Key Points
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You’ll need to earn more to get Social Security retirement credits next year.
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Wealthy Americans will pay more in Social Security payroll taxes in 2027.
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Working seniors may earn more before losing anything to the earnings test.
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We think of Social Security benefits as being primarily for retirees, so if you’re still working, you might not believe the program affects you all that much right now. But that’s not exactly true.
The decisions you make today and the income you earn from your job affect the future benefits you qualify for. This means that the three 2027 Social Security changes listed below could affect you, too.
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1. Social Security credits will get harder to earn
You need to earn 40 Social Security credits throughout your career to be eligible to claim retirement benefits when you’re older. You earn credits by making money from your job and paying Social Security taxes on it, and you’re only allowed to earn up to four credits per year.
In 2026, one credit is defined as $1,890 in earnings. In 2027, this will rise to $1,970 in earnings. To claim all four credits, you’d need to make at least $7,880 next year. However, that amount is low enough that even many part-time workers shouldn’t have any trouble earning it.
2. Maximum taxable earnings will increase
The maximum taxable earnings is the maximum amount of income the government will charge you Social Security taxes on each year. In 2026, this limit is $184,500. It will increase to $192,300 next year.
For most people, this won’t change anything. If you earn less than $184,500, you’re already paying Social Security taxes on all of your income each year. That won’t change in 2027.
High earners may notice an increase in their Social Security taxes next year, but the difference is likely to be small. Be sure to account for this when planning your 2027 budget.
3. Earnings test limits are going up
The Social Security earnings test withholds benefits from seniors who earn more than a certain amount from their jobs during the year while claiming Social Security benefits before reaching their full retirement age (FRA). For some high-earning seniors, the earnings test could be enough to wipe out entire months of checks.
In 2026, you lose $1 for every $2 you earn from your job over $24,480 if you’ll be under your FRA all year. Those who reach their FRA in 2026 will only lose $1 for every $3 they earn over $65,160, and only if they earn this amount before their birth month. Next year, these limits will rise to $25,560 and $67,920, respectively.
This will enable working seniors to hold onto more of their paychecks before they lose money to the earnings test. However, some loss is still possible. Fortunately, this money will come back to you as a one-time benefit boost at your FRA.
If you have any questions about these or other 2027 changes to Social Security, contact the Social Security Administration by phone or set up an appointment at your local Social Security office to learn more.
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