@r592971swrote:
I may retire in 2018. I will also be receiving a substantial bonus from my firm in 2019. Would the bonus amount count towards my top 35 yrs. of earning to determine my social security payment in retirement? If not I may look to extend my career and retire in January, 2019.
Thank you in advance.
cat0w is right; it all depends on how your company will be reporting it in 2019, especially if you are retired.
If they report it as wages, deduct income taxes and your contributions to FICA and report it on a W-2, it will be wages and will be countable as your earnings - but if not, then NO -
Your answer lies with your employer and how they would/will handle it.