More Americans are working during retirement than ever before. Some want extra income, while others simply enjoy staying active or easing gradually into retirement. But if you start collecting benefits before reaching full retirement age (FRA), your wages may trigger the Social Security earnings test, which can temporarily reduce your monthly payments. In 2026, workers under the FRA can earn up to $24,480 before benefits begin to be withheld, and $1 is withheld for every $2 earned above that limit.
The earnings test is often misunderstood, and many retirees accidentally trigger it simply because they don’t understand how timing affects their income. With the right approach, you can continue earning while protecting your benefits. Here are seven smart ways to time part-time work and avoid unnecessary surprises from the Social Security earnings test.
