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Social Security earnings test calculator

Before full retirement age, Social Security holds back some benefits if you earn more than a yearly limit: $24,480.00 in 2026, or $65,160.00 in the year you reach full retirement age. The money isn’t lost: your benefit is raised at full retirement age to make up for the months held back.

Wages and net self-employment income. Pensions, investment income and interest don’t count.

Your answer

Benefits withheld for the year$7,760.00$1 for every $2 above $24,480.00
Monthly payments held backSSA holds back whole payments from the start of the year; the extra $1,240.00 is repaid the next year6
Benefits you still receive this year$10,240.00
Earnings you can add before anything is withheld$0.00
  • In your first year of retirement a monthly rule also applies: any month you earn under the monthly limit and don’t do substantial self-employment, you get the full payment whatever your yearly total.

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How we worked it out

Updated as you change the numbers.

  1. Earnings over the limit: $40,000.00 − $24,480.00 = $15,520.00.
  2. Withheld: $15,520.00 ÷ 2 = $7,760.00.
  3. Whole payments held back: $7,760.00 ÷ $1,500.00 a month, rounded up.

Method and assumptions

The 2026 limits are $24,480.00 a year if you are under full retirement age all year ($1 withheld for every $2 above it), and $65,160.00 for earnings in the months before you reach full retirement age in the year you reach it ($1 for every $3). From the month you reach full retirement age there is no limit. SSA withholds whole monthly payments from January until the amount is covered, then recalculates your benefit at full retirement age to credit the months held back. Figures checked 2026-11-02.

Questions

If I earn $40,000 at 63 with a $1,500 benefit, how much is withheld?

$7,760 for the year: half of the $15,520 above the $24,480 limit. SSA holds back 6 monthly payments and repays the extra $1,240 the next year.

How much can I earn on Social Security in 2026 before full retirement age?

$24,480 with nothing withheld, or $65,160 before the month you reach full retirement age in the year you reach it.

Sources

Method and figures checked on . Every worked answer on this page is covered by an automated test. Found a mistake? Tell us.

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