What tips should I keep in mind?

Request your Social Security Statement at ssa.gov for your actual AIME. SSDI has a 5-month waiting period -- benefits start the 6th full month after disability onset. After 24 months of SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicare.

SSDI Payment Estimator

Estimate your Social Security Disability Insurance monthly payment based on your earnings history and work credits.

Results

Visualization

How It Works

SSDI benefits are calculated using the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) formula, which applies three percentage tiers (90%, 32%, 15%) to your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME). The bend points are adjusted annually for inflation. You must have sufficient work credits to qualify.

The Formula

PIA = 90% x first $1,174 + 32% x ($1,174 to $7,078) + 15% x above $7,078

Variables

AIME — Average Indexed Monthly Earnings -- your highest 35 years of earnings, adjusted for inflation
Bend Points — Dollar thresholds where the benefit rate changes (updated annually)
PIA — Primary Insurance Amount -- your base monthly benefit

Example

With AIME of $5,000: First $1,174 at 90% = $1,056.60, next $3,826 at 32% = $1,224.32. Total PIA = $2,281, or about $2,281/month.

Tips

Request your Social Security Statement at ssa.gov for your actual AIME.
SSDI has a 5-month waiting period -- benefits start the 6th full month after disability onset.
After 24 months of SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicare.
You can work limited amounts under Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) rules.
The approval process often takes 3-6 months; appeals can take over a year.