If you are under full retirement age, there is a $1 loss in benefits for every $2 earned in excess of a threshold ($14,640 in 2012) that is adjusted for inflation every year. A modified test applies for the year an individual reaches full retirement age. If earnings for the months prior to reaching full retirement age are $37,880 or more (2012 figure), one dollar in benefits will be withheld for every $3 in earnings above the limit. Starting with the month you reach full retirement age, you can get your benefit with no limit on your earnings. Full retirement age is determined by the year of your birth and is gradually increasing from age 65 to age 66 for those born from 1943 to 1954 and age 67 for those born in 1960 and later.
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