Exempt Amounts Under the Earnings Test
SSA · checked 2026-10-04
The app uses the figures and rules named on that page. It does not replace the page.
career · official figure · reviewed 2026-10-04
See What the 2026 Earnings Test Withholds
Work before full retirement age can cause Social Security to withhold benefits. In 2026 the exempt amounts are $24,480 and $65,160.
What this guide helps you do
Apply the 2026 exempt amount and the $1-for-$2 or $1-for-$3 rule.
The figure that changes the result
The test ends in the month you reach full retirement age. Earnings after that month do not count.
Reading the SSA FAQ and dividing the excess by two or three takes about 15 minutes, and the year-of-FRA rule is often skipped.
Who this is for
A person who claims retirement benefits and still has wages or self-employment earnings.
Steps
Step 1
Count wages and net self-employment earnings. Leave out pensions and investment income.
Step 2
Choose the row for your age this year.
Step 3
Use $24,480 if you are under full retirement age all year.
Step 4
Use $65,160 only for months before the month you reach full retirement age.
Step 5
Expect SSA to withhold whole checks. The month count here is an estimate.
Worked example
Earnings of $30,480 are $6,000 over $24,480. SSA withholds $1 for every $2 over the limit, so $3,000. A $1,500 monthly benefit covers that in about 2 checks. The range is 2 checks, or fewer if SSA pays a remainder later.
$3,000.00 withheld on this earnings figure.
- Exempt amount: $24,480.00.
- Earnings over the exempt amount: $6,000.00.
- Withholding: $3,000.00.
- Estimated checks to cover the withholding: 2.
Under full retirement age all year: $1 withheld for every $2 over $24,480.
Where this goes wrong
Do not use this test after the month you reach full retirement age. Do not count a pension as earnings. The higher limit applies only before that month, not to the whole year.
What the source says
Limits
Special payments after retirement can be excluded. This tool does not identify them.
The month count is an estimate, not the SSA check calendar.
A spousal or survivor benefit can also be affected. Confirm with SSA.
This tool gives general information. It is not financial or tax advice. Confirm the numbers with the provider or a licensed adviser before you act.
Use the current instruction from the agency named above. This guide is a planning aid, not an official decision.
Free companion app
Apply the 2026 exempt amount and the $1-for-$2 or $1-for-$3 rule.
Open Figure the 2026 Earnings-Test Withholding
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This guide uses short, direct instructions as an ASD-STE100-style writing target. It is not a formal certification.