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More work time for seniors
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March 29, 2000: 10:45 a.m. ET
Clinton to sign law letting senior workers keep Social Security benefits
By Staff Writer Jennifer Karchmer
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Working seniors who have scaled back their hours to avoid losing any Social Security benefits won't have to watch the clock anymore under new legislation President Clinton was expected to sign Wednesday.
Both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate approved the Social Security Earnings Test Elimination Act.
"The choices in my situation are critical," said 69-year-old Phyllis Newman, an adjunct professor at the University of North Texas, who had to turn down teaching another course because she'd earn too much money to continue receiving full benefits. "And friends of mine who are turning 65 would like to continue to work, too."
 The new law eliminates the rule that forces seniors between ages 65 and 69 to lose $1 in benefits for every $3 in wages they earn above $17,000 a year. The change would be retroactive to Jan. 1, according to Kurt Czarnowski, Social Security Administration public affairs officer for the New England region.
Once the bill is signed, anyone receiving partial benefits because their annual earnings exceed the $17,000 will be informed that they'll be getting retro-active benefits in the mail by June, Czarnowski said.
"You don't have to do a thing. We've already identified you and you're going to get some retro-active money," he said. "Don't come to the local (Social Security) offices."
People between ages 62 and 65 who receive reduced Social Security benefits and work will continue to be subject to a $10,080 earnings limit before losing additional benefits. That amount is adjusted yearly for inflation.
Sen. William Roth (R-Del.), who chairs the Senate Finance Committee that propelled the bill through the Senate, said the earnings limit is a product of the Great Depression, antiquated and anti-productive.
"Nowadays, when you turn 65 you have lots of years to be productive," said Newman, the college professor. "Those of us who aren't independently wealthy, we really do need to continue to work and to stay healthy." 
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