This is your average monthly income over your working years, adjusted for inflation.
Estimated Monthly SSDI Benefit
$0.00
Note: This is a 2024 estimate based on standard bend points. Actual benefits depend on your specific Social Security work record.
Understanding SSDI Benefit Calculations
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments are not based on the severity of your disability, but rather on your previous lifetime earnings. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the base amount of your monthly benefit.
How the 2024 SSDI Formula Works
The SSA uses "bend points" to calculate your benefit from your Average Monthly Indexed Earnings (AIME). For 2024, the formula is:
90% of the first $1,174 of your AIME.
32% of your AIME between $1,174 and $7,078.
15% of any AIME amount exceeding $7,078.
Realistic Example:
If your Average Monthly Indexed Earnings (AIME) are $4,500:
1. 90% of first $1,174 = $1,056.60
2. 32% of ($4,500 – $1,174) = $1,064.32 Total Estimated Benefit: $2,120.92 per month.
Key Factors That Influence Your SSDI Amount
While the calculator provides a mathematical estimate based on earnings, several factors can affect your final check:
Work Credits: You must have worked enough years and paid Social Security taxes to be "insured."
Pensions: If you have a pension from a job where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (like some government jobs), the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) might reduce your benefit.
Workers' Compensation: If you receive workers' comp or other public disability benefits, your SSDI might be reduced so the total doesn't exceed 80% of your prior earnings.
Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA): Your benefit amount is typically adjusted annually to keep up with inflation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum SSDI benefit?
In 2024, the maximum possible SSDI benefit is approximately $3,822 per month, though reaching this requires having consistently high earnings at the Social Security taxable maximum for many years.
Does my spouse's income affect my SSDI?
No. SSDI is based on your own work history. Unlike SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI is not means-tested based on household assets or spouse's income.
function calculateSSDI() {
var aime = parseFloat(document.getElementById('monthlyEarnings').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('ssdiResult');
var displayValue = document.getElementById('monthlyBenefitValue');
if (isNaN(aime) || aime <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid monthly earnings amount.");
return;
}
// 2024 Bend Points
var bendPoint1 = 1174;
var bendPoint2 = 7078;
var pia = 0;
if (aime <= bendPoint1) {
// First tier: 90%
pia = aime * 0.90;
} else if (aime <= bendPoint2) {
// First tier + Second tier: 32%
pia = (bendPoint1 * 0.90) + ((aime – bendPoint1) * 0.32);
} else {
// All three tiers: 15% for the remainder
pia = (bendPoint1 * 0.90) + ((bendPoint2 – bendPoint1) * 0.32) + ((aime – bendPoint2) * 0.15);
}
// SSDI benefits are rounded down to the nearest dime by SSA
var finalBenefit = Math.floor(pia * 10) / 10;
// Display results
displayValue.innerHTML = "$" + finalBenefit.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
// Smooth scroll to result
resultDiv.scrollIntoView({ behavior: 'smooth', block: 'nearest' });
}