The retirement earnings test applies only to people below normal retirement age (NRA), which ranges from age 65 to 67 depending on year of birth. Social Security withholds benefits if your earnings exceed a certain level, called a retirement earnings test exempt amount, and, if you are under your NRA. One of two different exempt amounts apply, depending on the year you attain your NRA. These exempt amounts generally increase annually with increases in the national average wage index.