2026 Social Security Earnings Test Calculator
Working while collecting Social Security before full retirement age? Enter your expected 2026 earnings to see how much benefit is withheld.
Last verified: against the SSA 2026 COLA fact sheet.
How the earnings test works in 2026
- Under full retirement age all year: the limit is $24,480 ($2,040 a month). One dollar in benefits will be withheld for every $2 in earnings above the limit.
- Year you reach full retirement age: the limit is $65,160 ($5,430 a month), counting only earnings in the months before you reach it. One dollar in benefits will be withheld for every $3 in earnings above the limit.
- At or after full retirement age: no limit.
For comparison, the 2025 limits were $23,400 and $62,160.
Social Security does not withhold a little from every check. It withholds whole monthly payments until the total withheld amount is covered, then resumes payments. Withheld months are credited back at full retirement age.
Full retirement age by birth year
| Year of birth | Full retirement age |
|---|---|
| 1943-1954 | 66 |
| 1955 | 66 and 2 months |
| 1956 | 66 and 4 months |
| 1957 | 66 and 6 months |
| 1958 | 66 and 8 months |
| 1959 | 66 and 10 months |
| 1960 and later | 67 |
If you were born on January 1st, you should refer to the previous year.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as earnings for the test?
Wages and net self-employment income. Pensions, annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains, IRA withdrawals and other government benefits do not count.
Is withheld money lost forever?
No. When you reach full retirement age, Social Security recalculates your benefit to give you credit for the months in which benefits were withheld, so your monthly amount goes up.
What is my full retirement age?
It depends on your birth year: born 1943-1954, FRA 66; born 1955, FRA 66 and 2 months; born 1956, FRA 66 and 4 months; born 1957, FRA 66 and 6 months; born 1958, FRA 66 and 8 months; born 1959, FRA 66 and 10 months; born 1960 and later, FRA 67. If you were born on January 1st, you should refer to the previous year.
Is there a monthly test in my first year?
Yes. In the first year you retire, Social Security can apply a monthly limit ($2,040 in 2026 if under full retirement age, $5,430 in the year you reach it) so that a full month of benefits is paid for any month in which you earn less than the monthly limit, regardless of annual earnings.
Does the earnings test apply after full retirement age?
No. Once you reach full retirement age there is no limit on earnings (SSA: "None").
Sources
Calculators run in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to us. Results are estimates for planning only and are not financial, tax or legal advice. See the disclaimer.