Want to keep on working and collect Social Security benefits at the same time? You may be able to collect “partial” Social Security benefits while continuing to work.

Partial benefits are paid when you're employed and also are eligible for retirement benefits (the earliest age is 62) or surviving spouse benefits (at age 60 or older) and your earnings don't exceed the annual limit. Earnings in, or after, the month you reach age 70 won't affect your Social Security benefits. However, before age 70, your benefits will be reduced if your earnings exceed certain limits.

If you are under 65, $1 in benefits will be deducted for each $2 in earnings above the limit.

If you are 65--69, $1 in benefits will be deducted for each $3 in earnings above the limit.

These limits increase each year as average wages increase. For the current amounts, contact Social Security and ask for the leaflet How Work Affects Your Benefits (or click here), (Publication No. 05--10069) ,

If you continue to work, your additional earnings and the Social Security taxes you pay may increase your benefit amount. Your benefit will automatically be refigured each year that you work to see if you are entitled to a higher benefit.

To learn more about retirement and widow (or widowers) benefits, call Social Security's toll--free number, 1--800--772--1213, and ask for a copy of Retirement Benefits (or click here) (Publication No. 05--10035). You can call anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.