Should I go back to work, or start something?

The short answer

It isn't silly. Work can bring money, a shape to the week, or company, and it can also mean starting something of your own.

Before you take paid work while you receive Social Security, ask Social Security how your earnings would affect your benefits. There can be a limit, and it can come as a surprise.

This chapter explains how things usually work in the United States. It is not legal, tax or financial advice, and the rules where you live may differ. Before you act on anything here, check it with one of the people named at the end of the chapter.

What to do

1. Write down why you want to work: money, structure or people.
2. Ask Social Security how earnings would affect any benefits you receive.
3. Tell Social Security what you expect to earn, if you receive benefits, and call again if that changes.
4. Try a short or part-time version first.
5. Ask a tax preparer about the new income.
6. Visit an American Job Center, or call 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627), if you want help looking.
7. Say no to any job that asks you to pay.

What can wait

• A full-time commitment.
• Starting a business, and signing anything for one.
• Deciding at all. Staying retired is a choice too.

Who can help

• Social Security, at 1-800-772-1213 or a local office, for how work would affect your benefits.
• An American Job Center, through careeronestop.org or 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627), for free help with a job search.
• SCORE, for free mentoring if you want to start something, and a tax preparer for the new income.

The rules, phone numbers and web addresses in this book were checked against the agencies’ own pages in October 2026. They change, so check anything you rely on with the office itself.

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