In this task, you need to answer the given multiple-choice question on the general math. Classify your answers into 'a', 'b', 'c', 'd', and 'e'.

Problem: a certain social security recipient will receive an annual benefit of $ 12,000 provided he has annual earnings of $ 9,360 or less , but the benefit will be reduced by $ 1 for every $ 3 of annual earnings over $ 9,360 . what amount of total annual earnings would result in a 55 percent reduction in the recipient ' s annual social security benefit ? ( assume social security benefits are not counted as part of annual earnings . ) 
Options: a ) $ 15,360 , b ) $ 17,360 , c ) $ 25,560 , d ) $ 21,360 , e ) $ 27,360
c