How do I report my part-time work wages to the Social Security Administration while receiving retirement benefits in California?

You must report your part-time work wages directly to the federal Social Security Administration (SSA) if you are receiving retirement benefits and are under your full retirement age. The SSA uses this information to determine if your earnings exceed the annual limit, which may require a temporary reduction in your benefits. Here is how to report your wages: Step 1: Determine if You Need to Report You only need to report your earnings if you are receiving Social Security retirement benefits and have not yet reached your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Once you reach your FRA, the earnings limit no longer applies, and you do not need to report your income to the SSA. Step 2: Provide an Initial Estimate of Your Earnings When you first begin working, you should contact the SSA to provide an estimate of what you expect to earn for the year. This allows the SSA to adjust your benefits proactively to prevent a large overpayment. You can provide this estimate online through your "my Social Security" account, by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office. Step 3: Keep Your Pay Stubs and Wage Records Your California employer is required by Labor Code Section 226 to provide you with an itemized wage statement, or pay stub, for each pay period. Keep these documents in a safe place, as they are your primary proof of earnings. You will also need your annual W-2 form. Step 4: File Your Annual Report of Earnings You must submit a formal report of your total prior year's earnings to the SSA. This is typically due by April 15th of the following year. The easiest way to do this is online through your "my Social Security" account. You can also mail in Form SSA-777, the "Annual Report of Earnings." Important considerations: The annual earnings limit changes each year. For 2024, the limit is $22,320 if you are under your FRA for the entire year. If you exceed this limit, the SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above it. A higher limit applies for the year in which you reach your FRA. Note: Failure to report your earnings can result in significant overpayments that you will be required to pay back. You must also report immediately if you stop working or if your earnings change significantly from your initial estimate. This will help ensure your benefit payments are calculated correctly. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, such as those involving self-employment income or disputes over benefit calculations, consult with a qualified California attorney.