Working while claiming Social Security benefits seems like a great way to increase your monthly income, and it can be. But it doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes, working while claiming Social Security can actually reduce your benefit.

Before you decide whether applying for Social Security checks while you're still employed is the right move for you, it helps to understand the consequences of that choice. Here are the main factors worth weighing.

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How working and claiming Social Security could affect your checks

The Social Security earnings test may withhold money from some of your checks if you're earning more than a certain amount from your job while under your full retirement age (FRA). This is 67 for most workers today.

In 2026, you lose $1 for every $2 you earn over $24,480 if you're under your FRA all year. Those who reach their FRA in 2026 only lose $1 for every $3 they earn over $65,160, and only if they earn this much before their birth month. These limits will increase slightly in 2027.

You get this money back as a benefit boost when you reach your FRA, but it can leave you with less money than you expected until then. You'll need to rely more upon personal savings or income from your job to cover what your Social Security checks won't.

Once you reach your FRA, the earnings test is no longer an issue. You'll continue to receive your full benefit per check, and your job income may increase your future benefits if you're earning more now than you did in years past.

Working and claiming could increase your risk of owing Social Security benefit taxes

Regardless of your age, working while claiming Social Security could raise your provisional income. This is your adjusted gross income (AGI) plus any nontaxable interest from municipal bonds, and half your annual Social Security benefit.

The government uses provisional income to determine whether you owe taxes on your Social Security benefits. If you're single and your provisional income exceeds $25,000, you will owe taxes on at least some of your checks. The same goes for married couples with provisional incomes exceeding $32,000.

If this bothers you, consider waiting to apply for Social Security until you retire if you don't need your checks right now. This could also increase the benefit you qualify for.