If you’re approaching retirement in 2026, there’s one number you absolutely need to understand: $65,160. It’s the key earnings threshold that determines whether your Social Security benefits get reduced before you reach full retirement age. Many seniors are surprised to learn that working while collecting benefits can temporarily lower their payments. But it’s important to understand that once you hit full retirement age, those rules change dramatically.
The $65,160 threshold applies specifically to people who will reach full retirement age in 2026. It’s part of the Social Security earnings test, which limits how much you can earn before your benefits are reduced. The Social Security Administration states that if you earn more than $65,160 before reaching full retirement age, your benefits may be temporarily reduced.
