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Successful Aging - Archived Article
New Rules for Social Security Will Put Seniors in
Workforce
If you haven't worked recently because the Social Security earnings limit restricted the amount you could make without losing some of your benefits, there's good news. Social Security has lifted the earnings limit for people age 65 and older. There is, however, an earnings limit of $10,680 for people age 62-65 receiving Social Security benefits.
The primary reason for removal of the earnings limit was the number of jobs going unfilled in the labor market. This occurred because fewer youth are in the population as a whole to enter the labor force. In our area alone there are 5,300 fewer 18-24 year olds than in 1990.
This translates into job opportunities for older people. The second part of the good news is that several services are available to help older people re-enter the labor market. Registering with the NYS Dept. of Labor is a first step. It can be done at the NYS Dept. of Labor at the Glendale Technology Park, Endicott, 607.741.4500, or the Broome Employment Center, 81 State St., Binghamton, 607.778.2136. Both provide a wealth of information and services such as assistance with resumes, job search and classroom training.
The Broome County Office for Aging has an excellent program for people age 55 and older who want and need a little extra support to re-enter the workforce. For a person entering the labor market for the first time, this program is especially good. They have several 20-hour per week jobs throughout the county. These jobs provide on-the-job experience and skills training; and they pay $5.15 per hour. Each job is developed specifically to meet the needs of the person. To be eligible you must be 55 or older, and your yearly income must be under $10,740 if you live alone, or $14,515 for a two-person household. Some income is not counted. It's a good idea to call the Office for Aging, 607.778.2092, to learn about the job opportunities for you.