I'm collecting retirement SS and after returning to the USA having lived abroad for 3 years, I had to go back to work. For this year, the earnings cap is 19,500 and then SSA takes half of every dollar above the cap. I'm making 15 bucks an hour and will end up at least 12,000 above the cap, so will have SS reclaim 6,000 next year. Is there a way to shelter this earned income so that I don't reach the cap? My alternative is to quit work when I hit the cap.

Note: The money is not lost as you will get a boost of .66% per month for each month they take back starting when you reach your full retirement age. That would mean it would take until 78 to recoupe the loss.