If you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be asking, “How much does SSDI pay?”
Understanding how SSDI is calculated helps you plan ahead while unable to work. This guide explains how the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines your disability payment amount. Continue reading to learn about monthly SSDI benefits in 2025.
The Basics: How Is SSDI Calculated?
SSDI benefits are based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. The Social Security Administration uses a formula to determine your benefit amount. While the exact calculations are complicated, the basic concept is straightforward: The more you’ve earned and paid in Social Security taxes, the higher your benefit amount will be.
SSDI is not based on how severe your disability is or your current expenses. Instead, how disability is calculated relates directly to your work history and earnings record.
Your AIME
The first step in calculating your SSDI payment involves determining your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings, or AIME. The Social Security Administration identifies the years you earned the most income, then calculates your average monthly earnings across these years. This AIME figure becomes the foundation for determining how much SSDI you will receive.
Your PIA
After calculating your AIME, the SSA applies a formula to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). This is the base figure for your benefit. The formula uses “bend points” that change yearly.
Factors That Affect How Much You Can Earn on Disability
Several factors can influence how your amount for disability is determined:
- Work History
You generally need 40 work credits to qualify for retirement benefits. For disability, these same credits affect your SSDI benefits. You need to satisfy both a recent work test and a duration work test to be eligible.
The required number of credits for the recent work test varies based on your age when you became disabled. The years of work credits required to satisfy the duration of work test also depend on your age when your disability began. Younger workers may qualify with fewer years of work under their belt.
- Age at Disability Onset
A shorter work history usually means a lower benefit amount. If your disability begins before you’ve worked for many years, your AIME might be lower.
- Other Benefits
Receiving certain other benefits, like workers’ compensation, may reduce your SSDI payment.
- Working While Receiving Benefits
Social Security has specific limits on how much you can earn while still receiving SSDI benefits. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) earning limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. The SGA is $2,700 for statutorily blind individuals. Earning more than these amounts may affect your eligibility for continued benefits.
Typical SSDI Payment Amounts
When asking, “How much does SSDI pay?” it helps to look at typical amounts:
In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit amount you can receive is $4,018 per month. The estimated average monthly Social Security benefits payable in January 2025 for all disabled workers was $1,580. Usually, SSDI payments for recipients fall between $1,300 and $1,600 per month.
How To Find Out How Much SSDI You Will Receive
While the exact formula is complex, you can get a good estimate of your benefit amount in several ways:
- Use the SSA’s Benefit Calculators
The SSA offers online calculators that can help estimate your potential benefits.
- Check Your Social Security Statement
The easiest way to see how much you might receive is to check your Social Security Statement. You can:
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- Create or log in to your my Social Security account at ssa.gov
- View your statement, which includes estimates of your disability benefits
- See your earnings history, which determines how disability is calculated
- Talk to a Disability Attorney
Our experienced disability attorney at Grundy Disability Group can help you understand how much you might receive in SSDI payments.
Will Your SSDI Benefits Change Over Time?
Once established, your SSDI monthly benefit typically changes with the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). This annual increase helps your benefits keep pace with inflation. The COLA for 2025 was 2.5%, meaning benefits increased by that percentage.
Understanding Calculations and Next Steps
The process for how SSDI is calculated can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down helps clarify what to expect:
- Benefits are based on your lifetime earnings history
- The SSA uses a complex formula that generally rewards long-term workers
- Your benefit amount is not based on disability severity but on your work history
- Once established, benefits can change with the annual COLA
- In 2025, you can earn up to $1,620 monthly ($2,700 if blind) while maintaining eligibility for SSDI
Remember that you can check your potential benefit amount by reviewing your Social Security Statement. The SSA’s online calculators can also provide helpful estimates based on your specific work history.
At Grundy Disability Group, we help clients throughout Kansas City, Liberty, MO, and nearby areas navigate the complex SSDI application process and understand their rights. If you need help applying for Social Security Disability Insurance or have questions about potential SSDI benefit amounts, contact us for a free consultation. Our experienced team can guide you through every step to secure the benefits you need.
