SSDI Monthly Benefit Calculator

AIME stands for Average Indexed Monthly Earnings. SSA computes it from your actual earnings record: it takes your covered earnings for each year, indexes them to wage growth (so older earnings are adjusted upward), selects your highest 35 years, sums them, and divides by 420 months (35 × 12). Your SSA statement (available at ssa.gov/myaccount) shows your estimated PIA, from which you can back-calculate your AIME, or you can use SSA's free AnyPIA calculator for a precise estimate.

This calculator uses the standard SSA bend-point formula and produces the same result as SSA's computation for the AIME and year you enter. The accuracy of your result depends entirely on how close your entered AIME is to your actual SSA-computed AIME. Only SSA's systems have your full indexed earnings record; estimates from average salary inputs may differ significantly from your true AIME, especially if your earnings were not steady or you have fewer than 35 covered years. For a binding estimate, use SSA's AnyPIA tool or your My Social Security statement.

Most SSDI recipients who receive Medicare have their Part B premium deducted directly from their monthly benefit. The 2025 standard Part B premium is $185.00/month, but higher-income beneficiaries pay an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge. This calculator uses the 2025 standard premium; if your income is above $106,000 (individual) or $212,000 (joint), your premium is higher.

When a disabled worker has qualifying dependents (spouse, minor children, or adult disabled children), each dependent may receive up to 50% of the worker's PIA — but the total family benefit is capped at the family maximum benefit (FMB). The FMB is computed using a separate SSA formula and typically ranges from 150% to 188% of the worker's PIA. Benefits are proportionally reduced if the total would exceed the FMB. The worker always receives their full PIA; only dependents are reduced.

Yes. There is a 5-month waiting period beginning with the established onset date (EOD). SSDI payments begin in the 6th month after the EOD (or the 6th month after the application date if that is later). The waiting period is the reason you may be owed back pay — see the SSDI back pay calculator for that calculation.

Yes. SSA applies an annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to all benefits each January. The 2025 COLA was 2.5%. Your benefit also increases if you are on SSDI for 25 months and become eligible for Medicare. On reaching full retirement age (FRA), SSDI automatically converts to a Social Security retirement benefit at the same amount.