Social Security Earnings Limit after FRA - can I work unlimited hours without reduction?

Yes, once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test no longer applies. You can earn as much as you want from employment without any reduction to your Social Security retirement benefits. This is different from the rules that apply before FRA, where earnings above certain limits can temporarily reduce your benefits. To be clear: - Before FRA: There are earnings limits ($21,240 in 2025 for years before the year you reach FRA, and $56,520 in the year you reach FRA but only counting earnings before the month you reach FRA) - At and after FRA: No earnings limits whatsoever Your financial advisor was correct. Your brother might be thinking about the rules that apply before you reach your full retirement age.

ur brother is wrong lol... once FRA hits u can make a MILLION $$$ and SSA doesn't care at all!! but watch out for taxes tho... they'll get ya that way instead 😅

I was confused about this too last year! Yes, after FRA you can earn whatever without SS cuts. But I thought that meant I didn't need to report my earnings to SSA anymore after reaching FRA. BIG MISTAKE! You still have to report everything - they just don't reduce your benefits. The rep I finally talked to explained this after my benefits got messed up.

The SSA typically gets your earnings information directly from your tax returns, so there isn't usually a separate reporting requirement for most people. However, if you're self-employed or have special circumstances, different rules might apply. What most people don't realize is that continuing to work after FRA can actually INCREASE your benefit amount over time. The SSA recalculates your benefit annually to account for any new high-earning years that might replace lower-earning years in your top 35. So working after FRA not only doesn't reduce your benefits, it might boost them slightly year after year!

Yes, the SSA will automatically recalculate your benefit amount each year if you continue to work after you've started receiving benefits. If your recent earnings are higher than one of your lowest earning years used in your original calculation (out of the 35 years they use), your benefit amount will increase accordingly. However, don't expect dramatic increases - they're usually modest. The adjustment happens automatically each year (typically reflected in your payment by October of the following year) based on your reported earnings from your W-2 or tax return.

I had the SAME QUESTION when I hit my FRA last year!!! The SSA office gave me THREE DIFFERENT ANSWERS when I called them. First they said there was still a limit, then they said there wasn't, then the third person wasn't sure! I was so frustrated trying to get accurate info!!! Tried for TWO WEEKS to get someone who knew what they were talking about. Then my neighbor told me about this service called Claimyr that gets you through to an actual SSA agent without the endless waiting. I was skeptical but I tried it (claimyr.com) and got through in like 20 minutes instead of endless redials and hold times. The agent confirmed 100% that there are NO EARNINGS LIMITS after your FRA. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU if you're struggling to get through to SSA like I was.

My situation is exactly like yours! I'm reaching my FRA next month (67 for me, born in 1958) and was worried about the same thing. Everyone's right - there's absolutely NO earnings limit after FRA. I even double-checked this on the official SSA website just to be 100% sure before I made my retirement plans. BUT what nobody mentioned is that working while collecting SS can affect your Medicare premiums if you're enrolled. If your income goes above certain thresholds, you'll pay more for Medicare Part B and Part D through something called IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). Just something to be aware of if you're planning to make substantial income while collecting SS.

Thank you all so much for these clear answers! I feel much better now understanding that: 1. After reaching FRA, I can earn unlimited income without ANY reduction to my Social Security benefits 2. I still need to be aware of taxes - up to 85% of my SS benefits could be taxable depending on my total income 3. Working after FRA might actually slightly increase my benefit amount through recalculations 4. I need to watch out for IRMAA affecting my Medicare premiums if my income is high This forum has been so much more helpful than trying to navigate the SSA website or waiting on hold forever. I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain things!

When I was figuring all this out last year I made a spreadsheet with different income scenarios to see how much more tax I'd pay on my benefits at different income levels. It was eye-opening! Even though there's no benefit reduction after FRA, the tax bite can be significant if you have a good job. Worth doing the math before you decide how much to work.

my cousin kept working full time after FRA and his benefit went up like $75/month after two years... not life changing but hey free money right?? lol