What "Aces Too High" means for your SSDI payment
Aces Too High is the Social Security term for a situation where your work earnings are so high that you no longer meet the basic requirements to receive SSDI payments. It does not mean you did something wrong — it means your income has crossed the threshold where Social Security considers you no longer disabled for work purposes.
SSDI is designed for people who cannot work due to a medical condition. If you earn above a certain amount each month, Social Security assumes you are able to work and stops your benefits. This threshold is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level, and it changes each year.
The exact dollar amount varies by year. In 2024, for example, the SGA level is $1,550 per month for most people (higher for people who are blind). If you earn more than that in a month, Social Security may determine that you are engaging in substantial gainful activity and no longer meet the definition of disabled.
Key Takeaways
- Aces Too High occurs when your monthly earnings exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity level, which Social Security updates each year.
- The SGA threshold is different for people who are blind and for people who are deaf-blind, and it is higher than the standard amount.
- Work incentives like the Trial Work Period and Extended may be able to access Period allow you to test your ability to work without when ready losing all benefits.
- If you return to work and your earnings drop back below SGA, you can request that your benefits resume without reapplying.
- Reporting your work income to Social Security promptly helps you avoid overpayments and understand how your benefits will change.
How the Substantial Gainful Activity level works
Social Security uses the SGA level as a bright-line test. If your gross monthly earnings (before taxes) stay at or below the SGA amount, Social Security does not automatically assume you are no longer disabled. If your earnings go above it, Social Security will review your case and likely stop your benefits.
The SGA level applies to your actual earnings, not your job title or the hours you work. You could work part-time and earn above SGA, or work full-time and earn below it. What matters is the dollar amount you bring home each month.
Social Security updates the SGA level every January based on changes in the national average wage. This means the threshold you need to watch changes each year. You can find the current year's SGA amount on the Social Security website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
The Trial Work Period and Extended may be able to access Period
Social Security does not cut off your benefits the moment you earn above SGA. Instead, you have a built-in work incentive called the Trial Work Period (TWP). During the TWP, you can earn any amount and still receive your full SSDI payment each month.
The TWP lasts nine months (not necessarily consecutive). You count a month toward your TWP if you earn $1,050 or more in that month — a much lower threshold than SGA. Once you have used nine TWP months, the Extended may be able to access Period begins.
During the Extended may be able to access Period, which lasts 36 months, your benefits continue but only in months when your earnings fall below SGA. If you earn above SGA in a given month, you do not receive a payment that month, but your benefits do not end permanently. Once the 36-month period ends, if your earnings are still above SGA, your benefits stop.
What happens when Aces Too High is triggered
When Social Security determines that your earnings have triggered Aces Too High, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining the decision. The notice will tell you the month your benefits will stop and why.
You have the right to request reconsideration if you believe Social Security made an error in calculating your earnings or explore the SGA level. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of receiving the notice. You can do this by calling Social Security, visiting your local office, or submitting a written request.
If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This process takes longer but gives you a chance to present evidence about your medical condition or dispute how your earnings were counted.
Reporting your work income correctly
You are required to report your work income to Social Security. The best way to do this is through a form called the Earnings Report, which you can submit online through your Social Security account, by mail, or by phone.
Report your gross earnings (before taxes), not your net pay. Include all income from self-employment, wages, bonuses, and commissions. Do not wait until the end of the year — report as you earn so Social Security can track your income month by month and tell you how it affects your benefits.
If you do not report your earnings and Social Security discovers you earned above SGA, you may owe back an overpayment. Reporting promptly protects you and helps Social Security make accurate payment decisions.
Options if your earnings stay above SGA
If your work income remains above the SGA level after your Extended may be able to access Period ends, your SSDI benefits will stop. This does not mean you cannot work — it means you are no longer receiving a disability payment from Social Security.
You may still be may have access to to Medicare coverage for a period of time after your benefits stop. This is called Medicare Continuation Coverage, and it typically lasts for 93 months (about 7.75 years) after your benefits end, as long as you continue to have a disabling condition.
If your earnings drop below SGA in the future, you can contact Social Security and request that your benefits resume. You do not have to reapply or go through the entire approval process again — Social Security can restart your benefits based on your existing medical record, though they may request an updated medical report.
Different SGA levels for blind and deaf-blind individuals
If you are blind or deaf-blind, your SGA level is higher than the standard amount. In 2024, the SGA level for blind individuals is $2,590 per month, compared to $1,550 for others. This higher threshold recognizes that blind individuals may need more time and support to reach full work capacity.
If you are deaf-blind, you may be may have access to to additional work incentives and support services. Contact your local Social Security office or a work incentives planning and information (WIPA) project to learn what options are available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go back to work and still receive SSDI?
Yes, through the Trial Work Period and Extended may be able to access Period. During your nine-month TWP, you keep your full benefit no matter how much you earn. After that, you have 36 months where benefits continue if your earnings stay below SGA. This gives you time to test your ability to work without losing benefits when ready.
What if I earn above SGA for just one month?
One month above SGA does not automatically end your benefits. Social Security looks at whether you are regularly engaging in substantial gainful activity. However, during your Extended may be able to access Period, you do not receive a payment in any month you earn above SGA. After the 36-month period ends, ongoing earnings above SGA will result in benefits stopping.
Do I have to report my earnings every month?
You should report your earnings as they occur, especially if they are close to or above the SGA level. You can report online, by phone, or by mail. Reporting promptly helps Social Security track your income accurately and prevents overpayments that you would have to repay later.
What if Social Security says I owe money back because of Aces Too High?
If you received benefits in months when your earnings were above SGA and you did not report them, Social Security may determine you were overpaid. You can request a waiver of the overpayment if you did not know you had to report or if repaying would cause financial hardship. Contact your local Social Security office to discuss your options.
Does Aces Too High affect my family members' benefits?
No. Your family members' benefits are based on your earnings record, not on your current work activity. If your SSDI benefits stop due to Aces Too High, their benefits may also stop because they are no longer may be able to access to receive benefits on your record, but this is not because of their own earnings — it is because your case has closed.