AARP Hearing Center
Andy Markowitz is an AARP senior writer and editor covering Social Security and retirement. He is a former editor of the Prague Post and Baltimore City Paper.
Yes. If you exceed the limit, which is $24,480 in 2026, $1 of your benefits will be withheld for every $2 you earn above the limit. You must promptly tell Social Security how much you expect to earn so that the correct amount can be withheld.
If you receive more benefits than you're entitled to, you'll have to pay them back. Also, you may have to pay a penalty if you didn't promptly notify Social Security.
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The $24,480 cap is in effect when you work and receive benefits in a year before the one in which you reach full retirement age, or FRA, which is 66 and 10 months for people born in 1959 and 67 for those born in or after 1960. If you will reach FRA in 2026, the limit is higher ($65,160) and the withholding lower ($1 in benefits for every $3 in earnings above the cap).
When you hit full retirement age, the earnings cap goes away. Past that date, there is no benefit withholding no matter how much you make from work.
Keep in mind
The earnings limit covers only income from work, including self-employment. Other forms of income, such as investment gains, IRA distributions or unemployment benefits, do not count toward the cap.
More on Social Security
Social Security and Working: What to Know
Do I Get Back Money Social Security Withholds?