How Returning or continuing to Work Can Affect Your Social Security Check (2026)

How Returning or continuing to Work Can Affect Your Social Security Check (2026)

If you continue working while receiving Social Security in 2026, your benefits may be reduced depending on your age and income. If you’re under full retirement age (FRA), you can earn up to $23,040 per year before benefits are reduced, with $1 withheld for every $2 earned above that limit. In the year you reach FRA, the limit increases to $60,720, with only $1 withheld for every $3 over the limit until your birthday month. Once you reach FRA, there’s no earnings limit and your benefits are no longer reduced. For example, if you’re under FRA and earn $25,040, you’re $2,000 over the limit, so $1,000 would be withheld. Keeping track of your earnings is important, as your full benefit amount resumes once you reach FRA or your income falls below the threshold.

Your Age

Earnings Limit (2026)

Reduction in Benefits

Under FRA

$23,040/year (before month you reach FRA)

$1 withheld for every $2 earned above limit

Year you reach FRA

$60,720/year (until the month you reach FRA)

$1 withheld for every $3 earned above limit

At or after FRA

No limit

Benefits not reduced, regardless of earnings

Example

• If you’re under FRA and earn $25,040, that’s $2,000 over the $23,040 limit.

• Social Security would withhold $1,000 from your benefits ($1 for every $2 over the limit).

💡Tip: Keep track of your year-to-date earnings. Your monthly check may resume at full amount once you reach FRA or your earnings drop below the limit.