Can I work full-time and collect Social Security at my FRA without penalties?

Yes, you absolutely CAN work full-time while collecting Social Security once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA). There is NO earnings limit after FRA. Before FRA, there are earnings limits that can reduce benefits, but this completely goes away once you hit your FRA. So at 67, you can earn as much as you want without any reduction to your SS benefits. Just keep in mind that depending on your combined income, up to 85% of your Social Security benefits might be subject to federal income tax. But that's a tax issue, not a benefit reduction.

my brother got his SS and kept working full time and it didnt affect his check at all. he said its the best of both worlds lol. but he did say something about paying more taxes because of it

The previous answers are correct. Just wanted to add some specific details: 1. At FRA, the earnings test completely disappears. You can earn unlimited income with no effect on your benefit amount. 2. If you claim benefits BEFORE your FRA, in 2025 the earnings limit is approximately $22,320 (they adjust it annually). For every $2 you earn above that limit, $1 is withheld from benefits. 3. In the year you reach FRA but before your birthday, there's a higher limit of about $59,520, and only $1 is withheld for every $3 over the limit. 4. Regarding taxes: if your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of SS benefits) exceeds $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (married filing jointly), up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable. Since you're earning $86,000, you'll definitely have some taxation on your SS benefits, but that's totally separate from the earnings test which won't apply to you at FRA.

I've been trying to contact SSA for WEEKS about this EXACT question and can't get through!!! Every time I call it's either busy signals or being on hold for hours only to get disconnected. So frustrating!!! Their offices are always packed when I try to go in person too. Has anyone found a better way to reach them? I need to apply in 3 months but have questions about working while collecting.

You've gotten good info, but I want to point out that while you CAN collect SS at your FRA while working, you might want to consider if you SHOULD. If you don't need the money right now, delaying your benefits past FRA increases them by 8% per year until age 70. That's a guaranteed 24% increase if you can wait from 67 to 70! Just something to think about if you're still earning good money and don't immediately need the SS income.

doesn't SS also look at your highest 35 years of earnings? so if your making good money now wouldn't that also increase your benefit amount?

After reading all the advice here, I'd suggest considering these options based on your $86,000 salary: 1. Claim at FRA (67) while continuing to work: You'll get your full SS benefit plus your salary, but will pay taxes on up to 85% of your SS benefits. 2. Delay claiming until 70 while working: Your SS benefit increases 8% annually until age 70 (24% total increase). If you don't need the money immediately, this provides a higher lifetime benefit, especially valuable if you expect longevity. 3. Hybrid approach: If you need some income but not all, you could consider reducing work hours and starting SS at FRA, or working full-time but delaying SS. Your current high salary will continue replacing lower-earning years in your SS calculation, potentially increasing your benefit regardless of when you claim.