working while collecting Social Security 2026

The Rules Are Changing in 2026 for Working While Receiving Social Security

January 28, 2026 by samhitha

Introduction For retirees and near-retirees who want (or need) to keep earning income while receiving Social Security benefits, 2026 brings some of the most meaningful updates in recent years. The retirement earnings test — the mechanism that temporarily reduces benefits for workers under full retirement age (FRA) who exceed certain income thresholds — now allows higher earnings before any withholding kicks in. These increases, driven by annual wage indexing, give more flexibility to those in their early 60s, part-time workers, …

The Rules Are Changing in 2026 for Working While Receiving Social Security

January 28, 2026 by samhitha

Introduction For millions of Americans who receive Social Security retirement benefits while still working, 2026 brings meaningful changes that make it easier to earn more income without losing as much of your monthly check. The retirement earnings test — the rule that temporarily reduces benefits for those under full retirement age (FRA) who earn above certain limits — has higher income thresholds this year due to annual wage indexing. These adjustments give retirees, especially those in their early 60s or …

The Rules Are Changing in 2026 for Working While Receiving Social Security

January 27, 2026 by samhitha

Introduction If you’re collecting Social Security retirement benefits and still working—or planning to—in 2026, the Social Security Administration has updated key rules that could directly impact how much you keep from your monthly checks. The retirement earnings test, which temporarily reduces benefits for those under full retirement age (FRA) who earn above certain thresholds, sees higher limits this year thanks to wage growth adjustments. These changes allow many early retirees and part-time workers to earn more without facing as much …

Working While Collecting Social Security in 2026: Essential Rules to Know Now

January 26, 2026 by samhitha

The Social Security Administration has updated its earnings limits and rules for 2026, allowing many retirees to continue working while receiving benefits without permanent reductions once they reach full retirement age (FRA). For those claiming early retirement benefits, however, exceeding the annual earnings threshold triggers temporary withholdings—$1 deducted for every $2 earned above $24,480 if under FRA all year. In the year you attain FRA, a more generous limit of $65,160 applies only to months before reaching that age, with …

Working While Collecting Social Security in 2026: Essential New Rules for Americans

January 24, 2026 by samhitha

Introduction Many Americans choose to keep working even after they start collecting Social Security retirement benefits, whether to stay active, supplement income, or delay tapping savings. In 2026, updated rules under the retirement earnings test make it easier for some to earn more without penalties, thanks to annual adjustments tied to wage growth. The key change: higher earnings limits before benefits are temporarily reduced if you’re under full retirement age (FRA). Once you reach FRA—67 for those born in 1960 …