About the SSDI Calculator
This SSDI calculator estimates the monthly Social Security Disability Insurance benefit you could receive if you become unable to work. It follows the SSA method for disabled workers: it works out how many years count toward your average (fewer than the 35 used for retirement, because you became disabled earlier), computes your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME), and applies the 2026 benefit formula to get your primary insurance amount (PIA) — which is your SSDI benefit.
It also checks the two work tests — total credits and recent credits — and estimates auxiliary benefits for an eligible spouse or children, capped by the disability family maximum. It is meant for workers planning ahead, people preparing an application, and families wondering what household income would look like.
Figures use 2026 bend points ($1,286 and $7,749), the $184,500 taxable maximum and the $1,690 monthly SGA limit. Enter average earnings already in today’s dollars for the best estimate. Your Social Security statement at ssa.gov uses your real earnings record and is the authoritative number; this tool does not decide whether your condition meets SSA’s definition of disability.
With the default inputs, the estimated monthly ssdi benefit is $2,345.00. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the ssdi calculator
- 1Enter your average yearly earnings in today’s dollars and how many years you worked.
- 2Enter your age when the disability began (or would begin).
- 3Enter total work credits and credits in the recent period from your SSA statement.
- 4Add any eligible spouse or children.
- 5Review your estimated benefit, the work-test result and the family table.
Formula and method
For a disabled worker, the computation period is the number of years from age 22 up to the year before disability, minus one dropout year for every five years (up to five), with a minimum of two years. Your average yearly earnings times the years you worked (up to that number), divided by the computation years and by 12, gives AIME, rounded down to the dollar. The PIA formula uses the 2026 bend points and is rounded down to the dime; the SSDI payment is the PIA rounded down to the dollar — there is no early-claiming reduction.
Each eligible spouse or child can receive up to 50% of the PIA, but the total family benefit is capped at the smaller of 85% of AIME or 150% of PIA (never less than the PIA itself). Insured status requires being fully insured — credits equal to your age minus 22, between 6 and 40 — plus the recent-work test: 20 credits in the last 10 years from age 31, credits in half the quarters since age 21 between 24 and 30, or 6 credits in the last 3 years before 24.
- AIME
- Average indexed monthly earnings over the computation years
- PIA
- Primary insurance amount — the SSDI benefit
- FMAX
- Disability family maximum: min(85% AIME, 150% PIA), at least PIA
Worked examples
$60,000 earner disabled at 50
From 22 to 50 is 28 elapsed years; five dropout years leave 23 computation years. With 25 years worked, AIME is $60,000 ÷ 12 = $5,000. PIA = 90% × $1,286 + 32% × $3,714 = $2,345.88, rounded to $2,345.80, so SSDI pays $2,345 a month.
Younger worker with two children
At 34 there are 12 elapsed years and 2 dropout years, so 10 computation years and AIME = $3,750. PIA is $1,945.80 (rounded down to the dime). Two children could get 50% each, but the family maximum of 150% of PIA ($2,918.70) limits them to $972 together.
Not enough recent credits
At 50 you need 28 total credits and 20 earned in the last 10 years. With only 12 recent credits the recent-work test fails, so no SSDI is payable even though the earnings record is long.
Frequently asked questions
How is SSDI calculated?+
SSDI equals your primary insurance amount (PIA). SSA averages your indexed earnings over a computation period based on your age at disability, then applies the 90%/32%/15% formula with the bend points for the year you became disabled ($1,286 and $7,749 in 2026).
How many work credits do I need for SSDI?+
Generally 40 credits with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers need fewer: 6 credits in the last 3 years if under 24, or credits for half the time since age 21 if 24–30. In 2026 one credit takes $1,890 of earnings.
What is the maximum SSDI payment?+
It depends on your earnings record. Because earnings are capped at the taxable maximum and the top tier is replaced at only 15%, the highest benefits for 2026 are around $4,000+ a month for workers with long careers at or above the cap.
Can my family get benefits on my SSDI record?+
Yes. Unmarried children under 18 (19 in high school), disabled adult children and a spouse caring for a child under 16 or aged 62+ can each get up to 50% of your benefit, subject to the disability family maximum.
Can I work while on SSDI?+
Limited work is allowed. In 2026, earning more than $1,690 a month ($2,830 if blind) is considered substantial gainful activity. A trial work period lets you test work for nine months without losing benefits.
Is there a waiting period for SSDI?+
Yes. Benefits generally start with the sixth full month after SSA decides your disability began. Medicare coverage follows after 24 months of SSDI entitlement, except for ALS and end-stage renal disease.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.