Working While Receiving Social Security
If you have reached full retirement age (FRA), there is no limit on how much you can earn from work without reducing your Social Security benefits.
Once you reach FRA, the earnings test no longer applies.
If you are under FRA, earnings above certain limits can temporarily reduce your monthly benefit.
Earnings limits
Under full retirement age all year
You can earn up to $24,480. Earnings above this amount result in $1 withheld for every $2 earned over the limit.
Reaching full retirement age
A higher limit applies only for the months before you reach FRA. You can earn up to $65,160 before the month you reach FRA. Earnings above this level result in $1 withheld for every $3 earned over the limit.
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At or above full retirement age
There is no income limit. You can earn any amount, and no benefits are withheld.
Example
A worker under FRA earns $30,480. That is $6,000 over the limit, so Social Security temporarily withholds $3,000 in benefits for the year.
What happens to withheld benefits
Any benefits withheld due to excess earnings are not lost. The Social Security Administration recalculates your benefit once you reach FRA and increases future monthly payments to make up for the amounts withheld earlier.
Tip
Think of the earnings limit as a timing issue rather than a penalty—you receive the money later through higher benefits.
What income counts
Only earned income counts toward the earnings limit:
- Wages from a job
- Net earnings from self-employment
Income that does not count includes:
- Pensions
- Investment income
- Annuities
- Social Security benefits
Taxes are separate
Even if your benefits are not reduced, earning income can still cause part of your Social Security benefits to be subject to federal income tax, depending on your total income.
Example
A retiree who has reached FRA earns $80,000 from part-time work. Benefits are not reduced, but a portion of Social Security may still be taxable.
Electronic filing recommendation 💻
Filing your tax return electronically is the easiest way to report earnings accurately while receiving Social Security.
Electronic filing helps by:
Automatically calculating taxable Social Security benefits
Applying earnings and income thresholds correctly
Reducing math and reporting errors
Speeding up refunds with direct deposit
Tip
If you work part-time or are self-employed, electronic filing makes it much easier to report wages or net earnings and avoid mistakes that could trigger benefit withholding or IRS notices.
Planning tips for working retirees
Tip
If you are under FRA and close to the earnings limit, track income throughout the year to avoid unexpected benefit withholding.
If you expect to exceed the limit, notify Social Security early so adjustments are handled smoothly.
Final thoughts
Working while receiving Social Security can be a smart financial move, especially after reaching full retirement age.
Understanding the 2026 earnings limits helps you plan income, avoid surprises, and make confident decisions about work and retirement timing.
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