# Qualcomm Layoffs and Social Security Limits

> Qualcomm's November layoffs could affect Social Security earnings limits for retirees receiving January bonuses.
- Title: Qualcomm Layoffs and Social Security Limits · 24/7 Wall St.
- Summary: Qualcomm's November layoffs could affect Social Security earnings limits for retirees receiving January bonuses. A 2026 bonus paid in January 2027 doesn't…
- Keywords: qualcomm, social security, earnings limit, layoffs, january, 2027, 25560, bonus, severance, w-2, Social, Security
- Source: 24/7 Wall St. — https://247wallst.com/personal-finance/social-security/2026/10/27/qualcomms-layoff-notices-start-in-november-a-2026-bonus-paid-in-january-shouldnt-count-against-his-25560-social-security-earnings-limit
- Author: Gerelyn Terzo
- Published: 2026-10-27T18:00:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: qualcomm, social security, earnings limit, layoffs, january, 2027, 25560, bonus, severance, w-2
## Qualcomm Layoffs Start in November
Qualcomm's CEO Cristiano Amon plans job cuts after annual employee reviews, with notifications starting in November.

> performance-focused reduction
## Retiree's January Paycheck Concern
A 63-year-old engineer receives a January paycheck with a bonus, unused vacation, and severance, raising Social Security earnings questions.
## Social Security Earnings Limit
Social Security's 2027 earnings limit for retirees is $25,560, with benefits withheld for every $2 over the limit.

> $25,560
## Earnings Test Rule
Social Security counts earnings when work is done, not when pay is received, so 2026 bonuses don't count against 2027 limits.

> counts when it’s earned rather than when it’s paid
## Severance Package Rules
Severance payments may qualify for exclusion from 2027 earnings limits if they relate to work completed in 2026.

> may be excluded from his 2027 earnings limit
## Tax Paperwork Complications
January wages may appear on 2027 W-2s, causing Social Security to initially count them against 2027 earnings limits.

> may show up on his 2027 W-2
## Fixing the Earnings Count
Retirees should ask payroll for itemized breakdowns and report payments to Social Security to avoid benefit reductions.

> help him show Social Security why money received in January shouldn’t count as earnings from a new job
## Key takeaway

A 2026 bonus paid in January 2027 doesn't count against Social Security's $25,560 earnings limit for 2027.