The earliest a person can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits will remain at age 62. The 1.4% cost-of-living-adjustment means that the average monthly benefit for all retired workers in 2003 will rise to $895.
THE 2003 EARNINGS LIMITS
SENIOR CITIZENS' FREEDOM TO WORK ACT OF 2000
When this article was first posted in 2000, there were limits on the amounts retirees between ages 65 and 69 could earn without sacrificing any benefits. Thanks to the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 2000, those who have reached full retirement age (full retirement age is 65 for those born in 1937; 65 and 2 months for those born in 1938) can continue to work and have unlimited earning without causing a reduction in their Social Security benefits. This change became effective as of January 1, 2000. Prior to this change, those between ages 65 and 69 saw a reduction in their benefits if they had excess earnings.
Unfortunately, there is still an earnings limit for those who elect to start receiving Social Security benefits before reaching age full retirement age. Social Security retirement benefits are reduced at the rate of $1 for every $2 over the limit. For the year 2003, the earnings limit is $11,520 (that's up from $11,280 in 2002.) In addition, if your spouse is receiving benefits based on your earnings, their benefits are also reduced due to your excess earnings. However, in the year you reach age full retirement age, $1 in benefits will be deducted for each $3 you earn above a different limit, but only counting earnings before the month you reach full retirement age. For 2003, this other limit is $30,720 (that's up from $30,000 in 2002.) Once you hit full retirement age, it's truly the golden years as you can earn as much as you want thereafter without having your Social Security benefits reduced. For more on these rules check the Social Security website.
Those under full retirement age should keep in mind that its only earnings from self-employment and wage income that are considered in determining whether your earnings exceed the limits. That is, interest, dividend and other so-called passive income is not counted. Neither are capital gains or most forms of rental income. The bottom line is that investment income won't cause you to lose your Social Security benefits.
Those receiving Social Security who are still in the work force should be aware that their current earnings may actually entitle them to a larger Social Security benefit. This would be the case if their current earnings are greater than their earnings in earlier, pre-retirement years. If your post-retirement earnings have increased significantly, you should ask the local social security office to recalculate your benefits.
Finally, those still in their working years should periodically check on the government to make sure they have kept an accurate record of your earnings. This can be done by simply requesting a Social Security Statement from the Social Security Administration by calling (800) 772-1213 or by visiting the Social Security Administration's web site at http://www.ssa.gov/mystatement/index.htm.
Last Revised 10/19/2002
All contents Copyright © Robert Clofine 1998-2002