What Is OASDI Tax? (2026 Calculator)
OASDI (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) is the official name for Social Security payroll tax: 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 in 2026, matched by your employer. For example, a $70,000 salary pays $4,340 in OASDI per year, or about $167 per biweekly paycheck.
How it works
OASDI = 6.2% × min(wages, $184,500) — maximum $11,439 in 2026 (employee share)
- Every W-2 employee pays 6.2% of gross wages toward Social Security (OASDI); your employer pays a matching 6.2%.
- Only the first $184,500 of wages is taxed in 2026 (the SSA wage base). Earnings above the cap pay no OASDI.
- Medicare (1.45%) is a separate FICA line with no wage cap — together they appear as FICA on your pay stub.
Worked example
A $70,000 salary: 70,000 × 6.2% = $4,340 per year, about $167 per biweekly check. A $250,000 earner pays the maximum $11,439 and hits the cap around September — after that, each paycheck rises by roughly $596 for the rest of the year.
How much OASDI comes out of my salary? (2026)
| Annual salary | OASDI per year | Per biweekly check |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,480 | $95 |
| $60,000 | $3,720 | $143 |
| $80,000 | $4,960 | $191 |
| $100,000 | $6,200 | $238 |
| $150,000 | $9,300 | $358 |
| $184,500+ (cap) | $11,439 (max) | varies |
When do high earners stop paying OASDI in 2026?
Withholding stops once cumulative wages pass $184,500 — this is why high earners see their paychecks jump late in the year (assuming even pay all year):
| Annual salary | Cap reached around | Paycheck rises by (biweekly) |
|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | Early December | ≈ $477 |
| $250,000 | Late September | ≈ $596 |
| $300,000 | Mid August | ≈ $715 |
| $400,000 | Mid June | ≈ $954 |
| $500,000 | Mid May | ≈ $1,192 |
To see OASDI in the context of your full paycheck — federal tax, state tax, and Medicare together — use our state paycheck calculators, or convert your pay with the salary to hourly calculator.
Data & sources
- SSA — Contribution and Benefit Base (2026 wage cap $184,500)
- IRS Topic No. 751 — Social Security and Medicare Withholding Rates
Last updated:
Frequently asked questions
What does OASDI stand for?
OASDI stands for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance — the formal name of the Social Security program. The OASDI line on your pay stub is simply your Social Security tax.
Is OASDI the same as Social Security tax?
Yes. OASDI, Social Security tax, and the "SS" or "FICA-SS" line on pay stubs all refer to the same 6.2% payroll tax. FICA is the combination of OASDI (6.2%) plus Medicare (1.45%).
What is the OASDI rate and limit for 2026?
The employee rate is 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 in 2026, per the Social Security Administration. The maximum employee contribution is $11,439; employers pay a matching 6.2%.
Why did my paycheck suddenly increase late in the year?
If you earn more than $184,500, OASDI withholding stops once your cumulative wages pass the cap. A $250,000 earner typically crosses it around September and takes home roughly $596 more per biweekly check afterward.
Can I opt out of OASDI?
Almost never. OASDI is mandatory for nearly all W-2 employees. Narrow exceptions exist for certain government employees covered by other pension systems, some religious groups, and certain student workers.
How much OASDI do self-employed people pay?
Self-employed workers pay both halves — 12.4% OASDI on net self-employment earnings up to the same $184,500 cap — through self-employment tax, though half of it is deductible from income tax.