10/21/2026
You can work while receiving Social Security retirement benefits. But before reaching full retirement age, how much you earn can affect how much you receive.
The Social Security Administration recently announced its earnings limits for 2027.¹
For people who remain below full retirement age throughout the year, the limit will increase to $25,560. Social Security generally withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above that amount.
For those reaching full retirement age during 2027, a higher $67,920 limit applies to earnings before the month they reach that age. After reaching full retirement age, the retirement earnings test no longer applies.
Here's a detail that deserves more attention⬇️
Not every source of retirement income counts toward the earnings limit.
Social Security generally considers wages and net earnings from self-employment. It does not count pensions, annuities, investment income, or interest toward this particular limit.²
There is also an important distinction between benefits being withheld and benefits being permanently forfeited.
When someone reaches full retirement age, Social Security recalculates their benefit to account for months in which payments were reduced or withheld because of the earnings test.³
For someone planning a gradual transition out of the workforce, these rules can affect the timing and amount of retirement income available along the way.
The decision to begin Social Security while continuing to work deserves more analysis than simply comparing a salary to an annual limit.
Sources
1. Social Security Administration: 2027 COLA and Earnings Limits Fact Sheet
2. Social Security Administration: Working While Receiving Social Security
3. Social Security Administration: Retirement Benefits and Employment
Strategy Financial Group is not associated with, or endorsed by, the Social Security Administration or any governmental agency. We use the marketing name 'Strategy Financial Group' in describing the collective services offered through our affiliated companies. Investment advice is offered through Strategy Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Insurance and annuity products are offered separately through Strategy Financial Insurance, LLC.