If you claim Social Security early but keep working, earning too much can lower your monthly check. Know the earning limits before collecting early benefits.
1. Working Too Much Too Soon
Missing deadlines or giving wrong info on forms can delay or stop your payments. Always double-check your paperwork and respond to letters from SSA quickly.
2. Wrong Paperwork or Delay
Some debts like unpaid federal taxes or student loans can reduce your Social Security checks. The government may take part of your benefits to cover these.
3. Owing Certain Debt
If you move or stay outside the U.S. too long, your benefits might stop. Rules change based on your citizenship and where you live, so check ahead.
4. Leaving the Country Too Long
Listening to myths or people who don’t understand Social Security rules can hurt you. Always get info from trusted, official sources like SSA.gov.
5. Relying on Bad Advice
Changes like marriage, divorce, or a new job can affect your benefits. If you don’t report these, it might lead to overpayments and penalties later.
6. Not Reporting Life Change
Changes in marital status, like divorce or remarriage, can affect spousal or survivor benefits, possibly lowering what you’re entitled to receive.
7. Claiming Benefits Too Early