SSDI Benefit Estimator
Use this calculator to get an estimated idea of your potential monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit. Please note that this is an approximation based on general rules and not an official calculation from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Understanding Your SSDI Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits to individuals who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, and who are now unable to work due to a severe medical condition. The amount of your monthly SSDI benefit is primarily based on your lifetime average earnings before your disability began.
How SSDI Benefits Are Calculated (Simplified)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) to determine your monthly benefit. The PIA is derived from your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). AIME is a complex calculation that takes your earnings from past years, indexes them to account for changes in general wage levels over time, and then averages your highest 35 years of indexed earnings.
Once your AIME is determined, the SSA applies a formula with "bend points" to calculate your PIA. For example, 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 your AIME above $7,078
The sum of these amounts gives you your basic monthly benefit. There is also a maximum monthly benefit amount, which for 2024 is $3,822.
Limitations of This Calculator
This calculator provides an estimate only. It simplifies the complex AIME calculation by using your average annual earnings. The actual SSA calculation considers:
- Indexed Earnings: Your past earnings are adjusted for inflation and wage growth.
- Specific Earnings History: The SSA uses your exact earnings record for each year you worked.
- Drop-out Years: Depending on your age and work history, the SSA allows for certain "drop-out" years (years with low or no earnings) to be excluded from the average.
- Family Maximum: If you have eligible dependents (spouse, children), there might be a family maximum benefit that could affect your individual payment.
Eligibility for SSDI
To qualify for SSDI, you must meet two main criteria:
- Work Credits: You must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security. Work credits are earned by paying Social Security taxes. The number of credits needed depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 of them earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled.
- Disability Definition: The SSA must determine that your medical condition prevents you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
Getting an Official Estimate
For an accurate and official estimate of your potential SSDI benefits, the best way is to:
- Create an account on the Social Security Administration's website (my Social Security).
- Review your Social Security Statement, which provides your earnings history and estimated benefits.
- Contact the SSA directly.
Example Calculation
Let's say an individual has an average annual earning of $50,000 over their working life.
Estimated AIME = $50,000 / 12 = $4,166.67 per month.
Using 2024 bend points:
- 90% of the first $1,174 = $1,056.60
- 32% of the amount between $1,174 and $4,166.67 ($4,166.67 – $1,174 = $2,992.67) = $957.65
Estimated Monthly Benefit = $1,056.60 + $957.65 = $2,014.25
This example demonstrates how the calculator approximates the benefit based on the provided average earnings.