Part-Time Work at 66 Can Still Lift Social Security Benefits
Chick-fil-A’s CEO says the chain will keep human workers taking drive-thru orders instead of using AI voice systems. For a 66-year-old, a part-time job can raise Social Security benefits if the new earnings replace one of the lowest years in the 35-year calculation. Replacing a $6,000 earnings year with $22,000 could add about $12 per month, though early claimants may face a withholding penalty above $24,480.
Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy said the chain will keep human drive-thru order takers, valuing person-to-person hospitality over AI voice systems. For a 66-year-old, part-time work can matter because Social Security bases retirement benefits on the highest 35 wage-adjusted earning years.
If a $6,000 year is replaced by $22,000, the 35-year total rises $16,000. Spread over 420 months, that adds about $38 to average monthly earnings; at the 32% formula tier, the benefit rises roughly $12 monthly, or $146 yearly. Social Security recalculates automatically, though early claimants face withholding above $24,480.
This could matter most to older workers with thin earnings records, especially those already collecting Social Security. A small lifetime increase may modestly improve retirement security, while the earnings test may reduce or delay some benefits for claimants below full retirement age. Employers emphasizing human service could create part-time roles that may appeal to retirees seeking income. Still, the effect may be limited because only some workers can replace a low year.