Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act of 2026

S. 4184 proposes to amend the Social Security Act by repealing the retirement earnings test, a provision that currently reduces benefits for retirees under full retirement age who earn above certain income thresholds. Under current law, beneficiaries who continue working can lose $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above the annual limit, which discourages some older Americans from remaining in the workforce.

If enacted, this bill would allow Social Security recipients to earn unlimited income without facing benefit reductions, potentially encouraging continued workforce participation among older workers. This change could affect millions of Americans who choose to work past retirement age or transition to part-time employment. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced in the Senate and referred to committee for consideration.