United States Social Security earnings test for 2026
United States Social Security retirement benefits may be withheld for earnings before full retirement age above one of two annual exempt amounts.
On this page
- Below full retirement age throughout 2026
- $24,480SSA, earnings test exempt amounts
- Reaching full retirement age in 2026
- $65,160SSA, earnings test exempt amounts
Before the retirement-age year
For people reaching full retirement age after 2026, SSA publishes an annual exempt amount of $24,480 for 2026. Benefits are withheld at $1 for every $2 of earnings above that amount. SSA, earnings test exempt amounts (opens in a new tab).
During the retirement-age year
For people reaching full retirement age in 2026, the exempt amount is $65,160. It applies only to earnings in months before the month of attainment. SSA withholds $1 for every $3 above this amount. Earnings in or after the attainment month do not count. SSA, earnings test exempt amounts (opens in a new tab).
Later benefit adjustment
SSA states that benefits withheld under the earnings test are not lost. At full retirement age, the monthly benefit is permanently increased to account for months when benefits were withheld. SSA, earnings test exempt amounts (opens in a new tab).
Scope
This guide covers the annual retirement earnings test, not disability work rules, first-year monthly exceptions, taxation of benefits or an individual benefit estimate. General information only, not personalised retirement advice.