If you’re like most people, the thought of losing your Social Security benefits can be troubling.

There are many cases in which it could happen, both through your own actions and mistakes by the Social Security Administration.

But here we’re not talking about being deprived of benefits you need and live off of. Could there be a situation where you may actually earn so much you didn’t need benefits? What if the math worked out so you came out ahead once you did reclaim them?

Losing Your Social Security Benefits? You May Come Out Ahead

As many NORA readers will know, you can get higher benefits if you wait to claim them. Specifically, you can maximize them by waiting until the full retirement age (FRA), which is based on your birth year.

We’ve touched on how income impacts retirement benefits. Once you reach the FRA, you can work and get the benefits you’re entitled to at their full amount. But what happens if you’re working and drawing benefits before this point?

This situation we speak of is detailed here by The Motley Fool. As they explain, filing before the FRA results in you being hit with certain penalties. But if you earn at a certain level and are able to return to work, it could see those funds being credited back to you.

The higher benefit amount, coupled with the income from your job, could make for a very lucrative sum. This situation is helpful for those who enjoy working, or who are able to return after being forced to stop temporarily.

Whenever You Claim, You Deserve Fair Benefits

This Social Security case only applies in certain situations for select people. But here at NORA, we fight for all benefit recipients. We aim to make sure you get fair yearly Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs) and reimbursement for years skipped.

Learn about our legislative efforts here, then follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more content like this.