The 2026 Social Security Earnings Limit Is $24,480, Here’s Exactly How Much You Could Lose If You Work Past It
Millions of Americans claim Social Security before reaching full retirement age. But if you’re planning to keep working in 2026, there’s a number you need to know.
The Social Security Administration sets an annual earnings limit for people who claim benefits early and continue earning income. If you make more than that limit and haven’t yet reached full retirement age, part of your benefit may be withheld.
For 2026, the earnings limit for workers who are under full retirement age all year is $24,480.
If you earn more than that amount while collecting benefits before reaching full retirement age, Social Security will withhold $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit.
How the Earnings Limit Actually Works
If you are below full retirement age for the entire year, Social Security deducts:
- $1 from your monthly benefits for every $2 you earn over $24,480.
For example, if you’re collecting benefits in 2026 and earn $34,480 — $10,000 over the annual limit, Social Security would withhold $5,000 from your benefits ($10,000 ÷ 2).
What Happens in the Year You Reach Full Retirement Age
If 2026 is the year you reach your Social Security full retirement age, a higher earnings threshold applies.
In that case, you can earn up to $65,160 in the months before your full retirement age without losing any benefits.
Once you reach full retirement age, there’s no earnings limit at all, meaning you can earn as much as you want without Social Security holding back benefits.
Is the Money Lost Forever?
Here’s the twist many retirees don’t realize: the money withheld because of excess earnings isn’t permanently gone.
Once you reach full retirement age, Social Security recalculates your benefit and credits back the months where benefits were withheld. Over time, this can increase your future monthly checks.
But there’s no getting around the fact that those withheld benefits can shrink your monthly income in the short term.
Why This Matters in 2026
With inflation still affecting household budgets, more retirees are:
- working part-time,
- claiming benefits early,
- trying to balance income and retirement goals.
That combination means more people may unintentionally cross the earnings limit and see checks reduced, even if they aren’t earning a full-time salary.
Should You Adjust Your Work Plans?
If you are:
- claiming Social Security before full retirement age,
- planning to work in 2026,
- or expecting total income close to or above $24,480,
It’s worth evaluating whether a few extra hours at a job could cost you months of Social Security checks.
Knowing the 2026 earnings limit, and exactly how much you could temporarily lose is crucial before making retirement income decisions.
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