What is the Social Security earnings test for 2026?

If you claim Social Security before you reach full retirement age, some or all of your benefits can be withheld if you continue to work. If you will reach full retirement age after the current year, Social Security withholds $1 from benefits for every $2 earned above the annual limit, which was set at $24,480 in 2026. If you'll reach full retirement age during the current year, there is a much less restrictive version of the earnings test that applies to you.

How much income can I make and still collect Social Security?

It depends on your age. If you have reached full retirement age, there are no income restrictions. If you won't reach full retirement age until after the current year, earned income greater than $24,480 (in 2026) can cause some of your benefits to be withheld. If you'll reach full retirement age during the current year, the earned annual income threshold is $65,160.

How can you determine what your Social Security earnings will be?

The quickest estimate comes from a Social Security calculator. For a more detailed view, you can create an account at the Social Security Administration's website that should have information about your lifetime earnings and projected benefits.

What income counts towards the Social Security earnings test?

The Social Security earnings test only considers earned income, which includes salary, wages, tips, and self-employment income. It does not include unearned sources of income like investment income, pensions, and royalties.

Social Security Earnings Test: Everything You Need to Know

Key Points

Earnings over $24,480 (2026) before full retirement age reduces Social Security benefits.
Claimed Social Security early; half of earnings above the threshold are withheld.
Benefits recalculated at full retirement age to credit withheld amounts.

You can continue to work after you claim Social Security if you choose to do so. However, if you earn more than a certain amount of money, some or all of your benefits can be withheld. This is known as the Social Security earnings test.

In this article, we'll discuss how the Social Security earnings test works, who it applies to, and all of the relevant limits and numbers you need to know.

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Taxable Income

Taxable income is the amount of income subject to taxation after deductions and exemptions.

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Social Security earnings test FAQ

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About the Author

Matt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst specializing in the real estate and financial sectors. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, Globe St, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his real estate, financial, stock market, and investing expertise.

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