Enter one month of work
Gross earnings before taxes for a single month in 2027.
Wages before taxes, or net earnings from self-employment for the month.
More options impairment-related work expenses
SSA subtracts these when it compares your earnings with SGA. They are not subtracted for the trial work test here.
2027 SGA status
OfficialUnder SGA
$270.00 under the limit
Non-blind, $1,500.00 this month
Enter your earnings to see the result.
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2027 Social Security earnings test (retirement and survivor benefits)
For people taking Social Security before full retirement age. This is separate from the SSDI limits above.
Withheld in 2027: $2,220.00
| 2027 amount (official) | Limit | Withholding |
|---|---|---|
| Under full retirement age all year | $25,560 / year | $1 for every $2 above |
| Year you reach full retirement age | $67,920 / year | $1 for every $3 above (months before FRA only) |
2027 Social Security wage base ($192,300)
Official OASDI contribution and benefit base for 2027. Wages above this are not taxed for Social Security (Medicare HI has no cap).
At $100,000 you stay under the 2027 wage base. Max employee OASDI at the cap is $11,922.60.
The official 2027 SSDI earnings limits
| Rule | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| SGA, non-blind (per month) | $1,690 | $1,770 |
| SGA, statutorily blind (per month) | $2,830 | $2,950 |
| Trial work month (earnings over) | $1,210 | $1,270 |
Trial work months
Once you get SSDI you can test your ability to work. Any month in 2027 with earnings over $1,270 uses one of your 9 trial work months, counted in a rolling 60-month window. Your benefit continues in full during those months, however much you earn.
Substantial gainful activity (SGA)
After the trial work period ends, SSA looks at whether your work is substantial gainful activity. In 2027 that is earnings above $1,770 a month, or $2,950 if you are statutorily blind, after impairment-related work expenses are subtracted. The non-blind amount also applies to SSI disability; the blind amount does not apply to SSI.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SSDI earnings limit for 2027?
SSA set the 2027 substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount at $1,770 a month for non-blind people and $2,950 a month for people who are statutorily blind.
How much can I earn in a trial work month in 2027?
In 2027 any month with earnings over $1,270 counts as a trial work month. You get 9 trial work months in a rolling 60-month window, and benefits continue during them no matter how much you earn.
What is the 2027 Social Security earnings test limit?
If you are under full retirement age all of 2027, SSA withholds $1 for every $2 you earn above $25,560. In the year you reach full retirement age, it withholds $1 for every $3 above $67,920, counting only earnings before the month you reach it.
Does the trial work period apply to SSI?
No. The trial work period applies only to Social Security disability benefits, not SSI. The non-blind SGA amount is used for both SSDI and SSI disability decisions.
Is this an official SSA calculator?
No. It is an independent tool for planning, not affiliated with the Social Security Administration. Work incentive rules have more detail than shown here; ask SSA or a benefits counselor about your own case.
Sources
- SSA, Substantial Gainful Activity: 2027 SGA $1,770 non-blind, $2,950 blind (2026: $1,690 / $2,830).
- SSA, Trial Work Period: 2027 trial work month over $1,270 (2026: $1,210); 9 months in a rolling 60-month period.
- SSA, Exempt Amounts Under the Earnings Test: 2027 $25,560 and $67,920; $1 per $2 and $1 per $3 withholding.
- SSA, Contribution and Benefit Base: 2027 wage base $192,300; employee OASDI 6.2% (max $11,922.60), self-employed 12.4%.