What is Social Security, and how does farming fit in?
Social Security is a federal program that provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits to people who have paid into it through work. Farmers who are self-employed generally pay in through the tax system on their net earnings, while hired farmworkers pay through payroll.
Because farm income can swing from year to year, and because some farmers have years with little or no net income, a farmer's record can look different from that of a salaried worker. That can affect benefits later.
Hired farmworkers are treated differently from self-employed farmers and from family members who work on the farm. If you employ relatives, or if you worked for a relative, ask an accountant how the work was reported, since that affects what appears on the record.
Why should I check my earnings record?
Benefits are based on a record of your earnings over your working life. If years are missing or wrong, your benefit may be lower than it should be. Mistakes can happen, especially for self-employed people and for those who worked in several places.
The Social Security Administration lets people review their earnings record and get benefit information through its official channels. Use only the official agency website or phone number, and be careful of look-alike sites and callers.
- Review the record for missing years
- Keep tax returns and records
- Use only official agency contacts
How does continuing to farm affect benefits?
If you keep farming after you begin receiving retirement benefits, your earnings may affect your payment depending on your age and the amount earned, under rules the agency publishes. How farm income is counted, and when, can be complicated, especially with leases, sales and shared arrangements.
Because the rules change and depend on your situation, ask the Social Security Administration directly and consider speaking with a tax professional who understands farm income before you decide when to claim.
What about leasing land, selling and rental income?
Whether income from land rentals or sales counts for Social Security purposes depends on how you are involved and the arrangement. A landlord who takes part in farming may be treated differently from one who does not.
Ask an accountant how your arrangement is reported, and check the details with the agency. Do not assume that a neighbor with a similar lease is treated the same way.
Keep your own copies of tax returns and income records for as long as an adviser recommends. If the agency's record differs from yours, those papers are what you will use to ask for a correction.
How should I think about when to start benefits?
The age at which you begin benefits can change your monthly amount for the rest of your life, and the right choice depends on health, other income, marital status and plans for the farm. This is a personal decision with long-term effects.
The agency and licensed financial professionals can explain your options and show estimates. Avoid anyone who pressures you to decide quickly or who offers a product in return for a fee on a program that is free to you.
- Compare estimates for different starting ages
- Consider your spouse's benefits
- Talk to a professional who knows farm income
What about spouses, survivors and disability?
Social Security can pay benefits to spouses, former spouses and surviving family members under conditions set by the agency. Farm couples sometimes divide the work in ways that leave one partner with a smaller record, so ask how spousal and survivor benefits would work for you.
If illness or injury prevents you from working, ask the agency about disability benefits and how farm work is treated. Keep medical records and ask for help early, since claims can take time.
Where do I go for reliable answers?
Contact the Social Security Administration through its official website or toll-free number, or visit a local office. Your area agency on aging may help with benefits counseling. A tax professional or financial planner can look at the whole retirement picture.
Scammers pose as agency staff, so never give out your number or banking information to an unexpected caller. This guide is general education, not financial or legal advice, and the agency's own answers should be your final authority.
Take a list of questions to any appointment, and write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date. If an answer surprises you, ask for it in writing or confirm with a second source.
Key takeaways
- Check that your earnings record is complete, especially if you are self-employed.
- Farm earnings after you claim can affect benefits, so confirm the rules with the agency.
- Ask how rental income and land sales are treated before you rely on assumptions.
- Use only official agency contacts and watch for scams.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.