If you collect Social Security before your full retirement age and keep working, Social Security may hold back part of your benefits once your earnings pass a yearly limit. For 2027 the earnings limit is $25,560 ($2,130 a month), up from $24,480 in 2026.
Social Security earnings limits for 2027
| Your situation in 2027 | Earnings limit | What’s withheld above the limit |
|---|---|---|
| Under full retirement age all year | $25,560/year ($2,130/month) | $1 for every $2 over |
| Reaching full retirement age in 2027 | $67,920/year ($5,660/month) | $1 for every $3 over (only earnings before the month you reach full retirement age count) |
| At or past full retirement age | No limit | Nothing |
For comparison, the 2026 limits were $24,480 and $65,160.
Who reaches full retirement age in 2027?
For anyone born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. So people born in 1960 reach full retirement age during 2027, in the month of their 67th birthday. They use the higher $67,920 limit for the months before that birthday, and have no limit from that month on.
If you were born in 1961 or later and claimed early, the $25,560 limit applies for all of 2027.
Examples
- Under full retirement age: you earn $35,560 in 2027. That’s $10,000 over the limit, so Social Security withholds $5,000 of your benefits ($1 for every $2).
- Turning 67 in 2027: you earn $77,920 before the month you turn 67. That’s $10,000 over, so about $3,333 is withheld ($1 for every $3).
Social Security usually withholds whole monthly checks at the start of the year until the full amount is covered, rather than reducing each check a little.
What counts as earnings?
Only wages from a job and net earnings from self-employment count. These don’t count: pensions, annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains, and other government benefits.
Is the withheld money lost?
No. When you reach full retirement age, Social Security recalculates your benefit to give you credit for the months it withheld. Your monthly payment goes up from then on.
The monthly rule for your first year of retirement
In the first year you retire, a special rule lets you get a full check for any month you earn under the monthly limit ($2,130 in 2027) and don’t do substantial self-employment work, even if your yearly earnings are over the limit. This helps people who retire mid-year after earning a full salary.
Disability (SSDI) recipients
The earnings test above is for retirement and survivor benefits. SSDI uses different work rules. In 2027, substantial gainful activity is $1,770 a month ($2,950 if blind), and a trial work period month is any month you earn over $1,270. See SSDI payment schedule and amounts 2027.
Other 2027 numbers
- Benefits increase 3.6% in January. See Social Security COLA 2027.
- Maximum taxable earnings: $192,300
- One work credit: $1,970 in earnings (you can earn up to 4 credits a year)
Frequently asked questions
What’s the Social Security earnings limit for 2027?
$25,560 a year if you’re under full retirement age all year. $67,920 in the year you reach full retirement age.
How do I tell Social Security about my earnings?
Tell Social Security if you expect to earn over the limit. You can update your earnings estimate by calling 1-800-772-1213 or through your local office. Social Security also adjusts benefits automatically after it gets your W-2 or tax return.
Does my spouse’s income affect my limit?
No. Only your own earnings count toward your earnings test.
Sources: SSA 2027 COLA Fact Sheet, SSA: Receiving benefits while working.
