Social Security Earnings Test Calculator

Calculate SS withholding if working before FRA ($1 per $2 over $22,320).
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Annual Withholding

$5,260.00

Net Monthly Benefit

$1,561.67

Earnings Test

Rule$1 per $2 over $24,480
Excess Earnings$10,520.00
Benefit Withheld$5,260.00
Net Annual Benefit$18,740.00

Use the Social Security Earnings Test Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

This calculator helps you estimate how much of your Social Security benefits might be withheld if you continue working before reaching your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Understanding these withholdings is crucial for financial planning, as earning above a certain threshold can temporarily reduce your Social Security payments. For 2026, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above $22,320 if you are under your FRA for the entire year.

The methodology is straightforward: we identify your annual earnings that exceed the Social Security earnings limit. For every $2 of earnings above this limit, $1 will be deducted from your scheduled Social Security benefits. This calculation applies only to earnings in the years before you reach your Full Retirement Age.

A common mistake is forgetting that these withheld benefits are not lost; they are added back to your monthly benefit amount once you reach your FRA. Another tip is to consider how your earnings might impact other benefits, such as spousal benefits, as the earnings test can affect those as well. Always consult the SSA directly for personalized advice.

Example: Jane's 2026 Earnings Test Calculation

  1. 1 Jane is 63 years old in 2026 and her Full Retirement Age is 67. She plans to earn $30,000 from her part-time job. Her scheduled monthly Social Security benefit is $1,500.
  2. 2 First, calculate the amount over the earnings limit: $30,000 (earnings) - $22,320 (2026 limit) = $7,680. Next, divide this excess by 2 to find the withheld amount: $7,680 / 2 = $3,840.
  3. 3 Jane's Social Security benefits will be reduced by $3,840 for the year 2026 due to the earnings test.
  4. 4 This means that out of her $18,000 annual benefit ($1,500 x 12 months), she will receive $14,160 ($18,000 - $3,840). The $3,840 withheld will be added back to her monthly benefit amount once she reaches her Full Retirement Age.

Source: IRS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can I earn before Social Security benefits are reduced?
In 2026, if you are under full retirement age for the entire year, $1 is withheld for every $2 earned above $22,320. In the year you reach FRA, $1 is withheld for every $3 earned above $59,160, counting only months before your birthday.
Do I permanently lose the Social Security benefits that are withheld?
No. Once you reach full retirement age, your monthly benefit is recalculated to credit you for the months benefits were withheld. Over time, the higher monthly amount makes up for the earlier reductions.
Does investment income count toward the earnings test?
No. Only wages from employment and net self-employment income count. Investment income, pensions, annuities, capital gains, and government benefits are not counted in the earnings test.

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