Does the SSA look at W-2 Gross Income or Tax Form AGI to determine if you are under the income earnings yearly cap when receiving SSA Benefit payments?

I am a Retired Federal Employee receiving Office of Personnel Management Benefit (OPM) as well as Social Security (SSA) Benefit payments. The rules for "Partial" Retirement Age state I cannot earn more than 18, 960.00/year to keep my current level of OPM and SSA Retirement Payments.

I start work as a Pastor on7/1/21 with the United Methodist Church, compensation equal to $36,000 /year. To remain in compliance with the 18,960 income cap, what legal options do I have for the W2 to report income of 18,960 or less if SSA looks at the W-2? If possible, a response from a tax attorney is appreciated.

595

Level 15

Jun 5, 2021 6:11:55 PM

To keep under the max earning limit allowed for early SS distributions you need to earn less than the max amount for the year. If you don't then for every 2 dollars you earn they will reduce the SS by 1 dollar. Talk to the SS administration for the rules.

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Does the SSA look at W-2 Gross Income or Tax Form AGI to determine if you are under the income earnings yearly cap when receiving SSA Benefit payments?