Does investment income count as earnings and affect my ability to collect Social Security benefits?
No. We count only the wages you earn from a job or your net profit if you’re self-employed. Non-work income such as annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits. Most pensions will not affect your benefits. However, your benefit may be affected by government pensions earned through work on which you did not pay Social Security tax. You can apply for retirement benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov. Question: What are the income and resource limits for the Extra Help with prescription drug costs? Answer: If your annual income is below $16,245 (or $21,855 if you are married and living with your spouse), you may qualify for the Extra Help. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help. Some examples when your income may be higher include if you or your spouse support other family members who live with you; have earnings from work; or live in Alaska or
