Working while claiming
Social Security earnings test limits
If you work while receiving retirement benefits before full retirement age, SSA may withhold part of the benefit when your earnings pass an annual limit.
The one-minute answer
What this number means
In 2026, the limit is $24,480 for a person under full retirement age all year and $65,160 for the year the person reaches full retirement age. There is no earnings limit starting with the month FRA is reached.
At a glance
The important numbers
Reference table
2026 Social Security retirement earnings test limits
| Situation | Annual limit | Withholding rule |
|---|---|---|
| Under full retirement age all year | $24,480 | $1 for each $2 over |
| Year reaching full retirement age | $65,160 | $1 for each $3 over before FRA month |
| Full retirement age month and later | No limit | Earnings are not counted under this test |
Plain-language guide
How the rule works
This is a withholding rule
The earnings test can cause SSA to withhold benefits when work earnings pass the limit. It is not the same thing as a permanent tax on every dollar you earn.
SSA can adjust a person’s benefit after full retirement age to account for months when benefits were withheld. The exact result depends on the record and timing.
Which earnings count
The earnings test generally looks at wages and net earnings from self-employment. Other income, such as pensions, investments and capital gains, is not treated the same way for this test.
If your work or claiming situation is unusual, ask SSA how the rule applies before relying on a quick estimate.
Useful math
The two withholding formulas
The higher limit applies only to earnings before the month full retirement age is reached.
Make it concrete
Example: under FRA all year
- Assume $30,000 of counted earnings in 2026.
- $30,000 − $24,480 = $5,520 over the limit.
- $5,520 ÷ 2 = $2,760 of benefits that may be withheld.
Bottom line: This is a teaching example, not a notice. SSA uses the person’s actual earnings and benefit schedule.
Quick answers
Common questions
What is the Social Security earnings limit in 2026?
The limit is $24,480 for someone under full retirement age all year and $65,160 for the year they reach full retirement age.
Is there an earnings limit after full retirement age?
Starting with the month a person reaches full retirement age, earnings are not counted under this retirement earnings test.
Does withheld money disappear permanently?
Not necessarily. SSA may recalculate the benefit after full retirement age for months when benefits were withheld, but the person’s record and timing control the result.
This is an independent plain-language reference. Rules and personal amounts can change. Use the linked official source for the current rule that applies to your record.