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The Daily Insight

What is the cut off limit for Social Security?

Author

Henry Morales

Published Apr 06, 2026

Maximum Taxable Earnings Each Year

YearAmount
2017$127,200
2018$128,400
2019$132,900
2020$137,700

Any income you earn beyond the wage cap amount is not subject to a 6.2% Social Security payroll tax. For example, an employee who earns $165,000 in 2021 will pay $8,853.60 in Social Security taxes ($142,800 x 6.2%). For some high earners, an increase in the Social Security tax limit could result in lower take-home pay.

What is the Social Security cut off for 2021?

$142,800
Starting Jan. 1, 2021, the maximum earnings subject to the Social Security payroll tax will increase by $5,100 to $142,800—up from the $137,700 maximum for 2020, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Oct. 13.

What is the cost of a 24% Social Security cut?

A 24% benefit cut would, in May 2020 dollars, equate to a benefit cut of $4,356 a year. That’s terrifying when you consider that 62% of retired workers rely on their monthly payout to account for at least half of their income. Image source: Getty Images.

Are there going to be Social Security benefit cuts?

According to the latest Trustees report, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust would only be able to pay 76% of scheduled benefits once its coffers are cleaned out. Put another way, it means retired workers and survivors could face an across-the-board benefit cut of 24% by 2035.

How much money can you make before Social Security is reduced?

If you reach full retirement age in 2019, you will be able to earn $46,920, up $1,560 from 2018’s $45,360 annual limit. For every $3 you earn over the 2019 limit, your Social Security benefits will be reduced by $1, but that will only apply to money earned in the months prior to hitting full retirement age.

What’s the wage limit for Social Security in 2020?

Social Security Tax Limit (Wage Base) for 2020 – SmartAsset The wage base or earnings limit for the 6.2% Social Security tax rises every year. This year’s limit is $137,700, up $4,800 from 2019. Loading