QUESTION: My neighbor, who is retired, told me the income he receives from his part-time job at the local nursery gives him an increase in his Social Security benefits. Is that right?

ANSWER: Retirees who return to work after they start receiving benefits may be able to receive a higher benefit based on those earnings.

This is because Social Security automatically re-computes the retirement benefit after crediting the additional earnings to the individual’s earnings record.

Learn more by reading the publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html.

QUESTION: I plan to retire soon. When are Social Security benefits paid?

ANSWER: Social Security benefits are paid each month.

Generally, new retirees receive their benefits on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the day in the month the retiree was born.

If you receive benefits as a spouse, your benefit payment date will be determined by your spouse’s birth date.

Here’s a breakout showing how your monthly payment date is determined:

If you were born on the first through the 10th of the month, you will receive your payments on the second Wednesday.

If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month, you will receive your payments the third Wednesday.

If you were born on the 21st through the 31st of the month, you will receive your payments on the fourth Wednesday.

For a calendar showing actual payment dates for 2012, see the Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/calendar.htm.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.