What are “years of substantial earnings”?
In many WEP explanations, you’ll see “years of substantial earnings.” This refers to years where your earnings met a certain SSA threshold (which varies by year).
Why it matters
More years of substantial earnings generally mean a smaller WEP impact. In simplified terms:
- 30+ years: WEP may not apply.
- 21–29 years: partial reduction (smaller cut).
- 20 or fewer years: maximum reduction may apply (subject to caps).
Note
The exact thresholds for “substantial earnings” differ by year. This page is educational and does not replace SSA.
Historical Substantial Earnings Amounts
| Year | Amount ($) |
|---|---|
| 2026 (Est.) | $34,250 |
| 2025 | $33,250 |
| 2024 | $31,275 |
| 2023 | $29,700 |
| 2022 | $27,300 |
| 2021 | $26,550 |
| 2020 | $25,575 |
| 2019 | $24,675 |
How to check your years
- Review your earnings history on your SSA account/statement.
- Count years where your earnings met the SSA “substantial” amount (varies by year).
- If unsure, use the calculator as a range test (e.g., 22 vs 27 vs 30).
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Calculate Your WEP NowLast updated: 2026-01-21