Current SSA rule
Social Security Earnings Test Limits for 2026
For 2026, the retirement earnings-test limit is $24,480 if you remain under full retirement age all year. If you reach full retirement age in 2026, the higher limit is $65,160 for earnings before the month you reach FRA.
SSA sources reviewed September 9, 2026
- Under FRA all year
- $24,480
- FRA year, before FRA month
- $65,160
- From FRA month
- No test reduction
How much SSA withholds
When under FRA for all of 2026, SSA withholds $1 in benefits for each $2 of wages or net self-employment income above $24,480. In the year FRA is reached, the rate is $1 for each $3 above $65,160, using only earnings before the FRA month.
Investment income, interest, pensions, annuities, veterans benefits, and other government or military retirement benefits are not counted as earnings for this test. Wages, bonuses, commissions, vacation pay, and net self-employment profit generally are counted.
Special monthly rule
A special rule can help someone who retires mid-year after already earning more than the annual limit. For 2026, SSA describes monthly retired thresholds of $2,040 when under FRA all year and $5,430 in the year FRA is reached, along with separate substantial-services rules for self-employment.
Scope and annual update
This page explains the rule but does not calculate withholding. The thresholds are specific to 2026 and should be reviewed when SSA publishes the next year's amounts. Use SSA's earnings-test calculator for an official withholding estimate.
Official sources
Use these SSA pages to verify the rules and current annual amounts:
Educational information only. This page covers retired-worker benefits and is not personalized financial, tax, or legal advice. Confirm filing decisions and official benefit amounts with the Social Security Administration.