The Social Security Earnings Test Rules
If you collect Social Security retirement benefits before your Full Retirement Age (FRA)—which is age 67 for everyone born in 1960 or later—the Social Security Administration (SSA) applies an annual earnings limit:
- Under Full Retirement Age for the Entire Year: In 2026, the annual earnings threshold is $24,480 ($2,040 per month). The SSA withholds $1 of benefits for every $2 you earn above this threshold. (In 2025, this cap was $23,400).
- The Year You Reach Full Retirement Age: In 2026, the limit jumps to $65,160 ($5,430 per month). The SSA withholds $1 for every $3 earned above the limit for months prior to your birthday month. (In 2025, this cap was $62,160).
- Reaching Full Retirement Age: Starting the month you hit your FRA, there is zero earnings penalty. You can earn an unlimited salary without losing any portion of your monthly Social Security benefit.
Withheld benefits are not permanently lost; once you reach Full Retirement Age, the SSA recalculates your monthly benefit upward to credit you for the payments that were previously withheld.
