If you’re collecting Social Security and still working—even part-time—there’s a rule that could quietly reduce your monthly check. Many retirees assume that once benefits start, the amount is fixed, but that’s not always true. The Social Security earnings test can temporarily reduce payments if your income exceeds certain limits. Those limits were recently increased, but so was the number of retirees affected by them.
The Social Security earnings limit determines how much you can earn before benefits are reduced if you haven’t reached full retirement age. In 2026, that limit is $24,480 for those under full retirement age all year. If you earn more than that, Social Security withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you exceed the limit. For those reaching full retirement age in 2026, the higher limit is $65,160, with $1 withheld for every $3 over the cap. Once you hit full retirement age, the earnings limit disappears entirely, and you can earn as much as you want without penalty. Here’s what you need to know about how it could impact your check.
