Last updated: (Asia/Shanghai calendar day of publish) · Figures from SSA COLA Fact Sheet 2027
Social Security Earnings Limit 2027 Calculator
Conclusion: For 2027, the Retirement Earnings Test exempts $25,560 a year if you are under full retirement age all year ($1 withheld for every $2 over), and $67,920 in the year you reach full retirement age ($1 for every $3 over, before your FRA month). After full retirement age there is no earnings limit.
Enter your expected 2027 earned income and which rule applies. This page uses the official exempt amounts SSA announced with the 3.6% COLA on October 14, 2026.
$25,560
Under FRA · 2027 annual limit
$67,920
Year you reach FRA · 2027
2026 vs 2027 earnings limits
| Rule | 2026 | 2027 | Withholding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under full retirement age (annual) | $24,480 $2,040 / mo | $25,560 $2,130 / mo | $1 for every $2 over |
| Year you reach full retirement age (annual, before FRA month) | $65,160 $5,430 / mo | $67,920 $5,660 / mo | $1 for every $3 over |
| At or above full retirement age | None | None | No earnings test |
Source: SSA 2027 COLA Fact Sheet (Retirement Earnings Test Exempt Amounts).
Related 2027 Social Security amounts (same announcement)
| Item | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum taxable earnings (OASDI wage base) | $184,500 | $192,300 |
| Quarter of coverage (one credit) | $1,890 | $1,970 |
| SGA – non-blind (monthly) | $1,690 | $1,770 |
| SGA – blind (monthly) | $2,830 | $2,950 |
| Trial Work Period (monthly) | $1,210 | $1,270 |
Wage base and SGA are different rules from the Retirement Earnings Test. Listed here because they were published in the same SSA fact sheet.
FAQ
What is the Social Security earnings limit for 2027?
Under full retirement age all year: $25,560 annual exempt amount; SSA may withhold $1 of benefits for every $2 you earn above that. In the calendar year you reach full retirement age: $67,920 for earnings before the month you reach FRA; withholding is $1 for every $3 over. After FRA month: no limit.
When were the 2027 limits announced?
October 14, 2026, with the 3.6% COLA for 2027 on the SSA news release and COLA Fact Sheet.
Is withheld money gone forever?
No. Withheld amounts are credited when SSA recalculates your benefit at full retirement age, which can increase your ongoing monthly payment.
What counts as “earnings”?
Generally wages and net self-employment income. Unearned income such as pensions, interest, and investments usually does not count. See SSA’s planner for edge cases.
How does 2027 compare with 2026?
Under-FRA limit: $24,480 → $25,560. FRA-year limit: $65,160 → $67,920.
Is the wage base the same as the earnings limit?
No. The $192,300 2027 wage base caps Social Security payroll tax. The earnings limits above only apply if you collect retirement benefits while still working and are under FRA rules.
Official sources
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