SSDI Benefit Calculator United States
This SSDI calculator estimates your monthly benefit from your average indexed monthly earnings using the Social Security bend-point formula.
What it does
The SSDI Benefit Calculator estimates your monthly Social Security Disability Insurance payment, which equals your Primary Insurance Amount computed from your average indexed monthly earnings.
Data sources & parameters
The figures below drive this calculator. We keep them aligned with the latest official guidance, and each result recalculates automatically whenever a value changes.
| Parameter | Value | Source | Last updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ss bend point 1 | 1,286 | ssa.gov | Effective 2026-01-01 |
| Ss bend point 2 | 7,749 | ssa.gov | Effective 2026-01-01 |
| PIA factor below bend 1 | 0.9 | ssa.gov | — |
| PIA factor bend 1 to 2 | 0.32 | ssa.gov | — |
| PIA factor above bend 2 | 0.15 | ssa.gov | — |
We always strive to use the latest data for every variable so our results and reports are as accurate as possible. Even so, errors are possible — you should not rely on this tool or its report alone, and we accept no liability for any decision made based on it.
The formula
PIA = 90% x (up to bend 1) + 32% x (bend 1 to bend 2) + 15% x (above bend 2)
How it works
It applies the bend-point formula: 90% of AIME up to the first bend point, 32% between the bend points, and 15% above the second.
Where it is used
- Estimating a monthly SSDI benefit
- Understanding how earnings map to a disability benefit
- Seeing the progressive replacement of the bend-point formula
Worked example
With average indexed monthly earnings of $6,000.00, the bend-point formula gives … plus … plus …, for an estimated monthly SSDI benefit of ….
What the SSDI benefit calculator does
Social Security Disability Insurance is an earned benefit for workers who have paid Social Security taxes, have enough work credits, and can no longer work because of a qualifying disability. The benefit is based on lifetime earnings, using the same Primary Insurance Amount formula as Social Security retirement benefits. Enter your average indexed monthly earnings, and the calculator applies the bend-point formula to estimate your monthly and annual benefit, showing each of the formula's three tiers and your income replacement rate.
Understanding AIME
To compute Average Indexed Monthly Earnings, the Social Security Administration indexes your older earnings upward for wage growth, selects your highest years, and divides the total by the number of months in those years. Because AIME already reflects indexing and your best years, it is the right input, not your latest salary. Your Social Security statement gives an estimate; if you do not know it, try a range to see how the benefit changes.
The bend-point formula
Your AIME is split into three bands at two dollar thresholds called bend points, and each band is replaced at a different rate:
- 90% of your AIME up to the first bend point.
- 32% of your AIME between the first and second bend points.
- 15% of your AIME above the second bend point.
The three pieces add up to your PIA, which is the monthly SSDI benefit. For most workers the first tier makes up a large part of the benefit, because that band is replaced at 90%.
Why the formula is progressive
The falling percentages replace a larger share of income for lower earners. A worker with a modest AIME might get a benefit replacing half or more of their indexed earnings, while a high earner replaces a much smaller share. The replacement rate in the results falls as AIME rises past each bend point, so two workers with very different salaries can end up with benefits much closer together than their pay was.
How SSDI relates to retirement benefits
Because SSDI and retirement benefits share the PIA formula, the timing is the main difference. A disabled worker receives the full PIA before retirement age, without the reduction that applies to an early retirement claim. At full retirement age, SSDI converts automatically to a retirement benefit of the same amount, so the payment does not drop. The shared formula also helps when comparing SSDI with private disability insurance, since the public benefit already replaces a progressive share of your earnings.
Work credits and eligibility
SSDI also has an eligibility test based on work credits, earned by working and paying Social Security taxes. You generally need a certain number of recent and total credits, with younger workers needing fewer. The calculator estimates the payment if you are found eligible; it does not check your credits or whether your condition meets the SSA's definition of disability.
Limitations
The calculator estimates the base benefit from the bend-point formula. The family maximum can limit total benefits when dependents also draw on your record, workers' compensation and certain public disability benefits can trigger an offset, and the exact PIA is rounded and adjusted by cost-of-living increases after eligibility. Bend points and COLAs change over time, so recalculate periodically. Only the Social Security Administration can decide eligibility and the exact amount, so confirm specifics with the SSA or a qualified representative.
This is general information only and not financial advice.
About This SSDI Calculator
Use this SSDI calculator to get an instant, accurate estimate. The figures follow official SSA guidance and every rate and threshold is kept up to date for 2026. Adjust the inputs above to match your situation, or browse all our calculators to plan your next step.
Tax year 2026
Frequently asked questions
How is the SSDI benefit calculated?
What is AIME?
What are bend points?
Why is the formula progressive?
Is SSDI the same as SSI?
Is my data private?
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