1. Home
  2. Grow
  3. Will My Social Security Benefit Grow If I Work After Age 70?
  • Sign up
  • Sign in
Money Talks News
  • Popular
  • Latest
    • Coronavirus
    • Ask Stacy
    • Make
    • Save
    • Borrow
    • Grow
    • Live
    • More
  • Deals
    • Automotive
    • Clothing & Accessories
    • Computers
    • Electronics
    • Everything Else
    • Financial Services
    • Gaming & Toys
    • Health & Beauty
    • Home & Garden
    • Movies, Music & Books
    • Office & Supplies
    • Special Occasion
    • Sports & Fitness
    • Store Events
    • Travel & Entertainment
  • Podcasts
  • Solutions
  • Academy
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Search our site
Super wealthy man in a sports car8 Universities With the Most Mega-Millionaire Alumni
Shocked couple looking in clothes dryer at laundry6 Things You May Not Know a Clothes Dryer Can Do
Trader Joe's grocery storeShoppers Love This Supermarket Even More Than Costco
Hand pulling money from an envelope.Spend Less, Save More With the Cash Envelope System

Will My Social Security Benefit Grow If I Work After Age 70?

A Social Security representative says you cannot boost benefits after age 70. But is that true?

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

Jeff Miller • February 4, 2021

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share by Email Printable version available to members PDF version available to members
An older woman working on a laptop
Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock.com

Welcome to our “Social Security Q&A” series. You ask a question about Social Security, and a guest expert answers it.

You can learn how to ask a question of your own below. And if you would like a personalized report detailing your optimal Social Security claiming strategy, click here. Check it out: It could result in receiving thousands of dollars more in benefits over your lifetime!

Today’s question comes from Sam:

“I was told by an employee at the Social Security office that after age 70, you no longer get any paid employment taxes added to your wage record. So, your Social Security amount does not increase, except for the cost-of-living increase everyone gets. Is this true?”

Your benefit can grow late in life

Sam: I am sorry to say that this is another example of Social Security agents giving someone incorrect information. There is no special age at which your Social Security benefits are frozen.

Instead, your record always takes into account your entire work history when calculating your benefits. You continue to pay Social Security taxes as long as you are working in covered employment, and your benefits are adjusted when appropriate.

Whether your benefits will increase, beyond the inflation adjustment, depends on your earnings as you get older. Social Security benefits depend on your highest-paid 35 years of work. If you are working part-time later in your life, it is less likely that these years will be included in the calculation, since these earnings are probably not one of your highest-paid 35 years.

Note that earnings in the early years of your history are adjusted for inflation. So, what might appear on your record as low pay — for example, your wages in 1980 — is adjusted by an inflation factor before being entered into your benefit calculation. You can find your work history by setting up an account at the Social Security Administration website. This is also a good place to go for other information about your Social Security. We advise everyone to get an account.

Retire on Your Own Terms With Help From This Course
See Also:
Retire on Your Own Terms With Help From This Course

On the other hand, if you have worked for fewer than 35 years, then your benefits will definitely increase if you take a job after age 70. This is because someone who works for fewer than 35 years will have zeros entered into the calculation of their benefits.

For example, if you work for 20 years, there will 15 years of zeros entered into the calculation. In this instance, even part-time work will mean that some positive amount will be substituted for one of the zero years.

Got a question you’d like answered?

You can submit a question for the “Social Security Q&A” series for free. Just hit “reply” to the Money Talks News newsletter and email your question. (If you don’t already receive the newsletter, you can sign up for free, too: Click here, and the sign-up box will pop up.)

You also can find all past answers from this series on the “Social Security Q&A” webpage.

About me

I hold a doctorate in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and taught economics at the University of Delaware for many years. Presently, I am teaching at Gallaudet University.

In 2009, I co-founded SocialSecurityChoices.com, an internet company that provides advice on Social Security claiming decisions. You can learn more about that by clicking here.

Disclaimer: We strive to provide accurate information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is offered with the understanding that we are not offering legal, accounting, investment or other professional advice or services, and that the SSA alone makes all final determinations on your eligibility for benefits and the benefit amounts. Our advice on claiming strategies does not comprise a comprehensive financial plan. You should consult with your financial adviser regarding your individual situation.

  Like Article   Add a Comment

Sign up for our free newsletter!

Simple ways to make, save, and grow your money daily:

  happy subscribers    
MTN Podcasts

Every week our podcasts bring you lively money discussions that will give you a few laughs along with advice that will make you richer.

Money with Stacy Johnson

Listen/Subscribe

Read Next

Some of our favorite stories for you to read next.

Senior man shrugging
Should I Take Social Security Now and Invest It, or Wait Until I’m 70?
Sad senior woman drinking coffee
This Type of Social Security Benefit Is Often Overlooked
Happy couple on couch
12 Types of Retirement Income That Are Not Taxable
Sign up for our free newsletter!

Join our many free newsletter subscribers building wealth and destroying debt:

Popular Topics
  • Retirement Investment
  • Surveys for Money
  • How to Make Money Online
  • Emergency Stockpile
  • Free Movie Streaming
  • Senior Discounts
Connect
  • Support & FAQs
  • Memberships
  • About
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Accessibility Statement
Media
  • Television
  • Where We Air
  • Scripts
  • Sitemap
Legal
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
Editorial
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Ownership & Funding Info

Do Not Sell My Personal Information

© 2023 Money Talks News. All Rights Reserved.
‭1 (833) 669-8557 | 1732 1st Ave #26661, New York, NY 10128

Advertising Disclosure: This site may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.

Add a Comment

Our Policy: We welcome relevant and respectful comments in order to foster healthy and informative discussions. All other comments may be removed. Comments with links are automatically held for moderation.

Cookie Notice

Our website uses cookies to ensure you get the best browsing experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies. Visit our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy to learn more.

Sign up for our free newsletter!

Join our happy subscribers and sign up for our free newsletter! You'll get:

  • Tips and advice from our expert money reporters. (Our average experience is 18 years!)
  • Unexpected ways to make more and spend less, delivered to you daily.
  • The best deals and coupons to save on everything you buy.