What is the Social Security earnings limit for 2026?

In 2026, if you're under full retirement age all year, SSA withholds $1 of benefits for every $2 you earn above $24,480. In the year you reach FRA, the limit is higher, $65,160, and only $1 is withheld for every $3 above it, counting only earnings before the month you reach FRA.

Do I lose that money permanently?

No. Benefits withheld by the earnings test aren't lost, once you reach full retirement age, SSA recalculates and raises your monthly benefit to credit back the months that were withheld.

Does the earnings test apply after full retirement age?

No. Starting the month you reach full retirement age there is no earnings limit, you can earn any amount and keep your full benefit.

What counts as earnings?

Only wages from a job and net self-employment income count. Pensions, investment income, interest, capital gains, and other Social Security or annuity income do not count toward the limit.

Social Security Earnings Test Limits

Updated for 2026 · Source: Social Security Administration

2026 limit (before FRA): $24,480
2026 limit (FRA year): $65,160
withheld below FRA: $1 per $2
limit after FRA: $0

If you claim Social Security before your full retirement age and keep working, the retirement earnings test can temporarily reduce your benefit. In 2026, SSA withholds $1 for every $2 you earn above $24,480 if you're under FRA all year. In the year you actually reach FRA, a higher limit of $65,160 applies and only $1 is withheld for every $3 over it. Once you reach full retirement age, the test disappears entirely, and any benefits withheld are credited back to you.

How the earnings test works

Under FRA all year: $1 withheld for every $2 above $24,480.
Year you reach FRA: $1 withheld for every $3 above $65,160, counting only earnings before your FRA month.
At and after FRA: no limit, earn anything, keep your full benefit.
Withheld benefits return: at FRA your monthly amount is recalculated upward to make up for the months withheld.

Earnings limit (before FRA) by year

$6,250

$12,500

$18,750

$25,000

2000

2003

2006

2009

2012

2015

2018

2021

2024

Earnings test limit history

Year	Under FRA limit	FRA-year limit
2026	$24,480	$65,160
2025	$23,400	$62,160
2024	$22,320	$59,520
2023	$21,240	$56,520
2022	$19,560	$51,960
2021	$18,960	$50,520
2020	$18,240	$48,600
2019	$17,640	$46,920
2018	$17,040	$45,360
2017	$16,920	$44,880
2016	$15,720	$41,880
2015	$15,720	$41,880
2014	$15,480	$41,400
2013	$15,120	$40,080
2012	$14,640	$38,880
2011	$14,160	$37,680
2010	$14,160	$37,680
2009	$14,160	$37,680
2008	$13,560	$36,120
2007	$12,960	$34,440
2006	$12,480	$33,240
2005	$12,000	$31,800
2004	$11,640	$31,080
2003	$11,520	$30,720
2002	$11,280	$30,000
2001	$10,680	$25,000
2000	$10,080	$17,000

Frequently asked questions

What is the Social Security earnings limit for 2026?: In 2026, if you're under full retirement age all year, SSA withholds $1 of benefits for every $2 you earn above $24,480. In the year you reach FRA, the limit is higher, $65,160, and only $1 is withheld for every $3 above it, counting only earnings before the month you reach FRA.
Do I lose that money permanently?: No. Benefits withheld by the earnings test aren't lost, once you reach full retirement age, SSA recalculates and raises your monthly benefit to credit back the months that were withheld.
Does the earnings test apply after full retirement age?: No. Starting the month you reach full retirement age there is no earnings limit, you can earn any amount and keep your full benefit.
What counts as earnings?: Only wages from a job and net self-employment income count. Pensions, investment income, interest, capital gains, and other Social Security or annuity income do not count toward the limit.