SSDI Benefits Estimator
Your Estimated SSDI Benefit
*This is an estimate based on the 2024 Social Security "Bend Point" formula. Actual benefits are calculated by the SSA using your specific lifetime earnings record (AIME).
How Your SSDI Benefits Are Calculated
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are not based on the severity of your disability or your financial need. Instead, they are calculated based on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). This is the average of your highest-earning years, adjusted for inflation.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) applies a formula to your AIME to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). For 2024, the formula uses three percentage tiers known as "bend points":
- 90% of the first $1,174 of your AIME
- 32% of AIME between $1,174 and $7,078
- 15% of AIME above $7,078
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for SSDI, you must generally meet two work-related tests:
- The Recent Work Test: Based on your age at the time you became disabled. For example, if you are over 31, you generally must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years.
- The Duration of Work Test: This ensures you have worked long enough under Social Security to be covered. Usually, 40 credits (10 years of work) are required, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled.
Example SSDI Calculation
If an individual has an average annual income of $60,000, their AIME is $5,000 per month. The 2024 calculation would be:
- 90% of $1,174 = $1,056.60
- 32% of ($5,000 – $1,174) = $1,224.32
- Total Monthly Benefit: $2,280.92
Important Considerations
The maximum SSDI benefit for 2024 is capped at $3,822 per month. Additionally, if you receive other public disability benefits (like Workers' Compensation), your SSDI payment may be reduced so that the total amount does not exceed 80% of your average current earnings.