You can work while you receive Social Seciety Benefits. This will likely mean a higher benefit for you in the future because you are continuing to contribute to Social Security through payroll taxes. However, while you are working, your earnings will reduce your monthly benefit until you reach your full retirement age. Once you reach your full retirement age, you can get your full amount of benefits with no limit on your earnings.
If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, Social Security will deduct $1.00 in benefits for every $2.00 you earn above a set limit. For 2011, that limit is $14,160. In the year you reach full retirement age, Social Security will deduct $1.00 in benefits for every $3.00 you earn in the months before you reach your full retirement age. If you will reach your full retirement age in 2011, the amount you can earn before the deduction kicks in is $37,680. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, you can get your benefits with no limits on your earnings thereafter.
If you are not already receiving benefits, you should contact Social Security at the beginning of the year you reach your full retirement age. Even if you are still working, you may be able to receive some or all of your benefits for the months before you reach your full retirement age.
If you choose not to receive benefits until you are 70 years old, you will likely receive a delayed retirement credit and receive a higher monthly benefit than you would if you had retired at your full retirement age. No credit is given after age 69.