Social Security Survivor Benefits
Can I receive survivor benefits and still work?
Short answer
If you are below full retirement age, Social Security may reduce your benefit if you earn above the annual earnings limit ($22,320 in 2024). Above full retirement age, there is no earnings limit. Benefits withheld due to earnings are not lost —…
What this usually means
If you are below full retirement age, Social Security may reduce your benefit if you earn above the annual earnings limit ($22,320 in 2024). Above full retirement age, there is no earnings limit. Benefits withheld due to earnings are not lost — they are recalculated upward when you reach full retirement age.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.