Social Security Administration to Announce 2027 Earnings Limits

The Social Security Administration is scheduled to announce updated earnings test limits for 2027 on October 14, coinciding with the release of the annual cost-of-living adjustment.

The earnings test reduces benefits for individuals who have not yet reached their full retirement age—which is 67 for those born in or after 1960—if their earned wages exceed specific thresholds. Under current rules, benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 earned over $24,480 for those not reaching full retirement age by the end of the year. For those who will reach that age by year-end, the reduction is $1 for every $3 earned over $65,160.

While these limits typically increase annually to keep pace with wage growth, the specific figures for 2027 have not yet been confirmed. The agency notes that withheld benefits are not permanently lost; instead, they are repaid through larger checks once the individual reaches their full retirement age.