Answer: Yes, you can have a job while living in a 55+ community. Though many residents of 55+ communities are retired, others hold part-time, full-time, or volunteer positions.

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Just because you move to a 55+ community doesn’t mean that you’re retired. Even if you are, many retirees choose to continue working. The question several people ask when getting ready to move to a 55+ community is if they can continue working.

We have the answers to this, as well as some more details regarding your Social Security.

Can I Live in a 55+ Community and Still Work?

Absolutely! The main condition of living in a 55+ community is the age requirement. This can range from community to community. Some even allow residents to stay there as long as they are over 19. There are other communities that require one resident to be 55 or older but will allow younger people to move in once they meet this condition. It really depends on the specific community, so be sure to ask before purchasing a home.

As far as working goes, there’s no rule stating that you can’t live in a 55+ community and continue to be employed. You can enjoy the benefits of working a job while still living in the home of your dreams with no fears of repercussions from your 55+ community.

Can I Work for My 55+ Community?

It’s certainly possible. Many 55+ communities hire lifestyle directors who plan community events. Homeowner associations (HOA) also employ individuals to maintain the grounds and facilities to keep a 55+ community in beautiful condition. They also sometimes hire technicians, office workers, and more. Just check out the site of the 55+ community you’re interested in moving to and apply for any jobs that pop up.

Are There Other Restrictions on Working If You Live in a 55+ Community?

Yes, there are. These are restrictions that may apply no matter where you live. And your Social Security check will depend largely on your age. At a certain point, you can work as much as you want with no penalty to your Social Security check. However, the age requirements have gone up since the golden age of 65. 

If you were born between 1943 and 1954, the age you can fully retire is now 66. This gradually increases up to age 67. It’s possible to retire at age 62, but you won’t receive your full benefits.

An example given on the Social Security website reveals that if you retire at 62, and you would normally bring in $1,000 a month, you’ll only get $750 of that amount. This reduces to around $700 for anyone born in 1960 or after.

Spousal benefits which would normally be $500 for someone born between 1943 and 1954 are reduced to $350. And the lowest amount for anyone born after 1960 is $325.

If you’re working, then this may limit how much money you’ll be able to make. At most, you can make $21,240 in 2023, according to the Social Security site. It usually increases a little each year, so this could change going into 2024.

There are obviously other factors that come into play if you’re receiving Social Security benefits. Therefore, it’s best to go to the direct source for the most accurate information. Before you make a decision as to whether you’ll retire early or keep working, make sure you speak to your local Social Security office.

Where Can You Work Part-Time as a Retiree?

Once you make the decision to keep working, the next question is what will make you happy. For most people who are retired, working 40 to 60 hours a week is no longer appealing. They simply want money to supplement what they’re bringing in from Social Security. Such jobs should be easy, and yet very rewarding. 

If you love teaching but want something other than a teaching position, you can work as a tutor or coach. This allows you to work with younger generations and pass on the knowledge you have gained over your lifetime.

Other jobs include working as a dog walker, which will allow you to get some physical exercise, and spend time with clients who are thrilled to see you every day. Housekeepers and nannies are other jobs that are perfect for retirees who only want to work part-time.

You can also take advantage of your free time to start a small business. Some hobbies that you’ve always wanted to do for a living may now be an option, like making your crafting hobbies a source of income.

Whether you decide to work part-time or want to enjoy your free time without a boss calling, there are plenty of ways to stay busy in your 55+ community. You can also rest assured that no community is going to dictate whether you can work or not. The HOA may make rules about your home, but what you do in your free time is entirely up to you.

What if I Want To Stay Active, But Don’t Want To Work?

If you want to stay on the go, but don’t want a job, then there are still options. You can go back to school to learn something that you’ve always been curious about but never had the time or money to invest. Once you gain a new degree, you can use this to pursue a new career path.

You can also start new hobbies that you enjoy. Or if you just want to sit by the pool or play golf on the course, that’s always an option as well. There are many advantages to living in a 55+ community, so be sure to take advantage of them all.

55places Is Here To Help

Now that you’re retired, you may be thinking of relocating to a 55+ community. There are many choices out there, and the hard part of choosing a new home is that no two communities are the same. 

Rather than doing the research on your own, and trying to discover which community is right for you, we can help. Simply reach out, and tell us what you’re looking for. We can give you advice, recommend specific communities, and help with anything that comes up. Contact us today to get the process of moving to your new home started.

by Savannah Keaton: https://www.55places.com/blog/job-while-living-55-community