From 24/7 Wall St. · Gerelyn Terzo · · 1m 20s
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
In brief
63-year-olds can work three months in Washington's $2 billion apple harvest without losing Social Security benefits Seasonal apple harvest work at $17.13/hour doesn't trigger Social Security earnings limits for those under full retirement age Originally reported by 24/7 Wall St..
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
The short version
Seasonal apple harvest work at $17.13/hour doesn't trigger Social Security earnings limits for those under full retirement age
