Social Security Earnings Test Calculator (2027)
If you claim before full retirement age and still work, SSA withholds $1 for every $2 you earn above $25,560 in 2027. In the year you reach full retirement age the limit is $67,920 and $1 is withheld for every $3 above it.
Earnings limits: 2026 vs 2027
| Situation | 2026 | 2027 | Withholding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under FRA all year | $24,480 | $25,560 | $1 per $2 |
| Year you reach FRA | $65,160 | $67,920 | $1 per $3 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the earnings test apply after full retirement age?
No. From the month you reach full retirement age you can earn any amount without benefits being withheld.
What income counts?
Wages from a job and net earnings from self-employment. Pensions, annuities, investment income, interest and capital gains do not count.
Do I lose the withheld benefits?
No. At full retirement age SSA recalculates your monthly benefit to give you credit for the months that were withheld, so you get the money back over time.