Social Security earnings cap removed at FRA? Confused about retirement earnings limits

Your brother-in-law is right. Once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), there is NO limit on how much you can earn while receiving your full Social Security retirement benefits. I went through this exact situation last year. Before FRA, yes, there are earnings limits ($21,240 in 2025 for those under FRA the entire year, with $1 reduction for every $2 over), but the month you hit FRA, those limits disappear completely. At 67, you'll be at your FRA, so work as much as you want - earn $32,000 or $320,000, Social Security doesn't care and won't reduce your benefits at all. Just be aware of possible tax implications if your combined income gets too high.

my sister thought the same thing and she lost like $400 a month because she didnt understand the rules!! if ur under fra theres a limit but at fra no more limit. thats why a lot of people wait till fra to start ss if there still working

There's a lot of confusion around this topic! Here's the exact rule: Before Full Retirement Age, in 2025 you can earn up to $21,240 without penalty. Earn more, and SSA deducts $1 for every $2 over the limit. In the year you reach FRA, the limit jumps to $56,520 for the months BEFORE your FRA month, with $1 deducted for every $3 over. From the month you reach FRA onward = NO EARNINGS LIMIT WHATSOEVER. Since you're turning 67 (your FRA) in July 2025 and claiming then, you'll never be subject to the earnings limit if you start benefits in your FRA month or later. Your $32,000 income won't affect your SS benefits at all. However, depending on your total income, up to 85% of your benefits might be taxable - that's a separate issue from the earnings limit.

I WASTED THREE MONTHS trying to get SSA to explain this to me last year!!! Called dozens of times and couldn't get through. The online info is so confusing and contradictory. They make these rules DELIBERATELY COMPLICATED so people mess up their applications. Then when I finally reached someone, they gave me wrong information and I ended up having $3800 deducted from my benefits because I didn't know about the earnings limit before FRA!!!!

My husband and I just went through this whole process. Yes, once you reach your full retirement age (FRA), which is 67 for anyone born in 1958 or later, there is NO earnings cap. Zero. Nada. You can make millions and still get your full SS benefit. But remember, if you claim BEFORE reaching FRA, those earnings limits are serious business. My husband claimed at 65 and had $5,400 withheld last year because he went over the limit. I waited until 67 and have no restrictions. Also, don't forget about taxes - higher combined income means more of your SS benefits become taxable.

my mom is on SSDI not retirement and they told her theres always an earnings limit even after retirement age is this different for disability?? now im worried shes getting wrong info

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much better about my decision to wait until my FRA next July before claiming. To summarize what I've learned: 1. At FRA, there is NO earnings limit whatsoever 2. Since I'll be claiming at 67 (my FRA), I can keep working and earning $32,000 with no reduction in SS benefits 3. I should still be aware of possible tax implications Really appreciate all the explanations - this community is incredibly helpful!