Working While Collecting: The 2026 Earnings Limits
If you choose to claim your divorced spouse benefit while continuing to work, you must navigate the Social Security retirement earnings test. Earning too much before reaching your Full Retirement Age triggers a temporary withholding of your benefits.
The 2026 earnings test rules are strictly enforced:
- Under Full Retirement Age for the entire year: The annual earnings limit is $24,480. For every $2 you earn above this threshold, Social Security withholds $1 from your benefit payments.
- The year you reach Full Retirement Age: In the months leading up to your birthday, the limit increases significantly to $65,160. During this window, the penalty is reduced; the SSA withholds $1 for every $3 you earn above the cap.
- After reaching Full Retirement Age: The earnings limit completely disappears. You can earn an unlimited amount of income from work without facing any benefit reductions.
It is important to note that the earnings test only applies to wages from a job or net earnings from self-employment. Investment returns, pensions, capital gains, and annuity payouts do not count toward this limit.
I lived with my spouse for 40 years but we never married, am I entitled to anything??
Suppose my Ex got married again?
I am 65 years old my ex was born in 1957 and drawing social security. I am now drawingl. Do I draw some of his we were married for 17 years I do not have his social security number.
I was married for 21 years
I am still working
My X husband is retired now
I already get social security
am I eligible to get an increase at this time
I unfortunately was divorced on 3/1/85.
My 10 year anniversary would have been on 6/7/85. My attorney did not protect me. Did he? Is there anything I can do about this?
I was married to Rachel Clark ,for 18 yrs. Am I entitled to her ssi.
Married to Rachel Clark,Key. For 18.5 years. Can I file on her SSI?
I have been devorced for 24 years