Can I earn unlimited income during the months I reach FRA in 2025 while collecting Social Security?

yes theres a limit before FRA but not after. my sister just went thru this last yr. once u hit ur birthday month, earn all u want!

The earnings limit for 2025 hasn't been officially announced yet, but based on recent COLA adjustments, it will likely be around $22,200-23,000 for the entire year before your FRA. However, for the months in the year you reach FRA but before your actual FRA month, there's a much higher limit - probably around $59,000-61,000 for 2025. Remember these key points: 1. Only earnings BEFORE the month you reach FRA count toward the limit 2. Once you reach your FRA month (September 2025 in your case), there is NO earnings limit 3. If you exceed the limit before FRA, SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above the annual limit 4. In the year you reach FRA, it's $1 withheld for every $3 above the higher limit for months before your FRA month In your situation, you only need to worry about earnings from January-August 2025. September forward has no limit.

BE CAREFUL!! They take $1 for every $2 you make over the limit and they DON'T TELL YOU until it's too late!! Happened to me and I got NO BENEFITS for 3 months because I went over by accident!! The SSA system is designed to trick people and they HOPE you mess up!!!

Yes, that's correct. Since you reach FRA in September 2025: - For January-August 2025, you're subject to the higher limit that applies in the year you reach FRA (likely ~$60,000) - Only earnings in those specific months count toward that limit - Starting September 2025 onward, no earnings limit applies So your plan to start benefits at FRA in September while continuing to work through February 2026 works perfectly. No reduction in benefits regardless of how much you earn after August.

something else to think about is medicare...do u have that yet? if not u should sign up before 65 or theres a penalty!!

I'm in almost the exact same boat! My FRA is July 2025 but I want to work until December. I called SSA about this six times and got disconnected every single time. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through and talked to a really helpful agent who explained everything. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - basically got me through to an agent in 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. The agent confirmed what others here are saying - earnings before your FRA month count toward the limit (which is much higher in your FRA year), but once you hit the month of your FRA, no more earnings test applies. Super straightforward once someone actually explains it clearly!

One thing nobody's mentioned: if you DO exceed the earnings limit before reaching FRA, any benefits withheld aren't permanently lost. SSA recalculates your benefit amount when you reach FRA to credit you for months when benefits were withheld. Your monthly payment will increase slightly to make up for it over time. But obviously it's better to avoid exceeding the limit if possible.

Thanks everyone! This has been incredibly helpful. Just to make sure I've got it straight: 1. For Jan-Aug 2025 (before my FRA month), I'm subject to the higher annual limit (~$60k) 2. From September 2025 onward, no earnings limit applies at all 3. If I somehow exceed the limit in those first 8 months, they'll withhold some benefits but eventually adjust my payment amount at FRA Since I'll probably earn around $65-70k by August, I might be slightly over the limit. I'll have to decide if I want to try to stay under it or just accept a small reduction for a month or two. Really appreciate all the insights!