Can a teacher collect a pension and Social Security at the same time?

Answer 1

Yes, you can receive both a teacher's pension and Social Security benefits without the two affecting each other.

Although administered by individual states, SSA operates under federal statutes and regulations. Your state of residence is irrelevant under benefit guidelines.

Only earned income is counted toward the $14,160 annual cap in place between the ages of 62 and the year you reach full retirement age (typically 66, at present). The earning cap increases to $37,680 in January of the year you turn 66, and is lifted completely the month of your birthday. Afterward, there is no earned-income limit.

Pension checks, 401k payouts, annuities, capital gains, and other investments are not counted toward the income limit at any time.

Answer 2

Social Security can be collected by anyone who qualifies for it, whether unemployed, retired, or even if still working. Some states offset unemployment by SS's benefits, but the main question is whether teachers are even qualified to receive it. In Nevada, for instance, because teachers are paid by government, no Social Security taxes are deducted from their paycheck, so they are not eligible. They have, instead, a state pension plan to take its place.