On Social Security benefits..if you were 62 and were underemployed

[MineralMan]

7. In that case, it may not make sense.

If he cuts back to avoid the earning limit, he'll still be in about the same boat. If he earns more, SSA will take away a good portion of the benefits, which will go back up at full retirement age. He needs to do the math. If the job is secure at that amount, then it won't make much sense to take it early.

One thing...you can apply at any time between 62 and full retirement. It takes about three months before you get your first SS payment. So, a guy can hold off if the math doesn't work, and then, if things get worse, apply then. Each month you wait means a larger monthly SS payment, up to full retirement age, when the payment is fixed at a certain amount.

It can be complicated, but the nice folks at the Social Security office can explain the whole thing very clearly. They're usually very friendly and helpful. And you won't believe how much information they have about you when you give them your SS#. They know your earnings month-by-month through your entire working life.