Social Security Earnings Test Withholding Calculator
See how the Social Security earnings test impacts your benefit when you keep working before full retirement age. Provide your annual benefit, expected wages, and the current earnings limit to reveal how much is withheld and how many months of payments are paused.
Informational planner only. Confirm exact withholding with the Social Security Administration or a benefits specialist before relying on the result.
Examples
- $21,600 benefit, $35,000 earnings, $22,320 limit, default ratio ⇒ Benefits withheld: $6,340.00 USD (29.35% of annual benefit) • Payable benefit after withholding: $15,260.00 USD • Equivalent months withheld: 3.52 months.
- $16,800 benefit, $25,000 earnings, $22,320 limit ⇒ Benefits withheld: $1,340.00 USD (7.98% of annual benefit) • Payable benefit after withholding: $15,460.00 USD • Equivalent months withheld: 0.96 months.
FAQ
Does this account for delayed retirement credits?
Delayed retirement credits are applied later at full retirement age and beyond. This calculator only shows the near-term withholding impact.
What if I retire mid-year?
Use the monthly earnings test limit from the SSA and input your prorated benefit and wages for the months before retirement.
Can I include self-employment income?
Yes. Add net self-employment income subject to Social Security to your wage input so the earnings test reflects all covered work.
Additional Information
- The earnings limit you enter should match the Social Security Administration threshold for your age cohort and the current calendar year.
- Withheld benefits are not lost—they are credited back as increased payments once you reach full retirement age.
- The calculator assumes the standard $1-for-every-$2 or $1-for-every-$3 withholding rule with no special monthly tests.