Ssdi Calculator

SSDI Benefit Estimator

Enter your estimated average annual earnings over your working career.

Your age when your disability began.

Number of years you've paid Social Security taxes.

function calculateSSDI() { var averageAnnualEarnings = parseFloat(document.getElementById("averageAnnualEarnings").value); var ageAtDisability = parseInt(document.getElementById("ageAtDisability").value); var yearsWorked = parseInt(document.getElementById("yearsWorked").value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result"); if (isNaN(averageAnnualEarnings) || averageAnnualEarnings < 0 || isNaN(ageAtDisability) || ageAtDisability 67 || isNaN(yearsWorked) || yearsWorked < 0) { resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields."; return; } // Simplified AIME calculation (this calculator does not perform full indexing) var estimatedMonthlyEarnings = averageAnnualEarnings / 12; // 2024 Bend Points for PIA calculation var bendPoint1 = 1174; var bendPoint2 = 7078; // Percentages for PIA calculation var percentage1 = 0.90; // 90% of the first amount var percentage2 = 0.32; // 32% of the amount between bend points var percentage3 = 0.15; // 15% of the amount above the second bend point var pia = 0; // Primary Insurance Amount if (estimatedMonthlyEarnings <= bendPoint1) { pia = percentage1 * estimatedMonthlyEarnings; } else if (estimatedMonthlyEarnings maxSSDI) { pia = maxSSDI; } var formattedPIA = pia.toLocaleString('en-US', { style: 'currency', currency: 'USD' }); var workCreditMessage = ""; if (yearsWorked * 4 >= 40 && yearsWorked >= 10) { // General rule: 40 credits, 20 in last 10 years (simplified) workCreditMessage = "Based on your years worked, you likely meet the general work credit requirements for SSDI."; } else if (ageAtDisability = (ageAtDisability – 21) * 2) { // Simplified for younger workers workCreditMessage = "For younger workers, fewer work credits are needed. You may meet the requirements based on your age and years worked."; } else { workCreditMessage = "You may need more work credits to qualify for SSDI. Eligibility rules vary by age."; } workCreditMessage += "(Note: This calculator provides a simplified work credit assessment. The SSA has specific rules for work credits based on your age at disability onset.)"; resultDiv.innerHTML = "

Estimated Monthly SSDI Benefit: " + formattedPIA + "

" + "This estimate is based on your average annual earnings and the 2024 Social Security Administration (SSA) benefit formula (bend points)." + workCreditMessage + "Disclaimer: This is an estimate and not a guarantee of actual benefits. The SSA calculates benefits based on your full indexed earnings history, which this calculator simplifies. Other factors, such as family benefits or maximum benefit caps, may also apply."; }

Understanding Your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is needs-based, SSDI is an earned benefit, meaning eligibility and benefit amounts are tied to your work history and the Social Security taxes you've paid.

Who is Eligible for SSDI?

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet two primary criteria:

1. Work Credits: You must have accumulated a sufficient number of "work credits" by working and paying Social Security taxes. The number of credits needed depends on your age when your disability began. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 of those earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability started. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
2. Disability Definition: The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA has a strict five-step evaluation process to determine if you meet this definition.

How Are SSDI Benefits Calculated?

Your SSDI benefit amount is based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. The SSA uses a complex formula to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is your basic benefit amount. Here's a simplified overview:

• Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME): The SSA calculates your AIME by taking your earnings from your highest-earning years, indexing them to account for changes in general wage levels over time, and then averaging them over a specific period. This indexing ensures that past earnings are comparable to current earnings.
• PIA Formula (Bend Points): Once your AIME is determined, the SSA applies a formula with "bend points" to calculate your PIA. These bend points are dollar amounts that change annually and divide your AIME into segments, with different percentages applied to each segment. For example, a higher percentage is applied to the first segment of your AIME, and progressively lower percentages are applied to higher segments.

This calculator uses your provided average annual earnings as a simplified proxy for your AIME and applies the current year's bend points to estimate your potential monthly benefit. It does not perform the full indexing of past earnings that the SSA does, so it should be considered an estimate.

Using the SSDI Benefit Estimator

Our SSDI Benefit Estimator helps you get a quick idea of what your monthly disability benefit might be. Here's how to use it:

• Your Average Annual Earnings (before disability onset): Enter your best estimate of your average annual income over your working career before you became disabled. This is a crucial factor in determining your benefit.
• Your Age at Disability Onset: Input the age at which your disability began. This helps the SSA determine the number of years of earnings to consider for your AIME.
• Total Years You've Worked (with covered earnings): Provide the total number of years you've worked and paid Social Security taxes. This helps assess if you likely meet the work credit requirements.

After entering your information, click "Calculate Estimated Benefit" to see your potential monthly SSDI payment.

Important Considerations

• Waiting Period: There is a mandatory five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits. Benefits typically begin in the sixth full month after your disability onset date.
• Maximum Benefit: There is a maximum monthly SSDI benefit amount, which varies each year. Our calculator caps the estimate at the current maximum individual benefit.
• Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLAs): SSDI benefits are subject to annual Cost-of-Living Adjustments, which can increase your benefit amount over time to keep pace with inflation.
• Family Benefits: In some cases, certain family members (e.g., spouses, children) may also be eligible for benefits based on your work record. This calculator only estimates your individual benefit.
• Working While Disabled: The SSA has rules regarding how much you can earn while receiving SSDI benefits. Earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit can affect your eligibility.
• Application Process: This calculator provides an estimate only. To apply for SSDI, you must file an application with the Social Security Administration.

For precise information about your potential SSDI benefits and eligibility, it is always best to contact the Social Security Administration directly or consult with a qualified disability advocate.