Social Security Earnings Test Calculator
See how much of your Social Security benefit is withheld when you work and collect before full retirement age.
Runs 100% in your browser — your benefit numbers never leave this pageTry: Your annual earnings=30000, Under full retirement age?=yes, Monthly Social Security benefit=1500, Annual earnings limit=23400 → $6,600, 2, $15,000
How to use
Enter your earnings, whether you are under FRA, your monthly benefit, and the current annual limit (about $23,400 before FRA / $62,160 in your FRA year for 2026 — adjusted annually). The tool withholds $1 per $2 (or $3) over the limit.
Guide: earnings test explained and working while collecting.
FAQ
How does the earnings test work?
Before FRA, $1 of benefits is withheld for every $2 you earn above the limit; in the year you reach FRA, $1 for every $3 above a higher limit. Withheld amounts are recalculated later as higher benefits.
Is the withheld money lost forever?
No — SSA recalculates your benefit after FRA to give you credit for months withheld, so you effectively get it back over time.
Where do I find the current limit?
The 2026 limit is about $23,400 (under FRA) and $62,160 (FRA year). It changes each January — confirm at ssa.gov.