Wager Mage
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk Pexels Logo Photo: Pavel Danilyuk

Does winning money at the casino affect your Social Security?

For example: Do gambling or lottery winnings affect Social Security retirement benefits? Yes. The SSA considers gambling and lottery winnings unearned income and, therefore, it must be reported to the IRS.

Is XS better than 7?
Is XS better than 7?

iPhone 7 still has plenty going for it, and is a joy to use. But if you're looking for something with the latest augmented reality apps and...

Read More »
Who is the best tipster in UK?
Who is the best tipster in UK?

Rob Wright. Rob Wright has been crowned the country's top newspaper tipster for a record fifth time. Rob has been voted in the top 10 horse racing...

Read More »

How Income Affects Social Security Benefits

Published May 17, 2022

Navigating the world of Social Security can be confusing. We hear from clients all the time asking how different income types impact their Social Security benefits.

The SSA manages four programs:

#1—Social Security Retirement Benefits: Replacement income for qualified individuals in retirement.

#2—Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Financial assistance for individuals with disabilities.

#3—Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Benefits for individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources.

#4—Medicare: Health insurance program for people age 65 and older.

In this post, our focus is on Social Security retirement benefits; SSDI and SSI benefits, illustrating how your income impacts each program.

Social Security Retirement Benefits

Income affects your Social Security retirement benefits in the form of taxes.

For example: Do gambling or lottery winnings affect Social Security retirement benefits? Yes. The SSA considers gambling and lottery winnings unearned income and, therefore, it must be reported to the IRS.

Income Thresholds and Taxes

According to the SSA, when you file a federal tax return as an individual and your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits. If your income is more than $34,000, then up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable. If you file a joint return—and you and your spouse have a combined income that’s between $32,000 and $44,000—you may have to pay income tax on up to 50% of your benefits. If your income is more than $44,000, then up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable. Whether you earn money through gambling, self-employment, interest on investments, dividendsA cash payment to investors who own stock in the company. or other avenues, that income must be reported on your federal taxes, potentially increasing your Social Security retirement benefits tax obligation.

An Often-Overlooked Social Security Income Strategy

Does narcissism worsen with age?
Does narcissism worsen with age?

The belief that one is smarter, better looking, more successful and more deserving than others — a personality trait known as narcissism — tends to...

Read More »
What handicap should I play off?
What handicap should I play off?

In most cases, the handicap is like the sport in general. The lower the score, the better you play. A good golf handicap is usually below 10. This...

Read More »

Many investors focus on collecting as much Social Security retirement benefits as possible, overlooking the amount of money they’re actually keeping after taxes. Tax planning can help you determine when you should file for Social Security. In fact, there are times when it makes financial sense to take Social Security benefits early. Sure, you’ll receive less benefits, but you may lower your taxable income, potentially allowing you to keep more money in your pocket.

The key question is: How can I keep myself in a lower tax bracket in retirement by effectively managing my retirement savings and Social Security benefits?

Our financial planners regularly help answer this question for clients using financial modeling strategies. Contact us if you need some help. Tip: For more on Social Security, check out our blog post Answers to Popular Social Security Questions.

Good News for Some States

The IRS and most states tax Social Security retirement benefits; there are eight states that don’t.

States That Don’t Tax Social Security

Alaska Florida Nevada Texas New Hampshire South Dakota Tennessee Washington

Income Reporting: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

If you’re collecting Social Security retirement benefits while also working a side hustle, like offering web design services on Upwork, driving for Uber, selling artwork on Etsy, or renting your second home on Airbnb, be aware of new IRS income reporting regulations—income that could potentially push you into a higher tax bracket. As part of The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, starting January 1, 2022, if you earn more than $600 annually, third-party settlement organizations, e.g., PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, eBay, Etsy, VRBO, etc., must report your income directly to the IRS using form 1099-K. Previously, the income reporting threshold was $20,000 with a minimum of 200 transactions.

Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Income

How much does a 2 team parlay pay?
How much does a 2 team parlay pay?

A two-team parlay (assuming all bets being 50/50 propositions) has 4 possible outcomes (Win-Win, Win-Lose, Lose-Win, Lose-Lose), so you should hit...

Read More »
Does a parlay lose if one leg pushes?
Does a parlay lose if one leg pushes?

The bet is not graded as a loss. Rather, the leg that pushes is removed from the parlay, lowering the odds. You won't lose the parlay until one...

Read More »

Gambling winnings may increase taxes on your Social Security retirement benefits; however, they don’t affect SSDI benefits because they’re based on your work record before becoming disabled, not on your income or assets. The same is true for inheritances, lump sum settlements and rental income; they don’t impact SSDI benefits. Yet these windfalls will likely reduce SSI benefits due to the program’s strict income limitations. For 2022, a non-blind individual receiving SSI benefits may not earn more than $1,350 a month or $2,260 a month for blind individuals. There are many ways income affects your Social Security benefits. To help you stay informed, bookmark our Social Security exclusive suite of material. If you’re unsure how to proceed, seek guidance from experienced financial professionals who understand Social Security’s ins and outs and can help you think through your approach. Contact Adviser Investments anytime for assistance. We pride ourselves on being The Planner You Can Talk To. Tax and legal information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Personalized tax advice and tax return preparation is available through a separate, written engagement agreement with Adviser Investments Tax Solutions. We do not provide legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Our statements and opinions are subject to change without notice. All investments carry risk of loss and there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be achieved. The Planner You Can Talk To is a registered trademark of Adviser Investments, LLC. © 2022 Adviser Investments, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

What does tennis do to your body?
What does tennis do to your body?

Health benefits of tennis lowering resting heart rate and blood pressure. improving metabolic function. increasing bone density. lowering body fat.

Read More »
How does DraftKings payout winnings?
How does DraftKings payout winnings?

DraftKings offers payouts via Paypal and check. You can count on withdrawals taking seven business days to receive. Mar 23, 2022

Read More »
What is the most profitable type of gambling?
What is the most profitable type of gambling?

Before You Go Gambling: The Top 5 Most Profitable Casino Games Blackjack. Blackjack is the most loved and widely played game across top online...

Read More »
How is Batman mentally ill?
How is Batman mentally ill?

For starters, Langley asserts that Batman, despite popular opinion, does not have a mental illness. The Dark Knight exhibits some symptoms of post-...

Read More »