Plenty of people claim Social Security and keep working, but the “right” move depends on your age, income, and goals. If you’re considering work after claiming, the biggest risk isn’t “getting in trouble,” it’s getting surprised by a smaller check or a higher tax bill than you expected. The good news is the rules are straightforward once you know which limit applies to you. A few quick checks can help you keep more of your benefits and avoid nasty timing mistakes. Here are six things that can help you decide with clarity in 2026.
1. Know Whether You’re Under Full Retirement Age
The earnings test only matters if you’re under full retirement age. If you’re at or past full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want, and your Social Security check won’t be reduced because of work. If you’re under that age, work after claiming may still be worth it, but you’ll want to estimate how much of your benefit could be withheld. The key is matching your plan to your exact situation, not a friend’s story. Start by confirming your full retirement age and whether you’ll reach it this year.
2. Work After Claiming: Know the Earnings-Test Limits
If you’re under full retirement age for the entire year, Social Security withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above $24,480. If you reach full retirement age during 2026, Social Security will withhold $1 for every $3 you earn above $65,160, but only count earnings before the month you reach full retirement age. This is why work after claiming can feel “fine” for part-time income and suddenly feel painful when you cross the limit. The withholding usually shows up as full monthly checks held back early in the year, not tiny deductions each month. Plan your hours and timing so the math doesn’t blindside you.
3. Understand Withholding Isn’t the Same as “Losing” Benefits
A lot of people hear “withheld” and assume the money is gone forever, but that’s not how the retirement earnings test works. Social Security credits you later for months when benefits were withheld by adjusting the reduction factors used when you claimed early. Your monthly benefit can also increase if your new earnings replace lower-earning years in your record. In practice, work after claiming may reduce checks now, but raise them later once you reach full retirement age. This is still a cash-flow issue, so you need a plan for the months when your check is smaller or missing. Think of it as timing risk, not a permanent penalty.
4. Watch the Tax Surprise Before It Hits
Working can push more of your Social Security into taxable territory, especially if you’re near the income thresholds. The IRS uses “provisional income,” and depending on your total, up to 50% or up to 85% of benefits can be taxable. This is where work after claiming can backfire emotionally, because your paycheck feels good, but your spring tax bill feels awful. A simple move is to increase withholding on your job or make quarterly estimated payments if needed. If you’re married, run the numbers together because filing status changes the thresholds.
5. Check Medicare Premiums If Your Income Jumps
If you’re on Medicare, higher income can trigger an income-related monthly adjustment amount for Part B and Part D. Social Security bases that on your tax return from two years prior, which means a strong earning year can raise premiums later. This is another place where work after claiming can cost more than you expect, especially if you’re taking on a big consulting project or a one-time payout. If your income drops due to a life-changing event, you may be able to request a reduction in that adjustment amount. Don’t ignore premiums when you’re running your “is this job worth it” math.
6. Choose a Work Plan That Matches Your Real Goal
Some people work for purpose and structure, while others work because they need the income, and those are different decisions. If you want extra money but hate the earnings test, consider seasonal work that keeps you under the limit or front-loads earnings into months that fit your plan. If you want health insurance or social connection, prioritize roles with predictable hours and low stress, even if the pay is lower. This is where work after claiming becomes a lifestyle choice, not just a financial one. Your best plan is the one you can repeat without burnout, because consistency beats a one-time grind. Make the decision as a couple if your household budget is shared, so nobody feels blindsided later.
The Clear-Head Checklist for 2026 Decisions
Start by confirming whether you’re under full retirement age and which 2026 earnings limit applies to you. Estimate whether any benefits will be withheld and decide how you’ll cover those months if your check drops. Then run a quick tax check, because additional income can change what you owe on benefits. If you’re on Medicare, factor in the possibility of higher premiums tied to income. When you plan for the rules set up front, working can feel empowering instead of confusing.
Are you considering working while receiving benefits, and what’s your biggest worry—smaller checks, taxes, or Medicare premiums?
What to Read Next…
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Part-Time Gig Work Might Reduce Social Security Instead of Boosting It
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