Full question: When Social Security benefits are paid back due to the earnings limits, how are these dollars recouped later?

Hi there,

It sounds like you are affected by the earnings test, which applies to those who are:

• Younger than their full retirement age, FRA,
• Still working, and
• Also collecting retirement benefits.

If the earnings test applies to you, the SSA will withhold a certain amount of your monthly Social Security checks depending on how much you earn over the threshold limits. The current earnings test threshold limits for 2024 are $22,320 for the years up to your year of FRA, and $59,520 for the year of FRA.

Once you reach the month of your FRA, the earnings test will no longer apply and SSA will recalculate and increase your benefit to account for the funds that were withheld during those years.

For personalized support, you can work with an RSSA here.

Take care,
Martha

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