04/03/2026
Most people think if they are still working in the year they retire, they cannot turn on Social Security because of the income test.
That is not always true.
In your first year of retirement, there is a special rule.
Instead of looking at your income for the full year, Social Security can look at it month by month after you retire.
That means even if you earned too much earlier in the year, you may still be able to start benefits later in that same year.
This is where a lot of people get it wrong.
They delay benefits when they did not have to.
Or they miss months they could have collected.
Every situation is a little different, especially depending on timing, income, and when you actually stop working.
But the key point is this.
The income test works differently in your first year.
If you are thinking about retiring this year or next, this is something you want to get right.
If you want help walking through your situation, I am happy to take a look.
No obligation.
Link in bio to schedule.
