SSDI Benefit Estimator (2024 Bend Points)
Estimate your monthly Social Security Disability Insurance payment based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME).
How is SSDI Calculated?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments are not based on the severity of your disability or your household income. Instead, they are calculated based on your work history and the "Social Security taxes" you paid while employed. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific multi-step formula to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).
Step 1: Calculating AIME
First, the SSA calculates your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). They take your highest-earning years (up to 35 years), adjust them for inflation (indexing), and average them into a single monthly figure.
Step 2: The Three-Tier "Bend Point" Formula
Once your AIME is determined, the SSA applies a progressive formula using "bend points." These dollar amounts 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 any AIME amount exceeding $7,078
2024 Bend Point Example
| AIME Tier | Percentage Applied | Calculation for $5,000 AIME |
|---|---|---|
| First $1,174 | 90% | $1,056.60 |
| $1,175 to $5,000 | 32% | $1,224.32 |
| Total Benefit | — | $2,280.92 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the maximum benefit apply? Yes. There is a maximum limit to how much you can receive each month. For 2024, the maximum SSDI benefit for a worker retiring at full retirement age is approximately $3,822 per month, though actual disability maximums vary slightly based on work credits.
Do other benefits affect SSDI? If you receive workers' compensation or other public disability benefits, your SSDI might be reduced so the total does not exceed 80% of your average current earnings prior to becoming disabled.