US Social Security recipients who are under full retirement age (FRA) will face an earnings limit of $24,480 in 2026. For every $2 earned above this threshold, $1 in benefits will be withheld. For those who will reach FRA by the end of 2026, the limit is considerably higher at $65,160, with $1 in benefits withheld for every $3 earned above that amount. Only wages, freelance pay, and consulting fees count towards these limits; investment income like IRA withdrawals, dividends, and capital gains are not included. Withheld benefits are not permanently lost and will be repaid through larger monthly checks once the recipient reaches full retirement age.