# Can I work and collect Social Security at the same time?

Canonical: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/answers/can-i-work-and-collect-social-security/
Section: Should you stop earning? (Retirement Decision Lab, Decision 2 · Week 2 · Wed Nov 11)
Facts checked: 2026-10-06 · Next review by: 2026-11-15
Reviewed by: Todd Allyn, Founding Director, Sovereo Intelligence Research

## Short answer

Yes. Before full retirement age, Social Security holds back some benefits if you earn more than a yearly limit. From the month you reach full retirement age, there is no limit.

## Detail

For 2026 the limit is $24,480 a year. Above it, SSA withholds $1 for every $2 you earn. In the year you reach full retirement age, the limit is $65,160, counting only earnings before that month, and SSA withholds $1 for every $3 above it.

Withheld benefits are not simply lost. At full retirement age, SSA recalculates your monthly amount to credit the months it held back.

Work can also raise your benefit. If a new year of earnings is one of your highest, SSA recalculates your benefit upward.

## Where it gets personal

Week 2 tests how much work, if any, makes your plan stronger. The Retirement Decision Lab: https://theretirementdecisionlab.com/

## Sources

1. Receiving Benefits While Working, Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html
2. Exempt Amounts Under the Earnings Test, Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/rtea.html

Education only. Not financial, tax, investment, immigration or legal advice.
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