Do you get Social Security if you own your own business?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Feb 24, 2026
If you’re operating a small business, you can get Social Security benefits at the same time if you qualify on your own work record or someone else’s. The Social Security Administration treats your self-employment income the same as wages earned by a worker.
Do sole proprietors pay Social Security?
Sole proprietors must make contributions to the Social Security and Medicare systems; taken together, these contributions are called “self-employment taxes.” Self-employment taxes are equivalent to the payroll tax for employees of a business. See the IRS website for current Social Security annual income thresholds.
Can I own a small business and collect Social Security?
Owning even a very small business can affect your eligibility for Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI). But if you’re self-employed, the SSA will use either the “countable income test” or the “three tests” to determine whether your work is considered substantial gainful activity.
How does social security work for business owners?
The government is obligated by law to pay Social Security payments to eligible Americans. Without an act of Congress to eliminate Social Security, the government has to pay. If you own a business as a side hustle, it may not have crossed your mind to register the business with your state government. That’s okay.
Can a small business affect your social security?
Owning even a very small business can affect your eligibility for Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI). This is because, if the Social Security Administration (SSA) concludes that the work you put into it is substantial gainful activity, you could lose your benefits—or you won’t qualify for benefits in the first place.
How to pay yourself as a small business owner?
Many small business owners compensate themselves using a draw, rather than paying themselves a salary. Patty could withdraw profits generated by her business or take out funds that she previously contributed to her company. She may also take out a combination of profits and capital she previously contributed.
How does a small business owner compensate themselves?
Many small business owners compensate themselves using a draw, rather than paying themselves a salary. The business owner may withdraw profits generated by the business, or take out funds that the owner previously contributed to operate the company. An owner’s draw may also be a combination of profits and capital contributed.