SSA age 67 question

Terry Says

So let me get this straight: You started receiving SS benefits BEFORE you reached your Full Retirement Age. And your benefits are permanently reduced.
Now, you continue to work. But after full retirement age the earnings penalty goes away.
When you worked before you reached the year of your retirement age, you lost $1 in benefits for every $2 earned over the cap of $24,800. That was lower in previous years.
BUT, in the year you reach full retirement age, the reduction is $1 for every $3 you earn.
So, it’s a shame that you took SS early, permanently reducing your base benefit for life. Well, too late now.

In the complicated RIBLIM formula, at some point you’ll actually get back those reductions of payments during your retirement — but not the base pay issue.
AND if you keep working, your paycheck will require a contribution to FICA.

AND, if you earn too much, a portion of your SS benefit will become taxable also.
For 2026, here are the earnings levels at which your SS benefits become partially taxable:

Single, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er):
Combined income ≤ $25,000 → benefits are generally not taxable
$25,001–$34,000 → up to 50% taxable
$34,000 → up to 85% taxable

Married Filing Jointly:
Combined income ≤ $32,000 → benefits generally not taxable
$32,001–$44,000 → up to 50% taxable
$44,000 → up to 85% taxable