When does Social Security stop withholding benefits because you work?

What you need to know

If you are collecting Social Security retirement benefits and still working, the earnings test can withhold some benefits before full retirement age. In 2026, the limit is $24,480 if you are under full retirement age all year, with $1 withheld for every $2 above the limit. In the year you reach full retirement age, the limit is $65,160 for earnings before your full-retirement-age month, with $1 withheld for every $3 above it. Beginning with the month you reach full retirement age, the earnings test stops, no matter how much you earn. SSA later recalculates your benefit to credit months in which benefits were withheld.