If You're Planning to Work and Claim Social Security in 2026, Here Are Some Important Numbers You Need to Know

Group 1 - The article discusses the varying retirement plans of individuals, emphasizing that having more money facilitates the realization of these plans [1] - Social Security is a significant component of retirement finances for many Americans, leading them to seek ways to maximize their benefits, including continuing to work after claiming benefits [2] - The Social Security retirement earnings test (RET) is designed to prevent individuals from receiving full benefits while earning substantial income from other sources [4] Group 2 - For individuals who will not reach full retirement age in 2026, the earnings limit is set at $24,480, an increase from $23,400 in 2025, with benefits reduced by $1 for every $2 earned over this limit [5] - For those reaching full retirement age in 2026, the earnings limit is $65,160, up from $62,160 in 2025, with benefits reduced by $1 for every $3 earned over this threshold [6] - It is crucial to note that the RET only applies to those claiming Social Security before reaching full retirement age; once full retirement age is reached, there are no earnings limits [7]