2022 Social Security earnings test
Annual earnings-test exempt amounts for beneficiaries below full retirement age.
Primary reference value
$19,560| Parameter | Amount |
|---|---|
| Below FRA all year | $19,560 |
| Year of reaching FRA | $51,960 |
- Announced
- Not recorded; see primary document
- Effective
- 2022-01-01 to 2022-12-31
- Next usual release
- October
The year-of-FRA limit applies only to earnings before the month of reaching full retirement age. Benefits are reduced $1 per $2 above the lower limit or $1 per $3 above the FRA-year limit. No earnings test applies at full retirement age.
Who this applies to.
The lower test withholds $1 for each $2 above the limit. In the year full retirement age is reached, the higher amount applies only to earnings before that month and withholds $1 for each $3 above the amount. The test ends in the month full retirement age is reached. Special monthly rules can apply.
Published by SSA. The table uses tax year dates. Check the source for eligibility, elections and exceptions.
Use the 2022 number.
A numerical comparison does not establish eligibility, deductions, credit entitlement or tax liability. Read the selected number’s rules.
Social Security earnings test history.
| Year | Reference value | Change | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,960 | — | Official |
| 2022 | $19,560 | +$600 | Official |
| 2023 | $21,240 | +$1,680 | Official |
| 2024 | $22,320 | +$1,080 | Official |
| 2025 | $23,400 | +$1,080 | Official |
| 2026 | $24,480 | +$1,080 | Official |
| 2027 | $25,200 | +$720 | Projected |
History compares the primary reference value; use each year’s full table for other filing statuses, regions or limits.
Questions about social security earnings test.
What is the 2022 social security earnings test?
The sourced table above shows the 2022 values. Its status is official. The primary reference is $19,560; other statuses or categories may differ.
When will the next number be announced?
The usual publication window is October. This is a typical schedule, not a promised date. The calendar distinguishes published values from pending releases.
Is this official or projected?
The displayed 2022 record is official. Official means a primary agency document or statute supports the value. A projection states its formula, inflation data and assumptions and changes when an official source becomes available.
How does it compare with last year?
The primary reference changed from $18,960 in 2021 to $19,560 in 2022. Each table should be compared using the same filing status, region and effective period.
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