SSDI Benefit Estimator
Estimate your monthly Social Security Disability Insurance payment based on your lifetime earnings.
This is the average of your highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation. Most people can find this on their Social Security Statement.
Your Estimated Monthly SSDI Benefit:
*This estimate uses the 2024 Social Security "Bend Points" formula. Actual benefits depend on your specific work history and the date of your disability onset.
Understanding the SSDI Calculator and Benefit Formula
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a long-term medical condition. Unlike SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI is "earned" through work credits and payroll taxes. The amount you receive monthly is not based on your financial need, but on your historical earnings record.
How is the SSDI Benefit Calculated?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a complex formula to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The process involves two main steps:
- AIME Calculation: First, the SSA looks at your lifetime earnings. They take your highest-earning years (up to 35 years for retirement, but fewer for disability depending on your age), adjust them for inflation (indexing), and then divide them to get your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME).
- Bend Points: The SSA then applies three different percentages to portions of your AIME. These "break points" change annually. For 2024, the formula is:
- 90% of the first $1,174 of your AIME.
- 32% of AIME between $1,174 and $7,078.
- 15% of AIME above $7,078.
2024 SSDI Calculation Example
If an applicant has an AIME of $5,000, their benefit would be calculated as follows:
| Earnings Tier | Formula | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|
| First $1,174 | $1,174 x 0.90 | $1,056.60 |
| Remaining ($3,826) | $3,826 x 0.32 | $1,224.32 |
| Total Monthly Benefit | Sum of tiers | $2,280.92 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum SSDI payment in 2024?
The maximum SSDI benefit is generally capped at the same level as the maximum retirement benefit at Full Retirement Age. For 2024, the maximum monthly payment is approximately $3,822, though very few workers reach this level as it requires earning at the taxable maximum for several decades.
Does my spouse's income affect my SSDI?
No. SSDI is based on your own work history. Your spouse's income, or your personal assets (like savings or property), do not reduce your SSDI monthly payment. This is a key difference between SSDI and SSI.
How many work credits do I need?
Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits based on a sliding scale relative to their age at the time the disability began.
Can I work while receiving SSDI?
The SSA has strict "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA) limits. In 2024, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if you are blind), you are generally not considered disabled and may lose your benefits. There are, however, "Trial Work Periods" that allow you to test your ability to work without losing benefits immediately.