Social Security Earnings Limits — 2026
If you work while receiving Social Security retirement benefits before reaching Full Retirement Age, your benefits may be temporarily reduced based on how much you earn. These limits apply only to earned income (wages or self-employment), not to investment income, pensions, or other retirement income.
2026 Earnings Limits
| Situation | Annual Earnings Limit | Withholding Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Under Full Retirement Age (all year) | $23,280 | $1 for every $2 earned over the limit |
| Year you reach Full Retirement Age (months before FRA only) |
$61,560 | $1 for every $3 earned over the limit (months before FRA only) |
| After reaching Full Retirement Age | No limit — benefits are not reduced regardless of earnings | |
Source: Social Security Administration, "How Work Affects Your Benefits." ssa.gov. 2026 figures.
Example: Under Full Retirement Age
You are 63 years old, collecting $1,800/month in Social Security, and earn $35,000 from a part-time job in 2026.
- Earnings limit: $23,280
- Excess earnings: $35,000 − $23,280 = $11,720
- Withholding: $11,720 ÷ 2 = $5,860 withheld from benefits
- SSA typically withholds full monthly checks until the total is reached, then resumes payments
Example: Year You Reach FRA
You turn 67 (FRA) in September 2026 and earn $70,000 in the months January through August.
- Earnings limit (year of FRA): $61,560
- Excess earnings: $70,000 − $61,560 = $8,440
- Withholding: $8,440 ÷ 3 = $2,813 withheld
- Starting September (your FRA month), no earnings limit applies
Benefits withheld are not lost. Benefits withheld are not lost; SSA recalculates your benefit at FRA to credit months of withheld benefits.
Back to top