# Washington's Apple Harvest Boosts Social Security

> 63-year-olds can work three months in Washington's $2 billion apple harvest without losing Social Security benefits
- Title: Washington's Apple Harvest Boosts Social Security | Shortify
- Summary: 63-year-olds can work three months in Washington's $2 billion apple harvest without losing Social Security benefits Seasonal apple harvest work at…
- Keywords: social security, apple harvest, wages, earnings test, social security benefits, washington state, seasonal labor, 2026, Washington's, Apple, Harvest, Boosts
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/social-security/2026/09/21/washingtons-2-billion-apple-harvest-is-underway-at-63-three-months-in-the-orchard-dont-have-to-cost-a-full-year-of-social-security
- Author: Gerelyn Terzo
- Published: 2026-09-21T14:03:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: social security, apple harvest, wages, earnings test, social security benefits, washington state, seasonal labor, 2026
## Harvest wages vs Social Security
Washington's $2 billion apple harvest hires workers at $17.13/hour for 13 weeks, potentially earning $8,900 without triggering Social Security earnings limits
## Earnings limit math
For 2026, workers under full retirement age earn $24,480 before Social Security starts withholding benefits for every $2 over the limit
## Three months safe
A 63-year-old working 13 weeks at $17.13/hour earns $8,900, well below the $24,480 earnings limit for 2026
## No benefit loss
Crossing the earnings limit doesn't eliminate Social Security benefits; only $2,760 would be withheld from $30,000 earnings in 2026
## Special monthly rule
Workers under full retirement age can receive full Social Security checks for months with wages under $2,040 if they retire after the harvest ends
## Tax implications
Seasonal wages may increase Social Security taxable income for single filers above $25,000, but the harvest still adds value after tax
## Key check points
Add up 2026 wages, check if first year of benefits, and estimate tax impact to avoid Social Security withholding
## Key takeaway

Seasonal apple harvest work at $17.13/hour doesn't trigger Social Security earnings limits for those under full retirement age