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Understanding the Suspension of Social Security Benefits Due to Work or Self-Employment, § 404.456

In some cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may suspend benefit payments for individuals who work or engage in self-employment. This suspension occurs when the SSA determines that an individual’s earnings may result in deductions against their benefits. This blog post will explain the circumstances, duration, and finality of such suspensions as outlined in § 404.456. …

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A graphic representing the steps to report earnings to the SSA.

Reporting Earnings to the Social Security Administration: What You Need to Know, § 404.452

Understanding the reporting requirements for earnings is crucial to ensure that you receive accurate benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). In this blog post, we will discuss the conditions under which you must report your earnings, the information required in your report, and the procedure for requesting an extension to file your report. When …

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A person working on their computer and planning their business strategies.

Understanding the Substantial Services Test for Self-Employed Individuals, § 404.447

The substantial services test is a crucial aspect for self-employed individuals when determining their retirement status. This test involves evaluating various factors such as the amount of time devoted to trades or businesses, the nature of services rendered, and the setting in which these services are performed. In this blog post, we will break down …

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Social Security "substantial services" test for retirement.

Understanding the “Substantial Services” Test for Retirement, § 404.446

When determining whether someone is considered retired, the “substantial services” test is an important factor. This test is applicable only in a grace year (including a termination grace year) as defined in § 404.435(c)(1). It evaluates whether an individual can reasonably be considered retired based on the services they render and the surrounding circumstances. In this …

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A graphic illustrating the components of earnings, including wages and self-employment, and their impact on Social Security benefits.

Understanding Earnings: A Comprehensive Guide to Wages, Self-Employment, and Social Security, § 404.429

Navigating the world of earnings, particularly with respect to Social Security and self-employment, can be confusing. This blog post aims to simplify and explain the concept of earnings as it relates to wages, self-employment, and Social Security by breaking down the relevant legal provisions. Definition of Earnings: Earnings generally refer to the sum of wages …

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Understanding Social Security Coverage: What is a Quarter of Coverage? § 404.140

As a worker, it is important to understand how your social security benefits are determined. https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0140.htm One of the most important aspects of this determination is the concept of a “quarter of coverage” or QC. A QC is the basic unit of social security coverage used in determining a worker’s insured status. In this blog …

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