The Rules Are Changing in 2026 for Working While Still Collecting ...
If the vision of retirement used to look like tee times and tranquil evenings, the reality in 2025 feels a little more... caffeinated. These days,
www.wilshirehcs.orgHere are the latest key points on Social Security earnings limits for 2026, based on reputable sources available publicly:
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Earnings limits for those under full retirement age (FRA) in 2026 are projected to rise to about $24,480. Any earnings above this threshold can reduce benefits, typically by $1 for every $2 earned over the limit. This represents a higher cap than 2025, giving working retirees a bit more room before benefit reductions apply. [Source summaries indicate the 2026 threshold around $24,480 and the standard $1 reduction per $2 overage for those under FRA.] [web sources: 1, 4]
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For individuals who will reach FRA in 2026, the limit increases to roughly $65,160 for the year, with benefits reduced by $1 for every $3 earned above this limit until the month you reach FRA. This reflects the transitional year where FRA is reached partway through the year. [Source summaries indicate the FRA-year threshold around $65,160 and the $1-$3 rule during the transition.] [web sources: 2, 4]
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Once you reach FRA, there is no earnings limit for the remainder of the year, and no benefit reductions tied to earnings. This aligns with typical SSA rules and is expected to apply in 2026 as well. [General SSA framework reflected in multiple reporting sources.] [web sources: 3, 4]
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In 2026, the earnings-test framework is moving toward relying on an annual limit rather than a monthly test for many beneficiaries, and some coverage notes mention the elimination of certain monthly tests with ongoing adjustments to annual figures. Practically, this means you should track total earnings for the year and compare against the annual limit to estimate potential withholdings. [Source discussions indicate a shift away from monthly testing in 2026.] [web sources: 1, 4]
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Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for 2026 are commonly cited as about 2.8%, which affects benefit amounts and planning, but it does not change the basic structure of the earnings test itself. If you’re planning around 2026 benefits, consider both the COLA and the earnings limits together. [Sources discussing 2026 COLA around 2.8% include 4.]
What this means for you in Amsterdam, NL
- If you or someone you know is a U.S. Social Security beneficiary living abroad or with income considerations involving U.S. benefits, the earnings limits apply to U.S. Social Security retirement benefits and are not tied to Dutch pension rules. If you’re residing in Amsterdam, you’ll want to coordinate with a U.S. tax/benefits advisor to understand how foreign earned income, taxes, and any treaty considerations affect U.S. Social Security receipts. [Note: specific cross-border tax guidance should be obtained from a qualified advisor; this is general behavioral context.]
Would you like me to pull the exact, up-to-date SSA numbers and present them in a compact reference table with the precise 2026 figures and their month-by-month applicability? I can also provide a short checklist for planning if you expect to work in 2026 while receiving Social Security, including how to use SSA online tools to estimate your withholdings.